Kindercare Learning Centers LLC

10A NCAC 09 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2026 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 7/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor KinderCare Learning Center for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for their annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 10, 2025. A full assessment of childcare requirements was conducted today, July 8, 2026. Your program currently operates with a Three-star license. You are licensed for 97 children on first shift. You are approved to care for children 0-12 years of age. Your facility meets enhanced space, and 2 ½ year old children must be in classrooms with direct exits only. When I entered the building, I observed your childcare license posted in a visible location. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Ms. Monica Pearson, Center Director. I, Kimberly Girouard, Child Care Licensing Consultant, monitored (6) six classrooms, the kitchen, two playgrounds, staff/child ratios, supervision, capacity, group size, staff interaction and discipline, required trainings, criminal background checks, emergency medical care plan (updated 6-8-26), administration of medications, storage of substances and medications, health and safety requirements, adequate and approved space, program records, and permit restrictions. One bus and transportation requirements was monitored today (lic. plate AA 7419B exp. May 2027) I also monitored staff records, children’s records and program records. At the time of my visit there were a total of 53 children present between the ages of 0yrs. – 12yrs. years of age. The children were observed engaged in center activities, art projects and playing outside. One infant room was monitored today. All the infants were observed awake and engaged in floor activities with the teachers. Safe Sleep check documentation was observed being completed as required. All of the staff were observed providing appropriate supervision, engaged in conversation with the children, actively engaged in the children’s activities and sharing age-appropriate redirection when necessary. Each of the playgrounds offer a pleasant age-appropriate outdoor environment and equipment was found to be in good repair. The owner of Kindercare Learning Center, Kindercare Education LLC, was found to be current and active on the Secretary of State website. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection – 1/7/2026 *Sanitation inspection – 8/8/2025 * EPR plan was revised on – September 11, 2025 * Fire drill – 6/25/2026 * Shelter In Place Drill – 6/26/2026 * Playground inspections were found to be in compliance. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. The toddler class is in need of more pretend food in the house keeping area, dress up clothing and age appropriate manipulatives. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 1765 The health assessment did not include a physical examination. One child file was found to be missing the required physical examination. .3005(a)(1) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE *Space three (3) is in need of more books, dress up clothes, and manipulatives. Keep an eye on classroom materials, especially books, and remove items when they become weathered and/or are no longer able to be used properly or are no longer working as intended. *I suggested Ms. Pearson continue to confirm that all of her staff are in WORKS and all of their education is up to date in the system. *OUTDOOR I recommended the director get a heat gun that the staff can use to confirm the playground equipment is not too hot for the children to play on. I also recommend the staff are very mindful of the outdoor temperatures before taking the children outside and limiting the time spent outside when needed. I suggested taking the children outside earlier in the morning and when the temperatures are high the teachers take the children outside more than just twice a day for smaller periods of time. RATED LICENSE: Stars were reevaluated for Kindercare Learning Center on 7/23/2021. Ms. Pearson and her Regional Manager shared with me that they are currently completing the accreditation process. Their application has been submitted to NAEYC and they are just waiting for the visit/evaluation to move forward with completing the rated license process following Pathway 3. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/24/2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Please email your corrective action letter to Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time during today’s visit. If you have any questions I can be reached at: Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov – 919-602-2582 and if needed, you can contact my supervisor at Michele.Remington@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2026 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 7/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor KinderCare Learning Center for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for their annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 10, 2025. A full assessment of childcare requirements was conducted today, July 8, 2026. Your program currently operates with a Three-star license. You are licensed for 97 children on first shift. You are approved to care for children 0-12 years of age. Your facility meets enhanced space, and 2 ½ year old children must be in classrooms with direct exits only. When I entered the building, I observed your childcare license posted in a visible location. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Ms. Monica Pearson, Center Director. I, Kimberly Girouard, Child Care Licensing Consultant, monitored (6) six classrooms, the kitchen, two playgrounds, staff/child ratios, supervision, capacity, group size, staff interaction and discipline, required trainings, criminal background checks, emergency medical care plan (updated 6-8-26), administration of medications, storage of substances and medications, health and safety requirements, adequate and approved space, program records, and permit restrictions. One bus and transportation requirements was monitored today (lic. plate AA 7419B exp. May 2027) I also monitored staff records, children’s records and program records. At the time of my visit there were a total of 53 children present between the ages of 0yrs. – 12yrs. years of age. The children were observed engaged in center activities, art projects and playing outside. One infant room was monitored today. All the infants were observed awake and engaged in floor activities with the teachers. Safe Sleep check documentation was observed being completed as required. All of the staff were observed providing appropriate supervision, engaged in conversation with the children, actively engaged in the children’s activities and sharing age-appropriate redirection when necessary. Each of the playgrounds offer a pleasant age-appropriate outdoor environment and equipment was found to be in good repair. The owner of Kindercare Learning Center, Kindercare Education LLC, was found to be current and active on the Secretary of State website. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection – 1/7/2026 *Sanitation inspection – 8/8/2025 * EPR plan was revised on – September 11, 2025 * Fire drill – 6/25/2026 * Shelter In Place Drill – 6/26/2026 * Playground inspections were found to be in compliance. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. The toddler class is in need of more pretend food in the house keeping area, dress up clothing and age appropriate manipulatives. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 1765 The health assessment did not include a physical examination. One child file was found to be missing the required physical examination. .3005(a)(1) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE *Space three (3) is in need of more books, dress up clothes, and manipulatives. Keep an eye on classroom materials, especially books, and remove items when they become weathered and/or are no longer able to be used properly or are no longer working as intended. *I suggested Ms. Pearson continue to confirm that all of her staff are in WORKS and all of their education is up to date in the system. *OUTDOOR I recommended the director get a heat gun that the staff can use to confirm the playground equipment is not too hot for the children to play on. I also recommend the staff are very mindful of the outdoor temperatures before taking the children outside and limiting the time spent outside when needed. I suggested taking the children outside earlier in the morning and when the temperatures are high the teachers take the children outside more than just twice a day for smaller periods of time. RATED LICENSE: Stars were reevaluated for Kindercare Learning Center on 7/23/2021. Ms. Pearson and her Regional Manager shared with me that they are currently completing the accreditation process. Their application has been submitted to NAEYC and they are just waiting for the visit/evaluation to move forward with completing the rated license process following Pathway 3. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/24/2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Please email your corrective action letter to Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time during today’s visit. If you have any questions I can be reached at: Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov – 919-602-2582 and if needed, you can contact my supervisor at Michele.Remington@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/10/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 7/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. A full assessment of child care requirements was conducted. Your program currently operates with a Three-star license issued July 22, 2021, and is approved to care for children 0-12 years of age. Today’s visit was conducted with the facility director, Ms. Monica Pearson and the assistant director, Ms. Qiana McClain-Fox. Both Ms. Pearson and Ms. McClain-Fox accompanied me throughout my walk-through of the facility today. I monitored five classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, capacity, group size and staff interaction/discipline. Two playgrounds were also monitored today. The facility was monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors. I observed two infants napping today and safe sleep checks were conducted as required. Three other infants were observed engaged in floor activities. The toddler classes were observed participating in an art activity. The preschool were participating in circle time during my visit in their classroom and school age children were engaged in an art activity. I observed all the children having lunch and the toddlers and preschool children going down for nap/rest time. I observed the staff actively engaged in the children’s activities and providing appropriate supervision. Program requirements were monitored today, and one (1) violation was cited. All inspections and drills were current. Children and staff records were monitored, and the information was documented on the children’s records form and staff and training worksheets. The owner/operator is listed as current/active with the NC Secretary of State. One violation was cited today and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The child care operator has not linked her staff in the Automated Background Check Management System. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/24/2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kimberly Girouard PO Box 1184 Wake Forest, NC 27588 Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: *ABCMS- As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. You stated that you will complete the training and send me your certificate with the compliance letter. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. I sent you instructions for how to connect applications during the visit. * Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a child care facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. New staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. *I discussed the importance of paying close attention to the temperature to confirm it is safe to take the children outside and for how long they should stay outside. Remember the importance of making sure the staff check the outdoor equipment BEFORE the children play on it to confirm it is safe and not too hot for the children to play on. I reminded the staff to make sure there is water available for all children and staff and the staff encourage play under shaded areas during the hot summer months. I observed Weather Watch Charts posted throughout the facility today and the staff utilizing them to plan their outdoor play time for the children in their classes. AUTOMATED BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM *Ms. Pearson still needs to link her staff to Kindercare Learning Center LLC using the Automated Background Check Management System. Ms. Pearson reach out to Ms. Serena Luke with DCDEE today for additional guidance with this task. *RATED LICENSE I suggested the facility administrative team begin preparing their staff for the upcoming rated license process. The NCRALP website is a wonderful resource to use NCRLAP.org. Please continuously check the DCDEE website as well for information on the rated license process. Ms. Pearson informed me today that they plan to go through the accreditation process to renew their star rated license during this fiscal year. Ms. Pearson is already working with Wake County Smart Start to prepare for their upcoming rated license assessment. RESOURCES / INFORMATION *The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. *The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flier with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please remember to have your corrective action letter to me no later than July 24, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 919-602-2582 or Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/10/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 7/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. A full assessment of child care requirements was conducted. Your program currently operates with a Three-star license issued July 22, 2021, and is approved to care for children 0-12 years of age. Today’s visit was conducted with the facility director, Ms. Monica Pearson and the assistant director, Ms. Qiana McClain-Fox. Both Ms. Pearson and Ms. McClain-Fox accompanied me throughout my walk-through of the facility today. I monitored five classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, capacity, group size and staff interaction/discipline. Two playgrounds were also monitored today. The facility was monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors. I observed two infants napping today and safe sleep checks were conducted as required. Three other infants were observed engaged in floor activities. The toddler classes were observed participating in an art activity. The preschool were participating in circle time during my visit in their classroom and school age children were engaged in an art activity. I observed all the children having lunch and the toddlers and preschool children going down for nap/rest time. I observed the staff actively engaged in the children’s activities and providing appropriate supervision. Program requirements were monitored today, and one (1) violation was cited. All inspections and drills were current. Children and staff records were monitored, and the information was documented on the children’s records form and staff and training worksheets. The owner/operator is listed as current/active with the NC Secretary of State. One violation was cited today and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The child care operator has not linked her staff in the Automated Background Check Management System. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/24/2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kimberly Girouard PO Box 1184 Wake Forest, NC 27588 Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: *ABCMS- As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. You stated that you will complete the training and send me your certificate with the compliance letter. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. I sent you instructions for how to connect applications during the visit. * Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a child care facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. New staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. *I discussed the importance of paying close attention to the temperature to confirm it is safe to take the children outside and for how long they should stay outside. Remember the importance of making sure the staff check the outdoor equipment BEFORE the children play on it to confirm it is safe and not too hot for the children to play on. I reminded the staff to make sure there is water available for all children and staff and the staff encourage play under shaded areas during the hot summer months. I observed Weather Watch Charts posted throughout the facility today and the staff utilizing them to plan their outdoor play time for the children in their classes. AUTOMATED BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM *Ms. Pearson still needs to link her staff to Kindercare Learning Center LLC using the Automated Background Check Management System. Ms. Pearson reach out to Ms. Serena Luke with DCDEE today for additional guidance with this task. *RATED LICENSE I suggested the facility administrative team begin preparing their staff for the upcoming rated license process. The NCRALP website is a wonderful resource to use NCRLAP.org. Please continuously check the DCDEE website as well for information on the rated license process. Ms. Pearson informed me today that they plan to go through the accreditation process to renew their star rated license during this fiscal year. Ms. Pearson is already working with Wake County Smart Start to prepare for their upcoming rated license assessment. RESOURCES / INFORMATION *The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. *The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flier with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please remember to have your corrective action letter to me no later than July 24, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 919-602-2582 or Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/10/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 7/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. A full assessment of child care requirements was conducted. Your program currently operates with a Three-star license issued July 22, 2021, and is approved to care for children 0-12 years of age. Today’s visit was conducted with the facility director, Ms. Monica Pearson and the assistant director, Ms. Qiana McClain-Fox. Both Ms. Pearson and Ms. McClain-Fox accompanied me throughout my walk-through of the facility today. I monitored five classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, capacity, group size and staff interaction/discipline. Two playgrounds were also monitored today. The facility was monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors. I observed two infants napping today and safe sleep checks were conducted as required. Three other infants were observed engaged in floor activities. The toddler classes were observed participating in an art activity. The preschool were participating in circle time during my visit in their classroom and school age children were engaged in an art activity. I observed all the children having lunch and the toddlers and preschool children going down for nap/rest time. I observed the staff actively engaged in the children’s activities and providing appropriate supervision. Program requirements were monitored today, and one (1) violation was cited. All inspections and drills were current. Children and staff records were monitored, and the information was documented on the children’s records form and staff and training worksheets. The owner/operator is listed as current/active with the NC Secretary of State. One violation was cited today and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The child care operator has not linked her staff in the Automated Background Check Management System. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 7/24/2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kimberly Girouard PO Box 1184 Wake Forest, NC 27588 Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: *ABCMS- As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. You stated that you will complete the training and send me your certificate with the compliance letter. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. I sent you instructions for how to connect applications during the visit. * Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a child care facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. New staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. *I discussed the importance of paying close attention to the temperature to confirm it is safe to take the children outside and for how long they should stay outside. Remember the importance of making sure the staff check the outdoor equipment BEFORE the children play on it to confirm it is safe and not too hot for the children to play on. I reminded the staff to make sure there is water available for all children and staff and the staff encourage play under shaded areas during the hot summer months. I observed Weather Watch Charts posted throughout the facility today and the staff utilizing them to plan their outdoor play time for the children in their classes. AUTOMATED BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM *Ms. Pearson still needs to link her staff to Kindercare Learning Center LLC using the Automated Background Check Management System. Ms. Pearson reach out to Ms. Serena Luke with DCDEE today for additional guidance with this task. *RATED LICENSE I suggested the facility administrative team begin preparing their staff for the upcoming rated license process. The NCRALP website is a wonderful resource to use NCRLAP.org. Please continuously check the DCDEE website as well for information on the rated license process. Ms. Pearson informed me today that they plan to go through the accreditation process to renew their star rated license during this fiscal year. Ms. Pearson is already working with Wake County Smart Start to prepare for their upcoming rated license assessment. RESOURCES / INFORMATION *The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. *The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flier with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please remember to have your corrective action letter to me no later than July 24, 2025. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at 919-602-2582 or Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/27/2025 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 2/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during a Routine Unannounced visit. KinderCare Learning Centers, LLC operates with a Three (3) Star Child Care License issued on July 23, 2021. Center Director, Ms. Monica Pearson, was present at the facility today and accompanied me throughout my visit. INSPECTIONS I reviewed required inspections including fire drills, emergency drills, fire and sanitation inspections and playground inspections. All reports were found to be in compliance. CORPORATION STATUS Your current corporation status is listed as “Current-Active” on the North Carolina Secretary of State Website. MONITORING During today’s visit, a partial assessment was conducted, monitoring all space occupied by the children. Staff qualifications were discussed and reviewed. Four new staff files were reviewed and a spot check of the remaining staff files was conducted. All spaces were monitored for supervision, staff/child ratios, staff/child interactions, materials, equipment and required postings. OBSERVATIONS I completed a walk-through of the facility. At the time of the visit, there were a total of 40 children present between the ages of 0yrs-5yrs. The children were observed engaged in outdoor and indoor activities, having lunch, and going down for nap. The staff were observed engaged in the children’s activities while providing appropriate supervision. One violation was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member (SW) was found to have an expired qualification letter. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) COMPLIANCE HISTORY According to NC General Statute all Child Care programs must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your program may have an impact on the total compliance history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 88%. During today's visit I had the opportunity to speak with the facility director about the struggles some facilities are facing in hiring educated child care professionals. We discussed the importance of focusing on finding qualified staff which might require pausing facility enrollment to get new staff in and trained before introducing new children into the program. CONSULTATION & REMINDERS *Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. One staff member was found to have an expired criminal background check on file during today’s visit. I informed the director, Ms. Pearson, that the employee with the expired criminal background check may not return to work or be on the premises until the employee has the required criminal background check letter in hand and on file at the facility. The employee immediately made an appointment to have the required fingerprint process completed. A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. I suggested the director, Ms. Pearson, create a tickler system to include expiration dates of staff CBC to avoid future violations of this nature. Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a child care facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703.) *I suggested to the director, Ms. Pearson, that she periodically observe her staff taking the children outside to play and when they bring the children back inside the building to confirm the staff are conducting the proper head count procedures before they exit the classrooms, while they are on the playground, when they line the children up to come inside and as the children enter the building. RATED LICENSE Center Director, Ms. Pearson, informed me today that she is preparing to go through the NAEYC Accreditation process this summer and plans to use the NAEYC certification to renew their star rated license. I suggested Ms. Pearson contact Wendy Pearson at Early Years, previously known as Child Care Services, to assist with preparing the classroom teachers for the upcoming NAEYC Accreditation process. RESOURCES *The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. *The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flier with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. *Background Checks - Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Please link you and your staff asap. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. I emailed Ms. Pearson two instruction fliers; ABCMS Provider Codes and Connecting Applications and How to Connect and Hire in ABCMS for assistance. If you need additional information, please reach out the DCDEE Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401. *This facility currently does not have children that require emergency medications. I suggested to the director that if this changes that she review the names of all enrolled children who have emergency medications at every staff meeting to provide a constant reminder to everyone in the building. I also suggested they have their Health Consultant conduct an annual training course on the administration of emergency medication to confirm all staff are knowledgeable and comfortable with all required protocols to be followed. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. The above violation must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than March 13, 2025, stating how the violation was corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements moving forward. My mailing address is: PO Box 1184 Wake Forest, NC 27588 or a correction letter can be emailed to: Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by phone at 919-602-2582 or email at Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: KIMBERLY GIROUARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/27/2025 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 2/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during a Routine Unannounced visit. KinderCare Learning Centers, LLC operates with a Three (3) Star Child Care License issued on July 23, 2021. Center Director, Ms. Monica Pearson, was present at the facility today and accompanied me throughout my visit. INSPECTIONS I reviewed required inspections including fire drills, emergency drills, fire and sanitation inspections and playground inspections. All reports were found to be in compliance. CORPORATION STATUS Your current corporation status is listed as “Current-Active” on the North Carolina Secretary of State Website. MONITORING During today’s visit, a partial assessment was conducted, monitoring all space occupied by the children. Staff qualifications were discussed and reviewed. Four new staff files were reviewed and a spot check of the remaining staff files was conducted. All spaces were monitored for supervision, staff/child ratios, staff/child interactions, materials, equipment and required postings. OBSERVATIONS I completed a walk-through of the facility. At the time of the visit, there were a total of 40 children present between the ages of 0yrs-5yrs. The children were observed engaged in outdoor and indoor activities, having lunch, and going down for nap. The staff were observed engaged in the children’s activities while providing appropriate supervision. One violation was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member (SW) was found to have an expired qualification letter. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) COMPLIANCE HISTORY According to NC General Statute all Child Care programs must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your program may have an impact on the total compliance history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 88%. During today's visit I had the opportunity to speak with the facility director about the struggles some facilities are facing in hiring educated child care professionals. We discussed the importance of focusing on finding qualified staff which might require pausing facility enrollment to get new staff in and trained before introducing new children into the program. CONSULTATION & REMINDERS *Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. One staff member was found to have an expired criminal background check on file during today’s visit. I informed the director, Ms. Pearson, that the employee with the expired criminal background check may not return to work or be on the premises until the employee has the required criminal background check letter in hand and on file at the facility. The employee immediately made an appointment to have the required fingerprint process completed. A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. I suggested the director, Ms. Pearson, create a tickler system to include expiration dates of staff CBC to avoid future violations of this nature. Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a child care facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), Instructions on how to link to the facility was provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703.) *I suggested to the director, Ms. Pearson, that she periodically observe her staff taking the children outside to play and when they bring the children back inside the building to confirm the staff are conducting the proper head count procedures before they exit the classrooms, while they are on the playground, when they line the children up to come inside and as the children enter the building. RATED LICENSE Center Director, Ms. Pearson, informed me today that she is preparing to go through the NAEYC Accreditation process this summer and plans to use the NAEYC certification to renew their star rated license. I suggested Ms. Pearson contact Wendy Pearson at Early Years, previously known as Child Care Services, to assist with preparing the classroom teachers for the upcoming NAEYC Accreditation process. RESOURCES *The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. *The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flier with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. *Background Checks - Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Please link you and your staff asap. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. I emailed Ms. Pearson two instruction fliers; ABCMS Provider Codes and Connecting Applications and How to Connect and Hire in ABCMS for assistance. If you need additional information, please reach out the DCDEE Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401. *This facility currently does not have children that require emergency medications. I suggested to the director that if this changes that she review the names of all enrolled children who have emergency medications at every staff meeting to provide a constant reminder to everyone in the building. I also suggested they have their Health Consultant conduct an annual training course on the administration of emergency medication to confirm all staff are knowledgeable and comfortable with all required protocols to be followed. *Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. The above violation must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than March 13, 2025, stating how the violation was corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements moving forward. My mailing address is: PO Box 1184 Wake Forest, NC 27588 or a correction letter can be emailed to: Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by phone at 919-602-2582 or email at Kimberly.Girouard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/24/2024 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: 04:00 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment in conjunction with an administrative action follow-up. This facility currently operates with a Three (3) Star License that was issued on 7-23-21. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 8-16-23 with an “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 12-19-23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, KinderCare Education LLC was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. I monitored the four (4) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision. The children were observed in circle time where the caregiver was reading the children a book and singing songs, at the table with manipulatives, and sitting at the table while the caregivers prepared the plates for lunch. Appropriate handwashing and diapering routines were also observed. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by you. Staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medication observed on the premises was monitored. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. In space #3 developmentally appropriate blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, music toys, and fine motor toys were not available and kept in a space with related equipment and materials, offered in sufficient quantity, and with a range of choices to allow all children to use them during the day. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Observed on the playground for toddlers and two year olds was a red riding toy with two (2) plastic wheels that were worn and exposing sharp edges. Observed on the playground for preschoolers were two trikes that contained missing pedals. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 865 A child was given over the counter medication without written authorization from a parent to follow the direction of the NC State Health Director during a public health emergency and/or the authorization did not contain the required information. Permission to administer Triple Antibiotic Cream located in the bathroom of space #2 was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(9)(a-d) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File did not contain each child's Application for Child Care and contact information for individuals to pick-up children. .0607(d)(10) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a letter must be sent to me no later than 8-6-24 stating how the items were corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a correction letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: - Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed as an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame, using the Ready to Go File checklist to ensure all paperwork is on file in your Ready to Go File. The children’s applications are required to be updated annually to ensure emergency information is up to date and without children’s application containing up to date emergency information immediate contact with parents/guardians during an emergency evacuation would not be possible. Set a date on your calendar to have parents/guardians update children’s applications and make copies of these applications, one (1) for the child’s file and one (1) for the Ready to Go File. - Age appropriate toys are important in child care centers because they support children's development across multiple areas, including to stimulate learning, enhance motor skills, foster social and emotional growth, and promote safety. Toys that match a child's abilities can encourage them to develop new skills, and can also help promote creativity, problem-solving, and pretend play. Remember materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the lesson plan. When ordering your toys ensure that you are ordering toys developmentally appropriate for the children in the classroom. In addition, ensure that caregivers know how to teach children to return toys to their proper places and how to take care of their toys. An article on “How to Teach Kids to Take Care of Their Things” was provided today. - The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance and inspection of the outdoor area for hazards are key factors when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. Daily, prior to the children going outside, a designated staff member should check the playground for debris, broken toys or any other potential hazards and discard the hazard. You can contact Angeles and order for your yellow Angeles® MyRider® Trikes replacement pedals and have your maintenance personnel put the pedals on. - We discussed record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with operating a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. As an administrator you must allow time to review all necessary documentation to ensure accuracy. Any medication on the premises must be accompanied by a permission slip, filled out completely with the parent/guardian’s signature and date. Set a reminder to review/update medications in each classroom. You must remember the “five rights” of medication use: the right child, the right medication, the right time, the right dose, and the right route—all of which are generally regarded as a standard for safe medication practices. You and the caregivers must know what medication the parent/guardian authorized to be administered and how the parent/guardian wants medication given. If documentation is required after the medication is administered, then documentation with the required information must be completed and kept on file for six months. It was suggested all staff complete training on administering medications. • In the classrooms for children two and up there shall be sensory play offered at least once a week. There are multiple ways/materials that you can use to provide children with the required weekly sand/water play. We discussed using a small container or sand/water table filled with your sensory item(s) or water at the table for one or two children at a time to engage in sensory play. • Please add to your diaper cream permission slips the “amount” to be given. • The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. • The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flyer with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. • Please link you and your staff asap. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. • Administrative Action Follow-up: The administrative action was observed posted in the foyer of the facility. During today’s visit compliance with stipulation #1 in the corrective action plan was verified. Children were attended to in a nurturing manner, adequate supervision and the required staff/child ratios were maintained, and staff records were in compliance. Compliance with stipulation #2 was verified on 6-27-24. Initial contact with Dr. Charlene Daye, Director of Professional Development and Provider Support Services at Child Care Services Association, was made on 6-11-24. Training to be provided by Dr. Daye was initially scheduled to provide training for the entire staff on 6-24-24, however due to multiple staff being absent, permission to postpone the training was granted. Training for all twelve (12) staff members that addressed strategies for meeting the nurturing needs of children, staff/child ratios, and supervision were provided by Dr. Daye on 6-27-24. On the evening of 6-27-24 after the training was completed, I received documentation via email containing the attendance roster with printed names and signatures of the twelve (12) staff members in attendance. Compliance with stipulation #3 was verified on 7-22-24. Written plans for achieving and maintaining compliance with nurture and care of children, staff/child ratios and supervision were initially submitted on 7-11-24. The plans submitted did not contain all the required items listed in stipulation #3 and you were notified of modifications needed within the written plans on 7-15-24, 7-17-24, and 7-19-24. You were notified on 7-22-24 that the written plans were approved and should be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures, with a copy of the approved plans maintained in the facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Your new child care consultant is Kimberly Girouard. Mailing Address: PO BOX 1184, Wake Forest, NC 27588 Office: 919-602-2582 kimberly.girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/24/2024 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: 04:00 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment in conjunction with an administrative action follow-up. This facility currently operates with a Three (3) Star License that was issued on 7-23-21. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 8-16-23 with an “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 12-19-23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, KinderCare Education LLC was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. I monitored the four (4) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision. The children were observed in circle time where the caregiver was reading the children a book and singing songs, at the table with manipulatives, and sitting at the table while the caregivers prepared the plates for lunch. Appropriate handwashing and diapering routines were also observed. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by you. Staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medication observed on the premises was monitored. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. In space #3 developmentally appropriate blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, music toys, and fine motor toys were not available and kept in a space with related equipment and materials, offered in sufficient quantity, and with a range of choices to allow all children to use them during the day. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Observed on the playground for toddlers and two year olds was a red riding toy with two (2) plastic wheels that were worn and exposing sharp edges. Observed on the playground for preschoolers were two trikes that contained missing pedals. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 865 A child was given over the counter medication without written authorization from a parent to follow the direction of the NC State Health Director during a public health emergency and/or the authorization did not contain the required information. Permission to administer Triple Antibiotic Cream located in the bathroom of space #2 was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(9)(a-d) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File did not contain each child's Application for Child Care and contact information for individuals to pick-up children. .0607(d)(10) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a letter must be sent to me no later than 8-6-24 stating how the items were corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a correction letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: - Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed as an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame, using the Ready to Go File checklist to ensure all paperwork is on file in your Ready to Go File. The children’s applications are required to be updated annually to ensure emergency information is up to date and without children’s application containing up to date emergency information immediate contact with parents/guardians during an emergency evacuation would not be possible. Set a date on your calendar to have parents/guardians update children’s applications and make copies of these applications, one (1) for the child’s file and one (1) for the Ready to Go File. - Age appropriate toys are important in child care centers because they support children's development across multiple areas, including to stimulate learning, enhance motor skills, foster social and emotional growth, and promote safety. Toys that match a child's abilities can encourage them to develop new skills, and can also help promote creativity, problem-solving, and pretend play. Remember materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the lesson plan. When ordering your toys ensure that you are ordering toys developmentally appropriate for the children in the classroom. In addition, ensure that caregivers know how to teach children to return toys to their proper places and how to take care of their toys. An article on “How to Teach Kids to Take Care of Their Things” was provided today. - The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance and inspection of the outdoor area for hazards are key factors when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. Daily, prior to the children going outside, a designated staff member should check the playground for debris, broken toys or any other potential hazards and discard the hazard. You can contact Angeles and order for your yellow Angeles® MyRider® Trikes replacement pedals and have your maintenance personnel put the pedals on. - We discussed record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with operating a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. As an administrator you must allow time to review all necessary documentation to ensure accuracy. Any medication on the premises must be accompanied by a permission slip, filled out completely with the parent/guardian’s signature and date. Set a reminder to review/update medications in each classroom. You must remember the “five rights” of medication use: the right child, the right medication, the right time, the right dose, and the right route—all of which are generally regarded as a standard for safe medication practices. You and the caregivers must know what medication the parent/guardian authorized to be administered and how the parent/guardian wants medication given. If documentation is required after the medication is administered, then documentation with the required information must be completed and kept on file for six months. It was suggested all staff complete training on administering medications. • In the classrooms for children two and up there shall be sensory play offered at least once a week. There are multiple ways/materials that you can use to provide children with the required weekly sand/water play. We discussed using a small container or sand/water table filled with your sensory item(s) or water at the table for one or two children at a time to engage in sensory play. • Please add to your diaper cream permission slips the “amount” to be given. • The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. • The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flyer with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. • Please link you and your staff asap. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. • Administrative Action Follow-up: The administrative action was observed posted in the foyer of the facility. During today’s visit compliance with stipulation #1 in the corrective action plan was verified. Children were attended to in a nurturing manner, adequate supervision and the required staff/child ratios were maintained, and staff records were in compliance. Compliance with stipulation #2 was verified on 6-27-24. Initial contact with Dr. Charlene Daye, Director of Professional Development and Provider Support Services at Child Care Services Association, was made on 6-11-24. Training to be provided by Dr. Daye was initially scheduled to provide training for the entire staff on 6-24-24, however due to multiple staff being absent, permission to postpone the training was granted. Training for all twelve (12) staff members that addressed strategies for meeting the nurturing needs of children, staff/child ratios, and supervision were provided by Dr. Daye on 6-27-24. On the evening of 6-27-24 after the training was completed, I received documentation via email containing the attendance roster with printed names and signatures of the twelve (12) staff members in attendance. Compliance with stipulation #3 was verified on 7-22-24. Written plans for achieving and maintaining compliance with nurture and care of children, staff/child ratios and supervision were initially submitted on 7-11-24. The plans submitted did not contain all the required items listed in stipulation #3 and you were notified of modifications needed within the written plans on 7-15-24, 7-17-24, and 7-19-24. You were notified on 7-22-24 that the written plans were approved and should be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures, with a copy of the approved plans maintained in the facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Your new child care consultant is Kimberly Girouard. Mailing Address: PO BOX 1184, Wake Forest, NC 27588 Office: 919-602-2582 kimberly.girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/24/2024 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: 04:00 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment in conjunction with an administrative action follow-up. This facility currently operates with a Three (3) Star License that was issued on 7-23-21. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 8-16-23 with an “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 12-19-23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, KinderCare Education LLC was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. I monitored the four (4) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision. The children were observed in circle time where the caregiver was reading the children a book and singing songs, at the table with manipulatives, and sitting at the table while the caregivers prepared the plates for lunch. Appropriate handwashing and diapering routines were also observed. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by you. Staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medication observed on the premises was monitored. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. In space #3 developmentally appropriate blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, music toys, and fine motor toys were not available and kept in a space with related equipment and materials, offered in sufficient quantity, and with a range of choices to allow all children to use them during the day. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Observed on the playground for toddlers and two year olds was a red riding toy with two (2) plastic wheels that were worn and exposing sharp edges. Observed on the playground for preschoolers were two trikes that contained missing pedals. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 865 A child was given over the counter medication without written authorization from a parent to follow the direction of the NC State Health Director during a public health emergency and/or the authorization did not contain the required information. Permission to administer Triple Antibiotic Cream located in the bathroom of space #2 was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(9)(a-d) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File did not contain each child's Application for Child Care and contact information for individuals to pick-up children. .0607(d)(10) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a letter must be sent to me no later than 8-6-24 stating how the items were corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a correction letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: - Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed as an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame, using the Ready to Go File checklist to ensure all paperwork is on file in your Ready to Go File. The children’s applications are required to be updated annually to ensure emergency information is up to date and without children’s application containing up to date emergency information immediate contact with parents/guardians during an emergency evacuation would not be possible. Set a date on your calendar to have parents/guardians update children’s applications and make copies of these applications, one (1) for the child’s file and one (1) for the Ready to Go File. - Age appropriate toys are important in child care centers because they support children's development across multiple areas, including to stimulate learning, enhance motor skills, foster social and emotional growth, and promote safety. Toys that match a child's abilities can encourage them to develop new skills, and can also help promote creativity, problem-solving, and pretend play. Remember materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the lesson plan. When ordering your toys ensure that you are ordering toys developmentally appropriate for the children in the classroom. In addition, ensure that caregivers know how to teach children to return toys to their proper places and how to take care of their toys. An article on “How to Teach Kids to Take Care of Their Things” was provided today. - The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance and inspection of the outdoor area for hazards are key factors when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. Daily, prior to the children going outside, a designated staff member should check the playground for debris, broken toys or any other potential hazards and discard the hazard. You can contact Angeles and order for your yellow Angeles® MyRider® Trikes replacement pedals and have your maintenance personnel put the pedals on. - We discussed record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with operating a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. As an administrator you must allow time to review all necessary documentation to ensure accuracy. Any medication on the premises must be accompanied by a permission slip, filled out completely with the parent/guardian’s signature and date. Set a reminder to review/update medications in each classroom. You must remember the “five rights” of medication use: the right child, the right medication, the right time, the right dose, and the right route—all of which are generally regarded as a standard for safe medication practices. You and the caregivers must know what medication the parent/guardian authorized to be administered and how the parent/guardian wants medication given. If documentation is required after the medication is administered, then documentation with the required information must be completed and kept on file for six months. It was suggested all staff complete training on administering medications. • In the classrooms for children two and up there shall be sensory play offered at least once a week. There are multiple ways/materials that you can use to provide children with the required weekly sand/water play. We discussed using a small container or sand/water table filled with your sensory item(s) or water at the table for one or two children at a time to engage in sensory play. • Please add to your diaper cream permission slips the “amount” to be given. • The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. • The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flyer with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. • Please link you and your staff asap. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. • Administrative Action Follow-up: The administrative action was observed posted in the foyer of the facility. During today’s visit compliance with stipulation #1 in the corrective action plan was verified. Children were attended to in a nurturing manner, adequate supervision and the required staff/child ratios were maintained, and staff records were in compliance. Compliance with stipulation #2 was verified on 6-27-24. Initial contact with Dr. Charlene Daye, Director of Professional Development and Provider Support Services at Child Care Services Association, was made on 6-11-24. Training to be provided by Dr. Daye was initially scheduled to provide training for the entire staff on 6-24-24, however due to multiple staff being absent, permission to postpone the training was granted. Training for all twelve (12) staff members that addressed strategies for meeting the nurturing needs of children, staff/child ratios, and supervision were provided by Dr. Daye on 6-27-24. On the evening of 6-27-24 after the training was completed, I received documentation via email containing the attendance roster with printed names and signatures of the twelve (12) staff members in attendance. Compliance with stipulation #3 was verified on 7-22-24. Written plans for achieving and maintaining compliance with nurture and care of children, staff/child ratios and supervision were initially submitted on 7-11-24. The plans submitted did not contain all the required items listed in stipulation #3 and you were notified of modifications needed within the written plans on 7-15-24, 7-17-24, and 7-19-24. You were notified on 7-22-24 that the written plans were approved and should be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures, with a copy of the approved plans maintained in the facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Your new child care consultant is Kimberly Girouard. Mailing Address: PO BOX 1184, Wake Forest, NC 27588 Office: 919-602-2582 kimberly.girouard@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2024 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 6/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct an admin action follow-up visit. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by you. You stated that you signed for the Written Warning Administrative Action on 6-11-24. The cover letter and administrative action were observed, placed in a clear protective sleeve posted in the lobby, next to the 3 Star License, where parents can observe them. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff/child ratios, CPR and First Aid, hazardous substances, storage of medications, program records, staff records, adequate/approved space, and permit restrictions. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was offered. Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A documented playground inspection was not completed for the month of May 2024. .0605(q) 1830 Potential biocontaminants were not stored properly (locked storage, removed from premises, inaccessible to children, or covered plastic lined receptacle). In the bathroom of space #1, two heavily soaked pull-ups were observed in a trash can without a trash liner or lid. .0604(v) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than 7-2-24 stating how the violations have corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestion that may be beneficial: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. Since children are exploring it is very important to provide a safe environment, free of debris. A designated staff member should verify daily that the area is safe for children to use. Each month, the outdoor play areas should be inspected and documented on the form provided by the Division of Child Development. Set a reminder to perform the monthly inspection and document the inspection as required. Sanitation requires a trash can liner and lid for trash. The liner will make it easy to remove diapers from the trash can and it will prevent the inside of the trash can from getting soiled. Remind staff not to place diapers and pull ups in a trash can without a liner. • Prior to monitoring the above items, you were presented with the cover letter and Notice of Administrative Action issuing a Written Warning dated 6-5-24, based on allegations regarding supervision, staff/child ratios, nurture/care and treatment, and staff records being confirmed on 4-29-24. According to you, a copy of this administrative action was delivered via certified mail and you signed for it on 6-11-24, serving as receipt of the action and the start the timeframe for completing the stipulations in the corrective action plan. The stipulations and due dates documented in the administrative action were reviewed with you today. As written, you have posted the administrative action and cover letter dated 6-5-24 in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility that will remain posted for three (3) months. Stipulation #1 indicates to maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a-e) regarding staff/child ratios, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801 (a)(1-5) regarding supervision, North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care and North Carolina General Statute § 110- 91(9) regarding staff records. Stipulation #2 requires that within one week you must contact Charlene Daye to arrange for training on staff/child ratios and group size. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. Statements of understanding, acknowledging that all staff have read, understand, and will comply with childcare requirements regarding staff/child ratios, supervision, nurture and care and staff records will be signed at the conclusion of the training to be maintained in each staff member’s personnel file. You stated that you have already contacted Ms. Daye and the mandatory training is scheduled for 6-24-24. Stipulation #3 states that within two weeks you after completing the required training from Ms. Daye, Ms. Pearson shall develop a written plan for achieving and maintaining compliance with nurture, care, and treatment of children, staff records, staff/child ratios, and supervision. The written plan shall include but not limited to, the following: • Implementation of strategies and training topics in Item #2 • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures • Procedure for periodic review of the policy with all staff members, including the review of the policy in the orientation of new staff members before they assume childcare responsibilities • Please maintain compliance with all child care requirements. Continue to look for additional training and reach out to various agencies/resources, i.e. Child Care Health Consultants, Wake County Smart Start, Child Care Services Association, etc. to provide technical assistance on how to maintain compliance. Additional support from your District Manager and Corporate Office would be ideal during this time. You mentioned you are in the process of hiring more staff. Today we discussed that increasing the pay scale may be advantageous to seeking more qualified and experienced caregivers. • Update your children’s emergency information in your Ready to Go File. • Remove the name of the staff member that is no longer employed from your Emergency Medical Care Plan. • An unannounced visit will be made to verify compliance with the Corrective Action Plan. Documentation to support compliance with the Corrective Action Plan is required. Failure to comply with the terms of the Corrective Action Plan may result in the issuance of a more stringent administrative action and/or the assessment of a civil penalty. • Continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Bridggette Campbell PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2024 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 6/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct an admin action follow-up visit. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by you. You stated that you signed for the Written Warning Administrative Action on 6-11-24. The cover letter and administrative action were observed, placed in a clear protective sleeve posted in the lobby, next to the 3 Star License, where parents can observe them. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff/child ratios, CPR and First Aid, hazardous substances, storage of medications, program records, staff records, adequate/approved space, and permit restrictions. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was offered. Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A documented playground inspection was not completed for the month of May 2024. .0605(q) 1830 Potential biocontaminants were not stored properly (locked storage, removed from premises, inaccessible to children, or covered plastic lined receptacle). In the bathroom of space #1, two heavily soaked pull-ups were observed in a trash can without a trash liner or lid. .0604(v) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than 7-2-24 stating how the violations have corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestion that may be beneficial: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. Since children are exploring it is very important to provide a safe environment, free of debris. A designated staff member should verify daily that the area is safe for children to use. Each month, the outdoor play areas should be inspected and documented on the form provided by the Division of Child Development. Set a reminder to perform the monthly inspection and document the inspection as required. Sanitation requires a trash can liner and lid for trash. The liner will make it easy to remove diapers from the trash can and it will prevent the inside of the trash can from getting soiled. Remind staff not to place diapers and pull ups in a trash can without a liner. • Prior to monitoring the above items, you were presented with the cover letter and Notice of Administrative Action issuing a Written Warning dated 6-5-24, based on allegations regarding supervision, staff/child ratios, nurture/care and treatment, and staff records being confirmed on 4-29-24. According to you, a copy of this administrative action was delivered via certified mail and you signed for it on 6-11-24, serving as receipt of the action and the start the timeframe for completing the stipulations in the corrective action plan. The stipulations and due dates documented in the administrative action were reviewed with you today. As written, you have posted the administrative action and cover letter dated 6-5-24 in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility that will remain posted for three (3) months. Stipulation #1 indicates to maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a-e) regarding staff/child ratios, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801 (a)(1-5) regarding supervision, North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care and North Carolina General Statute § 110- 91(9) regarding staff records. Stipulation #2 requires that within one week you must contact Charlene Daye to arrange for training on staff/child ratios and group size. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. Statements of understanding, acknowledging that all staff have read, understand, and will comply with childcare requirements regarding staff/child ratios, supervision, nurture and care and staff records will be signed at the conclusion of the training to be maintained in each staff member’s personnel file. You stated that you have already contacted Ms. Daye and the mandatory training is scheduled for 6-24-24. Stipulation #3 states that within two weeks you after completing the required training from Ms. Daye, Ms. Pearson shall develop a written plan for achieving and maintaining compliance with nurture, care, and treatment of children, staff records, staff/child ratios, and supervision. The written plan shall include but not limited to, the following: • Implementation of strategies and training topics in Item #2 • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures • Procedure for periodic review of the policy with all staff members, including the review of the policy in the orientation of new staff members before they assume childcare responsibilities • Please maintain compliance with all child care requirements. Continue to look for additional training and reach out to various agencies/resources, i.e. Child Care Health Consultants, Wake County Smart Start, Child Care Services Association, etc. to provide technical assistance on how to maintain compliance. Additional support from your District Manager and Corporate Office would be ideal during this time. You mentioned you are in the process of hiring more staff. Today we discussed that increasing the pay scale may be advantageous to seeking more qualified and experienced caregivers. • Update your children’s emergency information in your Ready to Go File. • Remove the name of the staff member that is no longer employed from your Emergency Medical Care Plan. • An unannounced visit will be made to verify compliance with the Corrective Action Plan. Documentation to support compliance with the Corrective Action Plan is required. Failure to comply with the terms of the Corrective Action Plan may result in the issuance of a more stringent administrative action and/or the assessment of a civil penalty. • Continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Bridggette Campbell PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2024 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 6/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct an admin action follow-up visit. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by you. You stated that you signed for the Written Warning Administrative Action on 6-11-24. The cover letter and administrative action were observed, placed in a clear protective sleeve posted in the lobby, next to the 3 Star License, where parents can observe them. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff/child ratios, CPR and First Aid, hazardous substances, storage of medications, program records, staff records, adequate/approved space, and permit restrictions. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was offered. Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A documented playground inspection was not completed for the month of May 2024. .0605(q) 1830 Potential biocontaminants were not stored properly (locked storage, removed from premises, inaccessible to children, or covered plastic lined receptacle). In the bathroom of space #1, two heavily soaked pull-ups were observed in a trash can without a trash liner or lid. .0604(v) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than 7-2-24 stating how the violations have corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestion that may be beneficial: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. Since children are exploring it is very important to provide a safe environment, free of debris. A designated staff member should verify daily that the area is safe for children to use. Each month, the outdoor play areas should be inspected and documented on the form provided by the Division of Child Development. Set a reminder to perform the monthly inspection and document the inspection as required. Sanitation requires a trash can liner and lid for trash. The liner will make it easy to remove diapers from the trash can and it will prevent the inside of the trash can from getting soiled. Remind staff not to place diapers and pull ups in a trash can without a liner. • Prior to monitoring the above items, you were presented with the cover letter and Notice of Administrative Action issuing a Written Warning dated 6-5-24, based on allegations regarding supervision, staff/child ratios, nurture/care and treatment, and staff records being confirmed on 4-29-24. According to you, a copy of this administrative action was delivered via certified mail and you signed for it on 6-11-24, serving as receipt of the action and the start the timeframe for completing the stipulations in the corrective action plan. The stipulations and due dates documented in the administrative action were reviewed with you today. As written, you have posted the administrative action and cover letter dated 6-5-24 in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility that will remain posted for three (3) months. Stipulation #1 indicates to maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a-e) regarding staff/child ratios, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801 (a)(1-5) regarding supervision, North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care and North Carolina General Statute § 110- 91(9) regarding staff records. Stipulation #2 requires that within one week you must contact Charlene Daye to arrange for training on staff/child ratios and group size. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. Statements of understanding, acknowledging that all staff have read, understand, and will comply with childcare requirements regarding staff/child ratios, supervision, nurture and care and staff records will be signed at the conclusion of the training to be maintained in each staff member’s personnel file. You stated that you have already contacted Ms. Daye and the mandatory training is scheduled for 6-24-24. Stipulation #3 states that within two weeks you after completing the required training from Ms. Daye, Ms. Pearson shall develop a written plan for achieving and maintaining compliance with nurture, care, and treatment of children, staff records, staff/child ratios, and supervision. The written plan shall include but not limited to, the following: • Implementation of strategies and training topics in Item #2 • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures • Procedure for periodic review of the policy with all staff members, including the review of the policy in the orientation of new staff members before they assume childcare responsibilities • Please maintain compliance with all child care requirements. Continue to look for additional training and reach out to various agencies/resources, i.e. Child Care Health Consultants, Wake County Smart Start, Child Care Services Association, etc. to provide technical assistance on how to maintain compliance. Additional support from your District Manager and Corporate Office would be ideal during this time. You mentioned you are in the process of hiring more staff. Today we discussed that increasing the pay scale may be advantageous to seeking more qualified and experienced caregivers. • Update your children’s emergency information in your Ready to Go File. • Remove the name of the staff member that is no longer employed from your Emergency Medical Care Plan. • An unannounced visit will be made to verify compliance with the Corrective Action Plan. Documentation to support compliance with the Corrective Action Plan is required. Failure to comply with the terms of the Corrective Action Plan may result in the issuance of a more stringent administrative action and/or the assessment of a civil penalty. • Continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Bridggette Campbell PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-299L Visit Date: 4/29/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 4/29/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate allegations of noncompliance with child care requirements. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. This facility currently operates with a Three (3) Star License that was issued on 7-23-21. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by you and the complaint allegations regarding supervision, staff/child ratios, sanitation/health, nurture and care, and staff orientation were shared with you. Staff members were also interviewed. In regards to supervision, it was alleged that a caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised for five minutes, while they went to find management. Staff corroborated that one day at 3:00pm, when it was time for a caregiver to get off, the caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised. Based on my conversation with staff, the allegation concerning supervision is substantiated. See violation below. In regards to the allegation concerning staff/child ratios, it was alleged that there are seventeen children, ages three to five years old with one caregiver, that there are eight toddlers with one caregiver and that caregivers are being left with one to two children over ratio. When reviewing a Child Supervision Records (CSR) where the children’s attendance and name to face checks are documented, on 4-23-24 there were 16 children ages three to five years old with one caregiver, as well as staff corroborated that at times the classrooms are not in compliance with staff/child ratios. Based on my observations and conversation with staff, the allegation concerning staff/child ratios is substantiated. See violation below. Regarding the allegation concerning sanitation/health, it was alleged that children’s diapers are not changed. You stated that you were not aware of an incident where diapers were not changed as required. The diaper changes are documented on tablets by the caregivers in the KinderCare app. You explained that the parents get notifications when diapers are changed. The KinderCare app was monitored today looking at several children’s diaper changing history and diaper changes were also observed as required. It was also alleged that staff continue to work sick with COVID-19 and are not allowed to go home. You stated that you were not aware of anyone working with COVID-19. You explained that when staff request to go home because of illness, you ensure that the staff/child ratios will be in compliance and then you send the staff member home. Staff corroborated that they are allowed to go home when they are sick. Based on my observations and conversations with staff the allegations concerning sanitation/health are unsubstantiated. In regards to the allegation concerning nurture and care, it was alleged that the director used profanity in front of the children when referencing a caregiver and that a caregiver curses at the children. You stated that you have never cursed at or used any curse words around the children. You added that you have not heard any staff using inappropriate language around the children. When a caregiver was interviewed, they admitted that they inadvertently used profanity while on the playground with the children. During today’s visit children were attended to in a nurturing manner, in keeping with children’s developmental needs. Based on the conversation with staff, the allegation concerning nurture and care is substantiated. See violation below. The concern regarding staff records and orientation was also discussed with you. It was alleged that staff are just “thrown” into a classroom without any training. To verify training in the staff files, a request was made to see the files of the last four staff members hired. You stated that the files for these staff members were not on the premises. Based on my conversation with you, the allegation regarding staff records is substantiated. See violation below. The following violations of child care requirements were cited and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. On 4-23-24 there were 16 children ages three to five years old with one caregiver, as well as staff corroborated that at times the classrooms are not in compliance with staff/child ratios. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised, to find management because it was time for them to get off work. .1801(a)(1-5) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A caregiver admitted that they inadvertently used profanity while on the playground with the children. G.S. 110-91(10) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The staff files for four new staff members were not available and were not on the premises. G.S. 110-91( 9) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than 5-13-24 describing accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected and a plan to prevent future violations. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • A follow-up visit will be made in the near future to monitor for compliance. • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: • Please have a mandatory staff meeting to reiterate to the staff the importance of maintaining compliance with all child care requirements for the safety of the children. • Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Suggestions were made to hire additional staff for coverage when staff call out of work and/or are late to work and to increase pay from the hourly wage of $13.60 to attract more qualified applicants. • Supervision: Supervision was discussed in detail, along with examples of inadequate supervision. A handout titled “Active Supervision at-a-Glance - SIX STRATEGIES TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE was provided today as a resource. Children shall be adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision shall mean that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor areas and are able to always hear and see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. • Staff files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Having a staff file on each staff member and reviewing these staff files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records is a must. Under no circumstances should you allow a staff member to work/train at the facility without the required staff file documentation contained within their file. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for staff and children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A staff file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with their upcoming due dates for CPR/First Aid training, child maltreatment training, and health and safety training requirements. • Nurture & Care: Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. No child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied. When a caregiver is cursing/using inappropriate language in front of or around children, children form less positive attitudes towards the caregiver. Words have the capacity to either heal or cause harm; words have an ability to change the way another person thinks, feels, and performs. Encourage caregivers that are having a hard time and need a break from the children to come to management to request to step away, instead of their frustrations leading to inappropriate language or actions towards the children. Children need adults to teach, guide, and support them as they grow and learn. Caregivers play an important role in guiding children’s behavior in positive, supportive, and age-appropriate ways. Basic tips caregivers can use to guide children's behavior like, Keep rules simple and easy to understand; Say what you mean. Use “do” instead of “don’t” whenever possible; Talk with children – not “at” them; Talk with children – not “at” them; Set a good example; Give clear, simple choices; Show respect for children; Catch children being good. All children want attention. It is better to give them positive attention for good behavior than negative attention for misbehavior; and Teach children how to resolve conflict and solve problems, were examples provided today. • Please visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Contact me if you have questions or concerns: Bridggette Campbell PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-299L Visit Date: 4/29/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 4/29/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate allegations of noncompliance with child care requirements. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. This facility currently operates with a Three (3) Star License that was issued on 7-23-21. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by you and the complaint allegations regarding supervision, staff/child ratios, sanitation/health, nurture and care, and staff orientation were shared with you. Staff members were also interviewed. In regards to supervision, it was alleged that a caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised for five minutes, while they went to find management. Staff corroborated that one day at 3:00pm, when it was time for a caregiver to get off, the caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised. Based on my conversation with staff, the allegation concerning supervision is substantiated. See violation below. In regards to the allegation concerning staff/child ratios, it was alleged that there are seventeen children, ages three to five years old with one caregiver, that there are eight toddlers with one caregiver and that caregivers are being left with one to two children over ratio. When reviewing a Child Supervision Records (CSR) where the children’s attendance and name to face checks are documented, on 4-23-24 there were 16 children ages three to five years old with one caregiver, as well as staff corroborated that at times the classrooms are not in compliance with staff/child ratios. Based on my observations and conversation with staff, the allegation concerning staff/child ratios is substantiated. See violation below. Regarding the allegation concerning sanitation/health, it was alleged that children’s diapers are not changed. You stated that you were not aware of an incident where diapers were not changed as required. The diaper changes are documented on tablets by the caregivers in the KinderCare app. You explained that the parents get notifications when diapers are changed. The KinderCare app was monitored today looking at several children’s diaper changing history and diaper changes were also observed as required. It was also alleged that staff continue to work sick with COVID-19 and are not allowed to go home. You stated that you were not aware of anyone working with COVID-19. You explained that when staff request to go home because of illness, you ensure that the staff/child ratios will be in compliance and then you send the staff member home. Staff corroborated that they are allowed to go home when they are sick. Based on my observations and conversations with staff the allegations concerning sanitation/health are unsubstantiated. In regards to the allegation concerning nurture and care, it was alleged that the director used profanity in front of the children when referencing a caregiver and that a caregiver curses at the children. You stated that you have never cursed at or used any curse words around the children. You added that you have not heard any staff using inappropriate language around the children. When a caregiver was interviewed, they admitted that they inadvertently used profanity while on the playground with the children. During today’s visit children were attended to in a nurturing manner, in keeping with children’s developmental needs. Based on the conversation with staff, the allegation concerning nurture and care is substantiated. See violation below. The concern regarding staff records and orientation was also discussed with you. It was alleged that staff are just “thrown” into a classroom without any training. To verify training in the staff files, a request was made to see the files of the last four staff members hired. You stated that the files for these staff members were not on the premises. Based on my conversation with you, the allegation regarding staff records is substantiated. See violation below. The following violations of child care requirements were cited and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. On 4-23-24 there were 16 children ages three to five years old with one caregiver, as well as staff corroborated that at times the classrooms are not in compliance with staff/child ratios. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised, to find management because it was time for them to get off work. .1801(a)(1-5) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A caregiver admitted that they inadvertently used profanity while on the playground with the children. G.S. 110-91(10) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The staff files for four new staff members were not available and were not on the premises. G.S. 110-91( 9) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than 5-13-24 describing accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected and a plan to prevent future violations. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • A follow-up visit will be made in the near future to monitor for compliance. • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: • Please have a mandatory staff meeting to reiterate to the staff the importance of maintaining compliance with all child care requirements for the safety of the children. • Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Suggestions were made to hire additional staff for coverage when staff call out of work and/or are late to work and to increase pay from the hourly wage of $13.60 to attract more qualified applicants. • Supervision: Supervision was discussed in detail, along with examples of inadequate supervision. A handout titled “Active Supervision at-a-Glance - SIX STRATEGIES TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE was provided today as a resource. Children shall be adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision shall mean that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor areas and are able to always hear and see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. • Staff files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Having a staff file on each staff member and reviewing these staff files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records is a must. Under no circumstances should you allow a staff member to work/train at the facility without the required staff file documentation contained within their file. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for staff and children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A staff file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with their upcoming due dates for CPR/First Aid training, child maltreatment training, and health and safety training requirements. • Nurture & Care: Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. No child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied. When a caregiver is cursing/using inappropriate language in front of or around children, children form less positive attitudes towards the caregiver. Words have the capacity to either heal or cause harm; words have an ability to change the way another person thinks, feels, and performs. Encourage caregivers that are having a hard time and need a break from the children to come to management to request to step away, instead of their frustrations leading to inappropriate language or actions towards the children. Children need adults to teach, guide, and support them as they grow and learn. Caregivers play an important role in guiding children’s behavior in positive, supportive, and age-appropriate ways. Basic tips caregivers can use to guide children's behavior like, Keep rules simple and easy to understand; Say what you mean. Use “do” instead of “don’t” whenever possible; Talk with children – not “at” them; Talk with children – not “at” them; Set a good example; Give clear, simple choices; Show respect for children; Catch children being good. All children want attention. It is better to give them positive attention for good behavior than negative attention for misbehavior; and Teach children how to resolve conflict and solve problems, were examples provided today. • Please visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Contact me if you have questions or concerns: Bridggette Campbell PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-299L Visit Date: 4/29/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 4/29/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate allegations of noncompliance with child care requirements. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Monica Pearson, center director. This facility currently operates with a Three (3) Star License that was issued on 7-23-21. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by you and the complaint allegations regarding supervision, staff/child ratios, sanitation/health, nurture and care, and staff orientation were shared with you. Staff members were also interviewed. In regards to supervision, it was alleged that a caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised for five minutes, while they went to find management. Staff corroborated that one day at 3:00pm, when it was time for a caregiver to get off, the caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised. Based on my conversation with staff, the allegation concerning supervision is substantiated. See violation below. In regards to the allegation concerning staff/child ratios, it was alleged that there are seventeen children, ages three to five years old with one caregiver, that there are eight toddlers with one caregiver and that caregivers are being left with one to two children over ratio. When reviewing a Child Supervision Records (CSR) where the children’s attendance and name to face checks are documented, on 4-23-24 there were 16 children ages three to five years old with one caregiver, as well as staff corroborated that at times the classrooms are not in compliance with staff/child ratios. Based on my observations and conversation with staff, the allegation concerning staff/child ratios is substantiated. See violation below. Regarding the allegation concerning sanitation/health, it was alleged that children’s diapers are not changed. You stated that you were not aware of an incident where diapers were not changed as required. The diaper changes are documented on tablets by the caregivers in the KinderCare app. You explained that the parents get notifications when diapers are changed. The KinderCare app was monitored today looking at several children’s diaper changing history and diaper changes were also observed as required. It was also alleged that staff continue to work sick with COVID-19 and are not allowed to go home. You stated that you were not aware of anyone working with COVID-19. You explained that when staff request to go home because of illness, you ensure that the staff/child ratios will be in compliance and then you send the staff member home. Staff corroborated that they are allowed to go home when they are sick. Based on my observations and conversations with staff the allegations concerning sanitation/health are unsubstantiated. In regards to the allegation concerning nurture and care, it was alleged that the director used profanity in front of the children when referencing a caregiver and that a caregiver curses at the children. You stated that you have never cursed at or used any curse words around the children. You added that you have not heard any staff using inappropriate language around the children. When a caregiver was interviewed, they admitted that they inadvertently used profanity while on the playground with the children. During today’s visit children were attended to in a nurturing manner, in keeping with children’s developmental needs. Based on the conversation with staff, the allegation concerning nurture and care is substantiated. See violation below. The concern regarding staff records and orientation was also discussed with you. It was alleged that staff are just “thrown” into a classroom without any training. To verify training in the staff files, a request was made to see the files of the last four staff members hired. You stated that the files for these staff members were not on the premises. Based on my conversation with you, the allegation regarding staff records is substantiated. See violation below. The following violations of child care requirements were cited and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. On 4-23-24 there were 16 children ages three to five years old with one caregiver, as well as staff corroborated that at times the classrooms are not in compliance with staff/child ratios. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A caregiver walked out of their classroom leaving children unsupervised, to find management because it was time for them to get off work. .1801(a)(1-5) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A caregiver admitted that they inadvertently used profanity while on the playground with the children. G.S. 110-91(10) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The staff files for four new staff members were not available and were not on the premises. G.S. 110-91( 9) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than 5-13-24 describing accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected and a plan to prevent future violations. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • A follow-up visit will be made in the near future to monitor for compliance. • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: • Please have a mandatory staff meeting to reiterate to the staff the importance of maintaining compliance with all child care requirements for the safety of the children. • Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Suggestions were made to hire additional staff for coverage when staff call out of work and/or are late to work and to increase pay from the hourly wage of $13.60 to attract more qualified applicants. • Supervision: Supervision was discussed in detail, along with examples of inadequate supervision. A handout titled “Active Supervision at-a-Glance - SIX STRATEGIES TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE was provided today as a resource. Children shall be adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision shall mean that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor areas and are able to always hear and see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. • Staff files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Having a staff file on each staff member and reviewing these staff files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records is a must. Under no circumstances should you allow a staff member to work/train at the facility without the required staff file documentation contained within their file. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for staff and children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A staff file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets to continue to keep all staff members current with their upcoming due dates for CPR/First Aid training, child maltreatment training, and health and safety training requirements. • Nurture & Care: Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. No child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied. When a caregiver is cursing/using inappropriate language in front of or around children, children form less positive attitudes towards the caregiver. Words have the capacity to either heal or cause harm; words have an ability to change the way another person thinks, feels, and performs. Encourage caregivers that are having a hard time and need a break from the children to come to management to request to step away, instead of their frustrations leading to inappropriate language or actions towards the children. Children need adults to teach, guide, and support them as they grow and learn. Caregivers play an important role in guiding children’s behavior in positive, supportive, and age-appropriate ways. Basic tips caregivers can use to guide children's behavior like, Keep rules simple and easy to understand; Say what you mean. Use “do” instead of “don’t” whenever possible; Talk with children – not “at” them; Talk with children – not “at” them; Set a good example; Give clear, simple choices; Show respect for children; Catch children being good. All children want attention. It is better to give them positive attention for good behavior than negative attention for misbehavior; and Teach children how to resolve conflict and solve problems, were examples provided today. • Please visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Contact me if you have questions or concerns: Bridggette Campbell PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0324-008A Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 33 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 11:10 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Monica Pearson, director accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Pearson and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On January 17, 2024, a staff member spoke harshly to children. G.S. 110-91(10) 904 Child was handled roughly. On February 29, 2024, a staff member grabbed a four-year-old child resulting in a scratch near the child's collarbone. .1803(a)(1) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. On February 29, 2024, a staff member failed to provide a treat to two (2) children for purposes of discipline. .1803(a)(4-6) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC Facility ID: 9255139 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 37 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced assessment. This facility currently operates with a 3 Star License effective 7-23-21. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 8-2-23. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by you, Kier Malone, new center director, and you assisted me with the visit. You accompanied me during a walk-through of the four classrooms occupied by children. Medications were monitored, fire drills along with the required postings were monitored and in compliance. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision, discipline, and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children were observed during naptime, on cots with linens. The caregiver for the infants was nurturing and was observed caring for their basic needs. During today’s visit, an assessment of applicable child care requirements was conducted. The following violations of child care requirements were cited and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance with the requirements was offered during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections for the past twelve months could not be located. .0605(q) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There were two staff members present that did not have staff files on the premises. G.S. 110-91( 9) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a letter must be sent to me no later than 1-25-24 stating how the items were corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a correction letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. If I do not receive your letter by 1-25-2a\4 4nd/or if you do not address the violations a return visit to your program may be made to monitor for compliance of violations. Additional violations may be documented if the situation has not been corrected or addressed. The following were discussed with you today: • You indicated that there was a change in management about a month ago adding you and the new center director at this facility. Since you and the center director have been promoted to management, if you would like a technical assistant visit to ensure you understand the child care requirements, please contact me and I will be happy to schedule a visit to assist you. • The center director needs to please submit to me asap the Pre-Service Requirements for Administrators form. • For additional training that may benefit you as new management and your caregivers, contact Child Care Services Association, https://www.childcareservices.org/ (919) 967-3272 for assistance. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Contact me if you have questions or concerns: Bridggette Campbell PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times