10A NCAC 09 .0102 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: SCOTT MOORE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/24/2026 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 2/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 11:35 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit, including the Corrective Action Plan included in the Probationary Administrative Action issued by the DCDEE to this facility on 01/08/2026. The Probationary license and Administrative Action were posted in the entrance area. Probationary licenses were posted at both entrances. The Administrative Action was in the top part of a sign in binder and open for view on the entry table. The AA must remain posted until the Probationary license ends, and a new rated license is issued. Today’s visit was conducted with Ms. Lakisha Milling, Administrator. Ms. Milling accompanied me on today’s visit. Ms. Taylor, Administrator/Owner, was not present. I monitored the indoor and outdoor environments for compliance with child care requirements. I monitored for compliance with supervision, discipline, ratios, group size, capacity, permit restrictions, CPR/FA, ITS-SIDS, and CBC during today's visit. The children were observed participating in routine activities in their rooms and playing outside. Supervision was observed to be in compliance. Positive teacher/child interactions were observed and overheard during inspection. Prior to inspection, on 2/19/26, Ms. Taylor sent me via email an action plan addressing the requirements of each item on the administrative action plan. The plan submitted mentioned in several places things having been provided, or attached, but there was no items attached to the email or provided outside of the written action plan received. As such, this being my first visit to the operation, all items related to the Administrative Action were observed for the first time by me in person during this inspection. The Administrative Action requirements and compliance with each item is noted below: 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements. *2 violations pertaining to lead paint testing and asbestos testing were cited. I communicated prior to inspection via email on 2/16/26 that the enrollment in these testing requirements needed to be completed ASAP. Information was provided on how to accomplish this task along with website links. During inspection it was observed that the operation's status is still listed as enrollment started and not completed. 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and the Administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. Within three (3) days after the technical assistance/coaching visits have been completed, documentation shall be submitted to Scott Moore. *The 3 visits are due by 4/8/26. During inspection I observed that Deanna with Early Learning years visited on 2/18/26 for 3 hours in the infant room. Topics covered were supervision, learning and development support, and classroom management. I observed emails which show visits scheduled for 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, and 3/25. Documentation of the visit on 2/18 was not submitted to me within the 3 days outlined in the rule. A reminder that this condition stipulates that all staff shall participate in these sessions. This requirement is ongoing. 3.Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. Within three (3) days after the training has been completed, training certificates for each staff member shall be submitted to Mr. Moore. *During inspection I observed certificates on file for all present employees, 2 employees not present, and both Administrators showing that Active Supervision Counts training was completed. Documentation of completion was not submitted to me within the 3 days after the training completion. Certificates showed completion dates of 2/12, 2/13, 2/15, 2/16, and 2/17. This requirement has been met. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, telephone 443-545-3063, website https://www.cceionline.com/child-care-director-training/, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education • Hiring and Developing Staff Members Within three (3) days after the training has been completed, training certificates for all administrative staff shall be submitted to Mr. Moore *This requirement was due 1/23/26. Prior to inspection I received documentation from Ms. Taylor via email which stated these courses would be completed by 2/27/26. During inspection I observed printouts showing that both Administrators were enrolled in all 3 courses. Ms. Milling told me they would be completed by 2/27/26. This requirement is ongoing. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website, and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. Training must be completed and all staff in the ABCMS portal within four (4) weeks of receipt of this notice. Within three (3) days after completing the training, documentation shall be submitted to Mr. Moore. *This requirement was due 2/8/26. Prior to inspection I observed the operation to have a roster in the ABCMS system indicating that the training and setup process was completed. During inspection I noted all present caregivers to be listed on the ABCMS roster. Documentation was not received within 3 days of completion of the training as outlined in the requirement. This requirement has been met. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. The written plan shall be submitted to Mr. Moore for review. *This requirement was due 1/30/26. I observed multiple copies of staff evaluation forms in the Administrative Action Binder. None of the forms have been completed yet. Ms. Milling stated that they are going to start conducting the staff evaluations this week. A copy of the staff evaluation form was obtained during inspection. A copy of the plan was not submitted prior to inspection as outlined in the rule. This requirement is ongoing. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). The operation was observed to not have completed enrollment in lead paint testing. The operation was previously contacted on 2/16/26 and notified of this and provided guidance to get this completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). The operation was observed to not have completed enrollment in lead asbestos testing. The operation was previously contacted on 2/16/26 and notified of this and provided guidance to get this completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be mailed by March 10, 2026 stating that all violations have been corrected. The letter can be emailed to scott.moore@dhhs.nc.gov or mailed to: DHHS Division of Child Development 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 ATTN: Scott Moore If you state in the compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, this will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by March 10, 2026 you must contact me with a proposed timeline of the corrections. In some cases the timeline may be extended. You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history score of at least 75% for the past eighteen months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action. Violations cited during today's visit may negatively impact your compliance score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Please refer back to my email on 2/16/26 regarding completion of enrollment in lead paint and asbestos testing. Enrollment is required to be completed, but the testing does not need to be completed yet. Ms. Milling requested additional information about Pathway 2. I sent a Pathway 2 email during inspection that provided guidance on the requirements, forms, and approved curriculums/assessments. If you have any questions or concerns I can be reached at scott.moore@dhhs.nc.gov or 984-389-7839. Supervisor Michele Remington can be reached 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: SCOTT MOORE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/24/2026 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 2/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 11:35 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit, including the Corrective Action Plan included in the Probationary Administrative Action issued by the DCDEE to this facility on 01/08/2026. The Probationary license and Administrative Action were posted in the entrance area. Probationary licenses were posted at both entrances. The Administrative Action was in the top part of a sign in binder and open for view on the entry table. The AA must remain posted until the Probationary license ends, and a new rated license is issued. Today’s visit was conducted with Ms. Lakisha Milling, Administrator. Ms. Milling accompanied me on today’s visit. Ms. Taylor, Administrator/Owner, was not present. I monitored the indoor and outdoor environments for compliance with child care requirements. I monitored for compliance with supervision, discipline, ratios, group size, capacity, permit restrictions, CPR/FA, ITS-SIDS, and CBC during today's visit. The children were observed participating in routine activities in their rooms and playing outside. Supervision was observed to be in compliance. Positive teacher/child interactions were observed and overheard during inspection. Prior to inspection, on 2/19/26, Ms. Taylor sent me via email an action plan addressing the requirements of each item on the administrative action plan. The plan submitted mentioned in several places things having been provided, or attached, but there was no items attached to the email or provided outside of the written action plan received. As such, this being my first visit to the operation, all items related to the Administrative Action were observed for the first time by me in person during this inspection. The Administrative Action requirements and compliance with each item is noted below: 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements. *2 violations pertaining to lead paint testing and asbestos testing were cited. I communicated prior to inspection via email on 2/16/26 that the enrollment in these testing requirements needed to be completed ASAP. Information was provided on how to accomplish this task along with website links. During inspection it was observed that the operation's status is still listed as enrollment started and not completed. 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and the Administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. Within three (3) days after the technical assistance/coaching visits have been completed, documentation shall be submitted to Scott Moore. *The 3 visits are due by 4/8/26. During inspection I observed that Deanna with Early Learning years visited on 2/18/26 for 3 hours in the infant room. Topics covered were supervision, learning and development support, and classroom management. I observed emails which show visits scheduled for 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, and 3/25. Documentation of the visit on 2/18 was not submitted to me within the 3 days outlined in the rule. A reminder that this condition stipulates that all staff shall participate in these sessions. This requirement is ongoing. 3.Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. Within three (3) days after the training has been completed, training certificates for each staff member shall be submitted to Mr. Moore. *During inspection I observed certificates on file for all present employees, 2 employees not present, and both Administrators showing that Active Supervision Counts training was completed. Documentation of completion was not submitted to me within the 3 days after the training completion. Certificates showed completion dates of 2/12, 2/13, 2/15, 2/16, and 2/17. This requirement has been met. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, telephone 443-545-3063, website https://www.cceionline.com/child-care-director-training/, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education • Hiring and Developing Staff Members Within three (3) days after the training has been completed, training certificates for all administrative staff shall be submitted to Mr. Moore *This requirement was due 1/23/26. Prior to inspection I received documentation from Ms. Taylor via email which stated these courses would be completed by 2/27/26. During inspection I observed printouts showing that both Administrators were enrolled in all 3 courses. Ms. Milling told me they would be completed by 2/27/26. This requirement is ongoing. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website, and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. Training must be completed and all staff in the ABCMS portal within four (4) weeks of receipt of this notice. Within three (3) days after completing the training, documentation shall be submitted to Mr. Moore. *This requirement was due 2/8/26. Prior to inspection I observed the operation to have a roster in the ABCMS system indicating that the training and setup process was completed. During inspection I noted all present caregivers to be listed on the ABCMS roster. Documentation was not received within 3 days of completion of the training as outlined in the requirement. This requirement has been met. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. The written plan shall be submitted to Mr. Moore for review. *This requirement was due 1/30/26. I observed multiple copies of staff evaluation forms in the Administrative Action Binder. None of the forms have been completed yet. Ms. Milling stated that they are going to start conducting the staff evaluations this week. A copy of the staff evaluation form was obtained during inspection. A copy of the plan was not submitted prior to inspection as outlined in the rule. This requirement is ongoing. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). The operation was observed to not have completed enrollment in lead paint testing. The operation was previously contacted on 2/16/26 and notified of this and provided guidance to get this completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). The operation was observed to not have completed enrollment in lead asbestos testing. The operation was previously contacted on 2/16/26 and notified of this and provided guidance to get this completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be mailed by March 10, 2026 stating that all violations have been corrected. The letter can be emailed to scott.moore@dhhs.nc.gov or mailed to: DHHS Division of Child Development 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 ATTN: Scott Moore If you state in the compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, this will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by March 10, 2026 you must contact me with a proposed timeline of the corrections. In some cases the timeline may be extended. You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history score of at least 75% for the past eighteen months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action. Violations cited during today's visit may negatively impact your compliance score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Please refer back to my email on 2/16/26 regarding completion of enrollment in lead paint and asbestos testing. Enrollment is required to be completed, but the testing does not need to be completed yet. Ms. Milling requested additional information about Pathway 2. I sent a Pathway 2 email during inspection that provided guidance on the requirements, forms, and approved curriculums/assessments. If you have any questions or concerns I can be reached at scott.moore@dhhs.nc.gov or 984-389-7839. Supervisor Michele Remington can be reached 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: SCOTT MOORE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/24/2026 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 2/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 11:35 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit, including the Corrective Action Plan included in the Probationary Administrative Action issued by the DCDEE to this facility on 01/08/2026. The Probationary license and Administrative Action were posted in the entrance area. Probationary licenses were posted at both entrances. The Administrative Action was in the top part of a sign in binder and open for view on the entry table. The AA must remain posted until the Probationary license ends, and a new rated license is issued. Today’s visit was conducted with Ms. Lakisha Milling, Administrator. Ms. Milling accompanied me on today’s visit. Ms. Taylor, Administrator/Owner, was not present. I monitored the indoor and outdoor environments for compliance with child care requirements. I monitored for compliance with supervision, discipline, ratios, group size, capacity, permit restrictions, CPR/FA, ITS-SIDS, and CBC during today's visit. The children were observed participating in routine activities in their rooms and playing outside. Supervision was observed to be in compliance. Positive teacher/child interactions were observed and overheard during inspection. Prior to inspection, on 2/19/26, Ms. Taylor sent me via email an action plan addressing the requirements of each item on the administrative action plan. The plan submitted mentioned in several places things having been provided, or attached, but there was no items attached to the email or provided outside of the written action plan received. As such, this being my first visit to the operation, all items related to the Administrative Action were observed for the first time by me in person during this inspection. The Administrative Action requirements and compliance with each item is noted below: 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements. *2 violations pertaining to lead paint testing and asbestos testing were cited. I communicated prior to inspection via email on 2/16/26 that the enrollment in these testing requirements needed to be completed ASAP. Information was provided on how to accomplish this task along with website links. During inspection it was observed that the operation's status is still listed as enrollment started and not completed. 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and the Administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. Within three (3) days after the technical assistance/coaching visits have been completed, documentation shall be submitted to Scott Moore. *The 3 visits are due by 4/8/26. During inspection I observed that Deanna with Early Learning years visited on 2/18/26 for 3 hours in the infant room. Topics covered were supervision, learning and development support, and classroom management. I observed emails which show visits scheduled for 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, and 3/25. Documentation of the visit on 2/18 was not submitted to me within the 3 days outlined in the rule. A reminder that this condition stipulates that all staff shall participate in these sessions. This requirement is ongoing. 3.Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. Within three (3) days after the training has been completed, training certificates for each staff member shall be submitted to Mr. Moore. *During inspection I observed certificates on file for all present employees, 2 employees not present, and both Administrators showing that Active Supervision Counts training was completed. Documentation of completion was not submitted to me within the 3 days after the training completion. Certificates showed completion dates of 2/12, 2/13, 2/15, 2/16, and 2/17. This requirement has been met. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, telephone 443-545-3063, website https://www.cceionline.com/child-care-director-training/, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education • Hiring and Developing Staff Members Within three (3) days after the training has been completed, training certificates for all administrative staff shall be submitted to Mr. Moore *This requirement was due 1/23/26. Prior to inspection I received documentation from Ms. Taylor via email which stated these courses would be completed by 2/27/26. During inspection I observed printouts showing that both Administrators were enrolled in all 3 courses. Ms. Milling told me they would be completed by 2/27/26. This requirement is ongoing. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website, and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. Training must be completed and all staff in the ABCMS portal within four (4) weeks of receipt of this notice. Within three (3) days after completing the training, documentation shall be submitted to Mr. Moore. *This requirement was due 2/8/26. Prior to inspection I observed the operation to have a roster in the ABCMS system indicating that the training and setup process was completed. During inspection I noted all present caregivers to be listed on the ABCMS roster. Documentation was not received within 3 days of completion of the training as outlined in the requirement. This requirement has been met. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. The written plan shall be submitted to Mr. Moore for review. *This requirement was due 1/30/26. I observed multiple copies of staff evaluation forms in the Administrative Action Binder. None of the forms have been completed yet. Ms. Milling stated that they are going to start conducting the staff evaluations this week. A copy of the staff evaluation form was obtained during inspection. A copy of the plan was not submitted prior to inspection as outlined in the rule. This requirement is ongoing. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). The operation was observed to not have completed enrollment in lead paint testing. The operation was previously contacted on 2/16/26 and notified of this and provided guidance to get this completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) 1959 The child care center was not free of asbestos hazards as defined in G.S. 130A-444(2) and 10A NCAC 09 .0102(4). The operation was observed to not have completed enrollment in lead asbestos testing. The operation was previously contacted on 2/16/26 and notified of this and provided guidance to get this completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be mailed by March 10, 2026 stating that all violations have been corrected. The letter can be emailed to scott.moore@dhhs.nc.gov or mailed to: DHHS Division of Child Development 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 ATTN: Scott Moore If you state in the compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, this will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by March 10, 2026 you must contact me with a proposed timeline of the corrections. In some cases the timeline may be extended. You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history score of at least 75% for the past eighteen months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action. Violations cited during today's visit may negatively impact your compliance score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Please refer back to my email on 2/16/26 regarding completion of enrollment in lead paint and asbestos testing. Enrollment is required to be completed, but the testing does not need to be completed yet. Ms. Milling requested additional information about Pathway 2. I sent a Pathway 2 email during inspection that provided guidance on the requirements, forms, and approved curriculums/assessments. If you have any questions or concerns I can be reached at scott.moore@dhhs.nc.gov or 984-389-7839. Supervisor Michele Remington can be reached 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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: SCOTT MOORE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-010L Visit Date: 2/12/2026 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 2/12/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to investigate complaint allegations of child care requirements. Michele Remington, Wake County Licensing Supervisor was also present. Today’s visit was conducted with Monique Taylor, Owner and LaKisha Milling, Administrator. I verified that the owner of the center, Little Hearts Academy, LLC is listed as current, active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 2-12-26. The center is currently operating with a Probationary License as the result of an Administrative Action for the period of time from 1-8-26 to 7-8-26. The program operates 1st and 2nd shift with 1st shift hours of 6:00am to 2:30pm and 2nd shift hours being 2:30pm to 12 midnight. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Staff/child ratios, space capacity and safe environment were monitored and observed to be in compliance. An ABCMS Provider Portal has been established and all staff employed with the center have been linked. As a reminder you will need to go into the provider portal and remove staff who are no longer employed with the center. If there are any staff who are not showing connected to the facility you will also need to complete this task as well. The allegation is that staff/child ratios are not maintained in compliance during various times of the day. Ms. Taylor and Ms. Milling stated that there have been times when children have been moved to other classrooms due to staff absence and those children are counted for on the attendance sheet for the classroom in which they are temporarily transferred to. During the visit, all classrooms were observed to be operating within the required staff/child ratios as required in Child Care Rule .2818. Staff were observed visually supervising children and space capacity did not exceed that which was allowed. During the walk-through, there were inconsistencies in multiple classrooms between what the staff reported related the ages of children present and enrolled. In the classroom for infants, the staff member stated there were 6 children enrolled ages 0-12 months and 4 present, all under age 1 yrs old. The daily sign in/out sheet had the ages of two infants as 3 months old, however both children were 1 yr old. Administration verified there were four children ages 0-12 months enrolled (2 present) and two children age one year old enrolled (2 present). In the classroom for 2 yr olds, the staff member stated that there were seven children age 2 years old enrolled and five present and she additionally had four children , age 3 yrs old from another classroom. Administration verified that there are six children age two years old enrolled and five were present and four children age 3 years old were additionally present who are enrolled in another classroom. However, when we went to the classroom for children ages 3-5 yrs old, there were nine children present, one of whom the director thought was in the classroom for 2 yrs old. She stated she had moved four children earlier to maintain ratios. The staff member in the classroom for children ages 3-5 yrs old stated that there were seven, children age 3 yrs old, two children age 4 yrs old enrolled and four children age 3 yrs old and five children age 4 yrs present. Administration verified there are thirteen children age 3 yrs old, seven children age 4 yrs old, one child age 5 yrs old enrolled: five children age 3 yrs old, three children age 4 yrs old and one child age 5 yrs old present. Once Administrative staff realized a child age 3 yrs old had returned to the classroom, the number present was corrected. We discussed who makes the decision to move children to other rooms, who is responsible for physically moving the children and signing them in/out of each classroom. We suggested that only administrative staff move children and be responsible for updating classroom documents. Accurate sign-in/out records also protect the programs during practice drills or real-life emergency situations, accurate documentation can assist staff and emergency personnel to ensure all adults and children are accounted for in an emergency situation. There were two children age 4 yrs old on the sign in/out record for the classroom for school age children. Ms. Wimberly was told those children go to school, however DCDEE does not consider children to be school age until the first day of kindergarten. The two children ages 4 yrs old are in a PreK program not kindergarten. If those children are mixed with school age children, the ratio for 4 yrs olds must be met. During the visit, Ms. Remington and Ms. Taylor checked the posted staff:child ratio sheets in each classroom. The sheets need to be updated to reflect the age of the youngest child enrolled in the classroom, the ratio for that age and on the line for maximum capacity, the space capacity of the room OR the maximum group size whichever is smaller. Currently all listed the maximum group size, and, in some cases, this would exceed the space capacity of the classroom. Ms. Taylor stated she would update the information. I reviewed children’s attendance records and staff schedules for 1-30-26. There were four children present in the Infant Room. There were six children present in the Toddler room. The Two’s classroom was documented as closed on this day. The Three’s classroom was documented as closed on this day. There were fifteen children present in the PreK (ages three to five) room. The school-age classroom was documented as closed on this day. A review of staff sign-in and sign-out documentation revealed that records for staff attendance were not maintained accurately and consistently for 1-30-26. Ms. Milling reached out to an outside entity who handles payroll for assistance in obtaining documentation for proof of staffing schedules for this day. The information which was submitted to me indicated that on 1-30-26, there were two staff present between the hours of 6:02am to 1:05pm. A third staff member arrived at 1:05pm. The documentation showed that at 3:52pm, there were four staff members present in addition to the Administrator. I discussed with Ms. Taylor and Ms. Milling that there was uncertainty as to how there were only two staff present during the hours of 6:02am and 1:05pm if four classrooms were open and children present. Ms. Milling stated that she is at the center all day but there were no documented arrival and departure times for her, as she holds an exempt leadership position and is not required to use the time-clock system. During our discussion, Ms. Milling submitted handwritten forms titled “Ratio & Lunch Sheet” which indicated the name of the staff member who was present with each classroom for 1-30-26 but there was no documentation on file for the actual hours that each staff member worked. Three staff members were documented on the “Ratio & Lunch Sheet” but there was no information on file submitted by the payroll office indicating what hours the three staff members worked. Ms. Taylor stated that they have had issues with staff forgetting to sign-in and sign-out. Directors should ensure that all staff consistently sign in when they arrive and sign out when they leave. Accurate time-tracking is essential for maintaining accountability, verifying that classrooms are properly staffed throughout the day and supporting compliance with staff-child ratios. Reliable sign-in/out records also protect the programs during audits, assist with payroll accuracy and help Administration clearly identify who is responsible for children at any given time. During today’s visit, all classrooms were observed to be in compliance with required ratios. Information gathered during interviews and review of records did not provide sufficient evidence to support violations of child care requirements for previous dates. We were unable to determine non-compliance with ratios as indicated in the complaint allegation. Therefore, the allegation regarding staff/child ratios is unconfirmed. There was an allegation related to meal services; that meals are not adequately sufficient and nutritionally adequate. I monitored the posted menu and the food which was being prepared and served today. I observed that the food served to the children matched that on the posted menu. Portions were observed in compliance with requirements within USDA guidelines. Food allergies were posted as required. The allegation is unconfirmed due to the fact there is no supporting evidence that violations of child care requirements regarding menus and nutrition occurred. While the allegations in the report were not substantiated, two violations unrelated to the allegations were observed and cited pertaining to daily sign in/out and daily attendance records. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due no later than February 26, 2026 and can be e-mailed or mailed tot he address at the bottom of this report. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Daily record of arrival and departure times were not accurate; children were marked present (or present in the classroom) that were not signed in/out as required. Four children were transported to local elementary schools this morning and were not signed out on the daily sign in/out records. Additionally, a child was not signed in by the parent, the child was present in the classroom and upon request the director signed the child in on the daily sign in/our record. Another child was signed in on another classroom by the parent; upon request this was corrected by the director (she crossed out the information on the wrong classroom and signed the child into the correct classroom sign in/out record. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. There were discrepancies in documentation with which classrooms children were actually being cared for in during my visit. G.S. 110-91(9) Technical Assistance: *The importance of maintaining accurate, up-to-date attendance records was reviewed with Ms. Taylor and Ms. Milling. Guidance was provided on implementing consistent documentation practices, including real-time updates (when children leave for programs outside of the center), clear classroom rosters and routine verification of head counts. The center was advised to tweak the existing system or implement a new one to ensure attendance records are accurate, organized and reflective of the children present and enrolled. When attendance and daily sign in/out records are not organized and accurate, it makes it difficult for the center to demonstrate compliance with ratios at all times and may impact emergency accountability procedures. The owner/Director is responsible for transitioning children between classrooms and ensuring they are signed in and out on the appropriate classroom attendance records. This would prevent missing information and ensure children’s classroom transitions are accurately documented. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this report. Kim Wimberly PO Box 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 kim.wimberly@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: SCOTT MOORE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-010L Visit Date: 2/12/2026 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 2/12/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to investigate complaint allegations of child care requirements. Michele Remington, Wake County Licensing Supervisor was also present. Today’s visit was conducted with Monique Taylor, Owner and LaKisha Milling, Administrator. I verified that the owner of the center, Little Hearts Academy, LLC is listed as current, active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 2-12-26. The center is currently operating with a Probationary License as the result of an Administrative Action for the period of time from 1-8-26 to 7-8-26. The program operates 1st and 2nd shift with 1st shift hours of 6:00am to 2:30pm and 2nd shift hours being 2:30pm to 12 midnight. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Staff/child ratios, space capacity and safe environment were monitored and observed to be in compliance. An ABCMS Provider Portal has been established and all staff employed with the center have been linked. As a reminder you will need to go into the provider portal and remove staff who are no longer employed with the center. If there are any staff who are not showing connected to the facility you will also need to complete this task as well. The allegation is that staff/child ratios are not maintained in compliance during various times of the day. Ms. Taylor and Ms. Milling stated that there have been times when children have been moved to other classrooms due to staff absence and those children are counted for on the attendance sheet for the classroom in which they are temporarily transferred to. During the visit, all classrooms were observed to be operating within the required staff/child ratios as required in Child Care Rule .2818. Staff were observed visually supervising children and space capacity did not exceed that which was allowed. During the walk-through, there were inconsistencies in multiple classrooms between what the staff reported related the ages of children present and enrolled. In the classroom for infants, the staff member stated there were 6 children enrolled ages 0-12 months and 4 present, all under age 1 yrs old. The daily sign in/out sheet had the ages of two infants as 3 months old, however both children were 1 yr old. Administration verified there were four children ages 0-12 months enrolled (2 present) and two children age one year old enrolled (2 present). In the classroom for 2 yr olds, the staff member stated that there were seven children age 2 years old enrolled and five present and she additionally had four children , age 3 yrs old from another classroom. Administration verified that there are six children age two years old enrolled and five were present and four children age 3 years old were additionally present who are enrolled in another classroom. However, when we went to the classroom for children ages 3-5 yrs old, there were nine children present, one of whom the director thought was in the classroom for 2 yrs old. She stated she had moved four children earlier to maintain ratios. The staff member in the classroom for children ages 3-5 yrs old stated that there were seven, children age 3 yrs old, two children age 4 yrs old enrolled and four children age 3 yrs old and five children age 4 yrs present. Administration verified there are thirteen children age 3 yrs old, seven children age 4 yrs old, one child age 5 yrs old enrolled: five children age 3 yrs old, three children age 4 yrs old and one child age 5 yrs old present. Once Administrative staff realized a child age 3 yrs old had returned to the classroom, the number present was corrected. We discussed who makes the decision to move children to other rooms, who is responsible for physically moving the children and signing them in/out of each classroom. We suggested that only administrative staff move children and be responsible for updating classroom documents. Accurate sign-in/out records also protect the programs during practice drills or real-life emergency situations, accurate documentation can assist staff and emergency personnel to ensure all adults and children are accounted for in an emergency situation. There were two children age 4 yrs old on the sign in/out record for the classroom for school age children. Ms. Wimberly was told those children go to school, however DCDEE does not consider children to be school age until the first day of kindergarten. The two children ages 4 yrs old are in a PreK program not kindergarten. If those children are mixed with school age children, the ratio for 4 yrs olds must be met. During the visit, Ms. Remington and Ms. Taylor checked the posted staff:child ratio sheets in each classroom. The sheets need to be updated to reflect the age of the youngest child enrolled in the classroom, the ratio for that age and on the line for maximum capacity, the space capacity of the room OR the maximum group size whichever is smaller. Currently all listed the maximum group size, and, in some cases, this would exceed the space capacity of the classroom. Ms. Taylor stated she would update the information. I reviewed children’s attendance records and staff schedules for 1-30-26. There were four children present in the Infant Room. There were six children present in the Toddler room. The Two’s classroom was documented as closed on this day. The Three’s classroom was documented as closed on this day. There were fifteen children present in the PreK (ages three to five) room. The school-age classroom was documented as closed on this day. A review of staff sign-in and sign-out documentation revealed that records for staff attendance were not maintained accurately and consistently for 1-30-26. Ms. Milling reached out to an outside entity who handles payroll for assistance in obtaining documentation for proof of staffing schedules for this day. The information which was submitted to me indicated that on 1-30-26, there were two staff present between the hours of 6:02am to 1:05pm. A third staff member arrived at 1:05pm. The documentation showed that at 3:52pm, there were four staff members present in addition to the Administrator. I discussed with Ms. Taylor and Ms. Milling that there was uncertainty as to how there were only two staff present during the hours of 6:02am and 1:05pm if four classrooms were open and children present. Ms. Milling stated that she is at the center all day but there were no documented arrival and departure times for her, as she holds an exempt leadership position and is not required to use the time-clock system. During our discussion, Ms. Milling submitted handwritten forms titled “Ratio & Lunch Sheet” which indicated the name of the staff member who was present with each classroom for 1-30-26 but there was no documentation on file for the actual hours that each staff member worked. Three staff members were documented on the “Ratio & Lunch Sheet” but there was no information on file submitted by the payroll office indicating what hours the three staff members worked. Ms. Taylor stated that they have had issues with staff forgetting to sign-in and sign-out. Directors should ensure that all staff consistently sign in when they arrive and sign out when they leave. Accurate time-tracking is essential for maintaining accountability, verifying that classrooms are properly staffed throughout the day and supporting compliance with staff-child ratios. Reliable sign-in/out records also protect the programs during audits, assist with payroll accuracy and help Administration clearly identify who is responsible for children at any given time. During today’s visit, all classrooms were observed to be in compliance with required ratios. Information gathered during interviews and review of records did not provide sufficient evidence to support violations of child care requirements for previous dates. We were unable to determine non-compliance with ratios as indicated in the complaint allegation. Therefore, the allegation regarding staff/child ratios is unconfirmed. There was an allegation related to meal services; that meals are not adequately sufficient and nutritionally adequate. I monitored the posted menu and the food which was being prepared and served today. I observed that the food served to the children matched that on the posted menu. Portions were observed in compliance with requirements within USDA guidelines. Food allergies were posted as required. The allegation is unconfirmed due to the fact there is no supporting evidence that violations of child care requirements regarding menus and nutrition occurred. While the allegations in the report were not substantiated, two violations unrelated to the allegations were observed and cited pertaining to daily sign in/out and daily attendance records. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due no later than February 26, 2026 and can be e-mailed or mailed tot he address at the bottom of this report. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Daily record of arrival and departure times were not accurate; children were marked present (or present in the classroom) that were not signed in/out as required. Four children were transported to local elementary schools this morning and were not signed out on the daily sign in/out records. Additionally, a child was not signed in by the parent, the child was present in the classroom and upon request the director signed the child in on the daily sign in/our record. Another child was signed in on another classroom by the parent; upon request this was corrected by the director (she crossed out the information on the wrong classroom and signed the child into the correct classroom sign in/out record. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. There were discrepancies in documentation with which classrooms children were actually being cared for in during my visit. G.S. 110-91(9) Technical Assistance: *The importance of maintaining accurate, up-to-date attendance records was reviewed with Ms. Taylor and Ms. Milling. Guidance was provided on implementing consistent documentation practices, including real-time updates (when children leave for programs outside of the center), clear classroom rosters and routine verification of head counts. The center was advised to tweak the existing system or implement a new one to ensure attendance records are accurate, organized and reflective of the children present and enrolled. When attendance and daily sign in/out records are not organized and accurate, it makes it difficult for the center to demonstrate compliance with ratios at all times and may impact emergency accountability procedures. The owner/Director is responsible for transitioning children between classrooms and ensuring they are signed in and out on the appropriate classroom attendance records. This would prevent missing information and ensure children’s classroom transitions are accurately documented. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this report. Kim Wimberly PO Box 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 kim.wimberly@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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:32 AM Time Out: 12:37 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 follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and verify the date the facility received the final Notice of Administrative action (probationary license), which was mailed by DCDEE on 1/8/2026. Today’s visit was conducted with new director Cierra Baker, assistant director Joaneace Massenburg and Ms. Taylor (owner/director) arrived during the visit. Amber Telfair, Investigations consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. DCDEE received a response letter from Ms. Taylor and OAH information on 12/09/2025. The final notice was mailed to Ms. Taylor on January 8th, 2026, and Ms. Taylor confirmed receipt of the final notice on January 14th, 2026. The Probationary license was observed posted and the action was observed in an open binder on the table just below the license. When asked, Ms. Taylor stated she is not appealing this administrative action. * please put a copy of the action in a clear sheet protector and hang it on the bulletin board next to the probationary license on both the infant/toddler side and the preschool side of the facility. You can also keep the binder on the table for parents to review. We conducted a walkthrough of the three classrooms open today. I was informed that there are three school-age children enrolled but only attend after care. There are no before care children enrolled at this time. Transportation by the facility was suspended on 1/12/2026. The classrooms were found in compliance with ratios and group size, mixing of ages, and supervision. While obtaining the total enrollment/number present for each classroom I observed three systems being used: 1) attendance, 2) head counts, and 3) sign-in and out sheets. Following review of all forms of attendance it was determined that all three forms (attendance, head count and sign in and out) did not match related to the number of children enrolled or present in the classrooms, or the name to face did not match the children present in space 2- preschool and space 6- 2’s. I reviewed the daily sign in and out sheets, at 10 am today, the sign in sheets were not being completed by parents or staff as children arrived. There were only seven children signed in this morning and there were twenty-three children present during the visit. Seven staff files were reviewed during today’s visit and found in compliance. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Attendance rosters, name to face rosters and sign in and out logs did not reflect the number of children present, number of children enrolled and present in the open rooms with enrollment and did not reflect the movement of children to a different room 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Breakfast and lunch listed on the menu was not what was stated or observed served today. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation of childcare requirements related to menus was cited. It is acceptable practice to change the components that are served for a meal but prior to serving the menu should be changed and parents should be informed of the changes to be made on any given day. A violation regarding sign in and out/attendance/head count documentation was cited. I understand you hired an assistant director to take care of this process and that you are rejoining the food program and will be using their attendance forms, all documentation regarding attendance needs to match across the board whether typed, handwritten or what forms are being used to track it. The administrative action corrective action plan was reviewed today, and the following was discussed for Ms. Taylor to begin working on: 1. The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care • North Carolina General Statutes § 110-90.2(b)(d) & Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e)(o) & .1101(a) regarding criminal background checks and orientation • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding enhanced staff/child ratios • Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), -.0606(a) & -.0607(e) regarding safe environment 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and Flexcia Dowell, administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, telephone number 919-403-6950, email wendyp@earlyyearsnc.org, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. Special emphasis shall be placed on strategies for supervision, staff/child ratios, age-appropriate classroom management skills, and appropriately meeting the developmental needs of the children. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. contacted on 1/23/2026 3. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation (2 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/program-leadership-staff-retention-and-motivation/) • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/developing-leadership-in-early-care-and-education/) • Hiring and Developing Staff Members (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/hiring-anddeveloping-staff-members/) Due: Register by 1/28/2026 and submit registration to me. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action. Please list your facility name, ID#, item # of the violation cited, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please submit this letter of corrective action by February 4th, 2026. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Mailing address: Michele Hirsch, Child Care Consultant 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 At the completion of the visit, a pre-typed visit summary was filled in and reviewed, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of my visit and informed that an electronically generated visit summary will be sent via email in 24-48 hours of today’s visit. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 919-819-9364 or via email at michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov) or my supervisor Michele Remington, michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:32 AM Time Out: 12:37 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 follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and verify the date the facility received the final Notice of Administrative action (probationary license), which was mailed by DCDEE on 1/8/2026. Today’s visit was conducted with new director Cierra Baker, assistant director Joaneace Massenburg and Ms. Taylor (owner/director) arrived during the visit. Amber Telfair, Investigations consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. DCDEE received a response letter from Ms. Taylor and OAH information on 12/09/2025. The final notice was mailed to Ms. Taylor on January 8th, 2026, and Ms. Taylor confirmed receipt of the final notice on January 14th, 2026. The Probationary license was observed posted and the action was observed in an open binder on the table just below the license. When asked, Ms. Taylor stated she is not appealing this administrative action. * please put a copy of the action in a clear sheet protector and hang it on the bulletin board next to the probationary license on both the infant/toddler side and the preschool side of the facility. You can also keep the binder on the table for parents to review. We conducted a walkthrough of the three classrooms open today. I was informed that there are three school-age children enrolled but only attend after care. There are no before care children enrolled at this time. Transportation by the facility was suspended on 1/12/2026. The classrooms were found in compliance with ratios and group size, mixing of ages, and supervision. While obtaining the total enrollment/number present for each classroom I observed three systems being used: 1) attendance, 2) head counts, and 3) sign-in and out sheets. Following review of all forms of attendance it was determined that all three forms (attendance, head count and sign in and out) did not match related to the number of children enrolled or present in the classrooms, or the name to face did not match the children present in space 2- preschool and space 6- 2’s. I reviewed the daily sign in and out sheets, at 10 am today, the sign in sheets were not being completed by parents or staff as children arrived. There were only seven children signed in this morning and there were twenty-three children present during the visit. Seven staff files were reviewed during today’s visit and found in compliance. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Attendance rosters, name to face rosters and sign in and out logs did not reflect the number of children present, number of children enrolled and present in the open rooms with enrollment and did not reflect the movement of children to a different room 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Breakfast and lunch listed on the menu was not what was stated or observed served today. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation of childcare requirements related to menus was cited. It is acceptable practice to change the components that are served for a meal but prior to serving the menu should be changed and parents should be informed of the changes to be made on any given day. A violation regarding sign in and out/attendance/head count documentation was cited. I understand you hired an assistant director to take care of this process and that you are rejoining the food program and will be using their attendance forms, all documentation regarding attendance needs to match across the board whether typed, handwritten or what forms are being used to track it. The administrative action corrective action plan was reviewed today, and the following was discussed for Ms. Taylor to begin working on: 1. The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care • North Carolina General Statutes § 110-90.2(b)(d) & Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e)(o) & .1101(a) regarding criminal background checks and orientation • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding enhanced staff/child ratios • Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), -.0606(a) & -.0607(e) regarding safe environment 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and Flexcia Dowell, administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, telephone number 919-403-6950, email wendyp@earlyyearsnc.org, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. Special emphasis shall be placed on strategies for supervision, staff/child ratios, age-appropriate classroom management skills, and appropriately meeting the developmental needs of the children. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. contacted on 1/23/2026 3. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation (2 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/program-leadership-staff-retention-and-motivation/) • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/developing-leadership-in-early-care-and-education/) • Hiring and Developing Staff Members (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/hiring-anddeveloping-staff-members/) Due: Register by 1/28/2026 and submit registration to me. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action. Please list your facility name, ID#, item # of the violation cited, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please submit this letter of corrective action by February 4th, 2026. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Mailing address: Michele Hirsch, Child Care Consultant 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 At the completion of the visit, a pre-typed visit summary was filled in and reviewed, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of my visit and informed that an electronically generated visit summary will be sent via email in 24-48 hours of today’s visit. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 919-819-9364 or via email at michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov) or my supervisor Michele Remington, michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:32 AM Time Out: 12:37 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 follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and verify the date the facility received the final Notice of Administrative action (probationary license), which was mailed by DCDEE on 1/8/2026. Today’s visit was conducted with new director Cierra Baker, assistant director Joaneace Massenburg and Ms. Taylor (owner/director) arrived during the visit. Amber Telfair, Investigations consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. DCDEE received a response letter from Ms. Taylor and OAH information on 12/09/2025. The final notice was mailed to Ms. Taylor on January 8th, 2026, and Ms. Taylor confirmed receipt of the final notice on January 14th, 2026. The Probationary license was observed posted and the action was observed in an open binder on the table just below the license. When asked, Ms. Taylor stated she is not appealing this administrative action. * please put a copy of the action in a clear sheet protector and hang it on the bulletin board next to the probationary license on both the infant/toddler side and the preschool side of the facility. You can also keep the binder on the table for parents to review. We conducted a walkthrough of the three classrooms open today. I was informed that there are three school-age children enrolled but only attend after care. There are no before care children enrolled at this time. Transportation by the facility was suspended on 1/12/2026. The classrooms were found in compliance with ratios and group size, mixing of ages, and supervision. While obtaining the total enrollment/number present for each classroom I observed three systems being used: 1) attendance, 2) head counts, and 3) sign-in and out sheets. Following review of all forms of attendance it was determined that all three forms (attendance, head count and sign in and out) did not match related to the number of children enrolled or present in the classrooms, or the name to face did not match the children present in space 2- preschool and space 6- 2’s. I reviewed the daily sign in and out sheets, at 10 am today, the sign in sheets were not being completed by parents or staff as children arrived. There were only seven children signed in this morning and there were twenty-three children present during the visit. Seven staff files were reviewed during today’s visit and found in compliance. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Attendance rosters, name to face rosters and sign in and out logs did not reflect the number of children present, number of children enrolled and present in the open rooms with enrollment and did not reflect the movement of children to a different room 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Breakfast and lunch listed on the menu was not what was stated or observed served today. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation of childcare requirements related to menus was cited. It is acceptable practice to change the components that are served for a meal but prior to serving the menu should be changed and parents should be informed of the changes to be made on any given day. A violation regarding sign in and out/attendance/head count documentation was cited. I understand you hired an assistant director to take care of this process and that you are rejoining the food program and will be using their attendance forms, all documentation regarding attendance needs to match across the board whether typed, handwritten or what forms are being used to track it. The administrative action corrective action plan was reviewed today, and the following was discussed for Ms. Taylor to begin working on: 1. The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care • North Carolina General Statutes § 110-90.2(b)(d) & Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e)(o) & .1101(a) regarding criminal background checks and orientation • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding enhanced staff/child ratios • Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), -.0606(a) & -.0607(e) regarding safe environment 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and Flexcia Dowell, administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, telephone number 919-403-6950, email wendyp@earlyyearsnc.org, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. Special emphasis shall be placed on strategies for supervision, staff/child ratios, age-appropriate classroom management skills, and appropriately meeting the developmental needs of the children. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. contacted on 1/23/2026 3. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation (2 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/program-leadership-staff-retention-and-motivation/) • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/developing-leadership-in-early-care-and-education/) • Hiring and Developing Staff Members (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/hiring-anddeveloping-staff-members/) Due: Register by 1/28/2026 and submit registration to me. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action. Please list your facility name, ID#, item # of the violation cited, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please submit this letter of corrective action by February 4th, 2026. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Mailing address: Michele Hirsch, Child Care Consultant 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 At the completion of the visit, a pre-typed visit summary was filled in and reviewed, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of my visit and informed that an electronically generated visit summary will be sent via email in 24-48 hours of today’s visit. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 919-819-9364 or via email at michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov) or my supervisor Michele Remington, michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:32 AM Time Out: 12:37 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 follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and verify the date the facility received the final Notice of Administrative action (probationary license), which was mailed by DCDEE on 1/8/2026. Today’s visit was conducted with new director Cierra Baker, assistant director Joaneace Massenburg and Ms. Taylor (owner/director) arrived during the visit. Amber Telfair, Investigations consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. DCDEE received a response letter from Ms. Taylor and OAH information on 12/09/2025. The final notice was mailed to Ms. Taylor on January 8th, 2026, and Ms. Taylor confirmed receipt of the final notice on January 14th, 2026. The Probationary license was observed posted and the action was observed in an open binder on the table just below the license. When asked, Ms. Taylor stated she is not appealing this administrative action. * please put a copy of the action in a clear sheet protector and hang it on the bulletin board next to the probationary license on both the infant/toddler side and the preschool side of the facility. You can also keep the binder on the table for parents to review. We conducted a walkthrough of the three classrooms open today. I was informed that there are three school-age children enrolled but only attend after care. There are no before care children enrolled at this time. Transportation by the facility was suspended on 1/12/2026. The classrooms were found in compliance with ratios and group size, mixing of ages, and supervision. While obtaining the total enrollment/number present for each classroom I observed three systems being used: 1) attendance, 2) head counts, and 3) sign-in and out sheets. Following review of all forms of attendance it was determined that all three forms (attendance, head count and sign in and out) did not match related to the number of children enrolled or present in the classrooms, or the name to face did not match the children present in space 2- preschool and space 6- 2’s. I reviewed the daily sign in and out sheets, at 10 am today, the sign in sheets were not being completed by parents or staff as children arrived. There were only seven children signed in this morning and there were twenty-three children present during the visit. Seven staff files were reviewed during today’s visit and found in compliance. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Attendance rosters, name to face rosters and sign in and out logs did not reflect the number of children present, number of children enrolled and present in the open rooms with enrollment and did not reflect the movement of children to a different room 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Breakfast and lunch listed on the menu was not what was stated or observed served today. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation of childcare requirements related to menus was cited. It is acceptable practice to change the components that are served for a meal but prior to serving the menu should be changed and parents should be informed of the changes to be made on any given day. A violation regarding sign in and out/attendance/head count documentation was cited. I understand you hired an assistant director to take care of this process and that you are rejoining the food program and will be using their attendance forms, all documentation regarding attendance needs to match across the board whether typed, handwritten or what forms are being used to track it. The administrative action corrective action plan was reviewed today, and the following was discussed for Ms. Taylor to begin working on: 1. The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care • North Carolina General Statutes § 110-90.2(b)(d) & Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e)(o) & .1101(a) regarding criminal background checks and orientation • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding enhanced staff/child ratios • Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), -.0606(a) & -.0607(e) regarding safe environment 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and Flexcia Dowell, administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, telephone number 919-403-6950, email wendyp@earlyyearsnc.org, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. Special emphasis shall be placed on strategies for supervision, staff/child ratios, age-appropriate classroom management skills, and appropriately meeting the developmental needs of the children. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. contacted on 1/23/2026 3. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation (2 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/program-leadership-staff-retention-and-motivation/) • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/developing-leadership-in-early-care-and-education/) • Hiring and Developing Staff Members (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/hiring-anddeveloping-staff-members/) Due: Register by 1/28/2026 and submit registration to me. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action. Please list your facility name, ID#, item # of the violation cited, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please submit this letter of corrective action by February 4th, 2026. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Mailing address: Michele Hirsch, Child Care Consultant 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 At the completion of the visit, a pre-typed visit summary was filled in and reviewed, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of my visit and informed that an electronically generated visit summary will be sent via email in 24-48 hours of today’s visit. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 919-819-9364 or via email at michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov) or my supervisor Michele Remington, michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:32 AM Time Out: 12:37 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 follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and verify the date the facility received the final Notice of Administrative action (probationary license), which was mailed by DCDEE on 1/8/2026. Today’s visit was conducted with new director Cierra Baker, assistant director Joaneace Massenburg and Ms. Taylor (owner/director) arrived during the visit. Amber Telfair, Investigations consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. DCDEE received a response letter from Ms. Taylor and OAH information on 12/09/2025. The final notice was mailed to Ms. Taylor on January 8th, 2026, and Ms. Taylor confirmed receipt of the final notice on January 14th, 2026. The Probationary license was observed posted and the action was observed in an open binder on the table just below the license. When asked, Ms. Taylor stated she is not appealing this administrative action. * please put a copy of the action in a clear sheet protector and hang it on the bulletin board next to the probationary license on both the infant/toddler side and the preschool side of the facility. You can also keep the binder on the table for parents to review. We conducted a walkthrough of the three classrooms open today. I was informed that there are three school-age children enrolled but only attend after care. There are no before care children enrolled at this time. Transportation by the facility was suspended on 1/12/2026. The classrooms were found in compliance with ratios and group size, mixing of ages, and supervision. While obtaining the total enrollment/number present for each classroom I observed three systems being used: 1) attendance, 2) head counts, and 3) sign-in and out sheets. Following review of all forms of attendance it was determined that all three forms (attendance, head count and sign in and out) did not match related to the number of children enrolled or present in the classrooms, or the name to face did not match the children present in space 2- preschool and space 6- 2’s. I reviewed the daily sign in and out sheets, at 10 am today, the sign in sheets were not being completed by parents or staff as children arrived. There were only seven children signed in this morning and there were twenty-three children present during the visit. Seven staff files were reviewed during today’s visit and found in compliance. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Attendance rosters, name to face rosters and sign in and out logs did not reflect the number of children present, number of children enrolled and present in the open rooms with enrollment and did not reflect the movement of children to a different room 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Breakfast and lunch listed on the menu was not what was stated or observed served today. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation of childcare requirements related to menus was cited. It is acceptable practice to change the components that are served for a meal but prior to serving the menu should be changed and parents should be informed of the changes to be made on any given day. A violation regarding sign in and out/attendance/head count documentation was cited. I understand you hired an assistant director to take care of this process and that you are rejoining the food program and will be using their attendance forms, all documentation regarding attendance needs to match across the board whether typed, handwritten or what forms are being used to track it. The administrative action corrective action plan was reviewed today, and the following was discussed for Ms. Taylor to begin working on: 1. The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care • North Carolina General Statutes § 110-90.2(b)(d) & Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e)(o) & .1101(a) regarding criminal background checks and orientation • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding enhanced staff/child ratios • Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), -.0606(a) & -.0607(e) regarding safe environment 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and Flexcia Dowell, administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, telephone number 919-403-6950, email wendyp@earlyyearsnc.org, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. Special emphasis shall be placed on strategies for supervision, staff/child ratios, age-appropriate classroom management skills, and appropriately meeting the developmental needs of the children. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. contacted on 1/23/2026 3. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation (2 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/program-leadership-staff-retention-and-motivation/) • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/developing-leadership-in-early-care-and-education/) • Hiring and Developing Staff Members (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/hiring-anddeveloping-staff-members/) Due: Register by 1/28/2026 and submit registration to me. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action. Please list your facility name, ID#, item # of the violation cited, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please submit this letter of corrective action by February 4th, 2026. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Mailing address: Michele Hirsch, Child Care Consultant 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 At the completion of the visit, a pre-typed visit summary was filled in and reviewed, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of my visit and informed that an electronically generated visit summary will be sent via email in 24-48 hours of today’s visit. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 919-819-9364 or via email at michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov) or my supervisor Michele Remington, michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:32 AM Time Out: 12:37 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 follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and verify the date the facility received the final Notice of Administrative action (probationary license), which was mailed by DCDEE on 1/8/2026. Today’s visit was conducted with new director Cierra Baker, assistant director Joaneace Massenburg and Ms. Taylor (owner/director) arrived during the visit. Amber Telfair, Investigations consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. DCDEE received a response letter from Ms. Taylor and OAH information on 12/09/2025. The final notice was mailed to Ms. Taylor on January 8th, 2026, and Ms. Taylor confirmed receipt of the final notice on January 14th, 2026. The Probationary license was observed posted and the action was observed in an open binder on the table just below the license. When asked, Ms. Taylor stated she is not appealing this administrative action. * please put a copy of the action in a clear sheet protector and hang it on the bulletin board next to the probationary license on both the infant/toddler side and the preschool side of the facility. You can also keep the binder on the table for parents to review. We conducted a walkthrough of the three classrooms open today. I was informed that there are three school-age children enrolled but only attend after care. There are no before care children enrolled at this time. Transportation by the facility was suspended on 1/12/2026. The classrooms were found in compliance with ratios and group size, mixing of ages, and supervision. While obtaining the total enrollment/number present for each classroom I observed three systems being used: 1) attendance, 2) head counts, and 3) sign-in and out sheets. Following review of all forms of attendance it was determined that all three forms (attendance, head count and sign in and out) did not match related to the number of children enrolled or present in the classrooms, or the name to face did not match the children present in space 2- preschool and space 6- 2’s. I reviewed the daily sign in and out sheets, at 10 am today, the sign in sheets were not being completed by parents or staff as children arrived. There were only seven children signed in this morning and there were twenty-three children present during the visit. Seven staff files were reviewed during today’s visit and found in compliance. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Attendance rosters, name to face rosters and sign in and out logs did not reflect the number of children present, number of children enrolled and present in the open rooms with enrollment and did not reflect the movement of children to a different room 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Breakfast and lunch listed on the menu was not what was stated or observed served today. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation of childcare requirements related to menus was cited. It is acceptable practice to change the components that are served for a meal but prior to serving the menu should be changed and parents should be informed of the changes to be made on any given day. A violation regarding sign in and out/attendance/head count documentation was cited. I understand you hired an assistant director to take care of this process and that you are rejoining the food program and will be using their attendance forms, all documentation regarding attendance needs to match across the board whether typed, handwritten or what forms are being used to track it. The administrative action corrective action plan was reviewed today, and the following was discussed for Ms. Taylor to begin working on: 1. The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • North Carolina General Statute § 110-91(10) regarding nurture and care • North Carolina General Statutes § 110-90.2(b)(d) & Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e)(o) & .1101(a) regarding criminal background checks and orientation • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding enhanced staff/child ratios • Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), -.0606(a) & -.0607(e) regarding safe environment 2. Within one (1) week after this notice is received, Monique Taylor, owner and Flexcia Dowell, administrator shall contact Wendy Price, Early Years NC, telephone number 919-403-6950, email wendyp@earlyyearsnc.org, to arrange for at least three (3) technical assistance/coaching in-person visits to each classroom. Special emphasis shall be placed on strategies for supervision, staff/child ratios, age-appropriate classroom management skills, and appropriately meeting the developmental needs of the children. All staff members, including administrators, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitutes and volunteer staff that work in administrative positions and in classrooms, shall participate in the mandatory coaching/training sessions. All coaching sessions must be completed within three (3) months of this notice. contacted on 1/23/2026 3. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall contact Karen Darby, Director of Learning and Development, Southwestern Child Development Commission, to register for Active Supervision Counts training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in this mandatory training. 4. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell, shall contact Shanicia Stevenson, Childcare Education Institute, to register and complete one (1) of the following courses: • Program Leadership: Staff Retention and Motivation (2 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/program-leadership-staff-retention-and-motivation/) • Developing Leadership in Early Care and Education (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/developing-leadership-in-early-care-and-education/) • Hiring and Developing Staff Members (3 hrs. https://www.cceionline.com/course/hiring-anddeveloping-staff-members/) Due: Register by 1/28/2026 and submit registration to me. 5. Within two (2) weeks after this notice is received, Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall complete ABCMS Moodle training, on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov and follow instructions for how to set up the ABCMS system for the facility/staff. 6. Within three (3) weeks after this Notice is received Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall develop a written plan for observation and evaluation of each staff member’s performance while the Probationary License is in effect. The written plan, at a minimum, shall include routine observations of each staff member two (2) times per month. The plan shall also include periodic observations after the conclusion of the Probationary License to ensure continual compliance with child care requirements and the facility’s policies/procedures related to supervision, nurture and care of children, and staff/child ratios. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action. Please list your facility name, ID#, item # of the violation cited, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please submit this letter of corrective action by February 4th, 2026. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Mailing address: Michele Hirsch, Child Care Consultant 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 At the completion of the visit, a pre-typed visit summary was filled in and reviewed, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of my visit and informed that an electronically generated visit summary will be sent via email in 24-48 hours of today’s visit. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 919-819-9364 or via email at michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov) or my supervisor Michele Remington, michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: AMBER TELFAIR Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0126-078A Visit Date: 1/12/2026 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 1/12/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:35 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. Adrienne Murrell, investigations consultant, accompanied me during the visit. Monique Taylor, Owner, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Taylor and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. During visit on January 12, 2026, there were no van roster records prior to January 5, 2026. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. In December 2025 and January 2026, a two-year-old child was only served water for a beverage during meals. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. On January 8, 2026, a three-year-old child sustained a scratch on their nose and no incident report was completed. On July 21, 2025, the child sustained a bruise on their back and no incident report was completed. .0802 (e) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In September 2025, a staff member placed a four-year-old child on the playground in response to the child crying. G.S. 110-91(10) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. During a visit on January 12, 2026, multiple requested employee files were not onsite and made available. G.S. 110-91( 9) You may contact me Amber Telfair, Investigations Consultant, (919) 830-7551, amber.telfair@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Central Investigations Supervisor, 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: AMBER TELFAIR Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0126-078A Visit Date: 1/12/2026 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 1/12/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:35 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. Adrienne Murrell, investigations consultant, accompanied me during the visit. Monique Taylor, Owner, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Taylor and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. During visit on January 12, 2026, there were no van roster records prior to January 5, 2026. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. In December 2025 and January 2026, a two-year-old child was only served water for a beverage during meals. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. On January 8, 2026, a three-year-old child sustained a scratch on their nose and no incident report was completed. On July 21, 2025, the child sustained a bruise on their back and no incident report was completed. .0802 (e) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In September 2025, a staff member placed a four-year-old child on the playground in response to the child crying. G.S. 110-91(10) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. During a visit on January 12, 2026, multiple requested employee files were not onsite and made available. G.S. 110-91( 9) You may contact me Amber Telfair, Investigations Consultant, (919) 830-7551, amber.telfair@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Central Investigations Supervisor, 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

10A NCAC 09 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/18/2025 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 11/20/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 74 Time In: 02:25 PM Time Out: 03:39 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to review the facilities administrative action written warning sent on September 11th, 2025, and received on September 23rd, 2025. • We observed the action posted in the main portion of the building and posted on the wall at the entrance to the infant/toddler space. We monitored the indoor environment, program records, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in and out by staff, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size and supervision. Today’s visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Assistant director and center staff. Director Monique Taylor was not present during today’s visit. Michele Remington, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me on this visit. Administrative action written warning: Stipulation 1: The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • arrival and departure records, and daily attendance • record retention - Since the administrative action was issued on September 11, 2025, six visits have been conducted, (two of which were double visits on the same day AA FU/unannounced FU visits) and seventeen violations three related to this action have been cited. Stipulation 2: Monique Taylor, owner, and Flexcia Dowell, director, must register to participate in and complete training in the topic area of attendance and record retention. Training was completed on November 3rd, 2025. Verification was received on November 5th, 2025. *Ms. Taylor has opted to continue using services provided by Training on the Go trainers. This is separate from the CAP requirements. Stipulations 3: Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell shall develop a written plan for providing oversight of the daily operation of the facility, Written plan was submitted on November 13th, 2025. Additional information was requested and the updates were submitted on November 14th, 2025. The updated information met the requirements of the stipulation. During today’s visit we verified the written plan being implemented in the center. During today’s visit we documented the following: Violations of childcare requirements related to sanitation/ handwashing, general nutrition requirements, grouping children were cited. A letter of corrective action is due by December 2nd, 2025. Please list the facility name, id # the violation cited, how you corrected the violation, date corrected, how you will keep in compliance going forward. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. A staff person's seven year old school age child was present in the classroom with infants. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Two staff were observed assisting children clean their nose and did not wash their hands after. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A staff person had a bottle of soda in the infant room on the low bookshelf within reach of children. A staff member moved the soda to a cabinet while we were in the classroom. .0901(i) Technical Assistance: - During today’s visit we observed the use of a new ADT surveillance system that allows staff to buzz identified people in without needing to leave the facility. The assistant director advised us that they are reimplementing the walkie talkie procedures for communication. Staff are not to leave their classroom to buzz someone in the building or go to the diaper area without calling for help or taking all the children to the diaper area for supervision purposes. - The attendance and sign-in and out procedures (based on the written plan submitted) were observed. Staff still need some assistance in completing the paperwork. For example, if a child is moved up or to another classroom the staff person can draw a line through the remainder of the week and indicate where the child moved to and the new class sign in should now have the child on their chart going forward. A new sheet does not need to be created every time a child is transferred or moved to another classroom temporarily or permanently. Anytime a child is moved from one room to another – the daily sign in/out log must be updated to reflect the change. - A violation related to mixing ages was cited due to aa staff persons seven-year-old child being present in the infant classroom. Child Care rules state no children under age two should be mixed with infants outside of the first and last operating hours of the day. The school age child should have been in the room for preschool age children until the other school age children arrived, then moved to the classroom for school age children. - A violation of nutrition was cited during today’s visit related to a bottle of soda being present in the infant room. Staff are expected to model eating/drinking the same beverages and food children are served. Since we do not serve soda to children a staff member should not have a can/bottle of soda in the classroom. - A violation of hand washing was cited due to two staff members observed cleaning children’s noses and not washing their hands when done. Staff and children’s hands should be washed following personal care. This is a challenge for two classrooms because the sinks, changing tables and bathrooms are outside of the classroom. Work on a plan to assist staff with personal care needs and being able to access handwashing while maintaining ratios. - Technical assistance was provided in the area of diaper changing because when staff are working alone, they need to bring all children in the hallway where diapering takes place. The partition wall can be used to occupy the children’s time by putting letters, numbers, colors on Velcro strips on the wall and have the teacher talk with the children while using them making it a teachable moment and helps children stay occupied with an activity while the teacher is tending to a child’s personal needs. Contact information Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/22/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 10/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 28 Time In: 11:17 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and to follow-up on a violation of supervision cited on October 14th, 2025. There were four classrooms open during my visit. The classrooms were found in compliance with supervision, group size; a violation of staff/child ratios was cited during today’s visit. This visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Educational Director. Monique Taylor, owner/program director, was not present during today’s visit. I observed the following during my walkthrough: In space #2, there was one teacher present with twelve children ranging from two through five years of age. I was told that the two-year-old child was present today due to fighting that was occurring between the child and a classmate in space #6 and the teacher asked that they be separated due to the fighting. When the child was moved to space #2, the ratio for two-year-olds should have been followed. Ms. Dowell stated the following: • The preschool teacher was present in the classroom in ratio in the morning. • Ms. Dowell as well as Ms. Hymann, cook, covered the classroom at different times with Ms. Moore but if the cook needed to leave to cook lunch or Ms. Dowell needed to assist other classrooms or answer the door, it would leave Ms. Moore out of ratio with twelve children. • I stated, if the two-year-old child had been taken back to their classroom, the ratio would have been back to a 1:10 ratio based on the youngest child being three years old. Since eleven children, ages 3-5, were present, two teachers must remain in the classroom to maintain compliance with staff/child ratios. In both situations, the room was out of ratio when the two-year-old was present and even when the two-year-old was not present. As of today’s visit, I reviewed the fourteen open violations with Ms. Dowell from the visits conducted on September 4th, 2025, and October 1st, 2025, and reviewed how a corrective action response should be written to be submitted. The additional violations listed on today's visit summary are violations cited during previous visits and need a letter of corrective action that addresses the violation, how it was corrected, the date it was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. The corrective action responses received previously have not addressed the violation and date, it stated how it will be kept in compliance going forward. The following violation was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care present. Repeat from 08/27/2025 and 10/01/20205. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 9/4/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There was one teacher with 12 children ages two-through- five, required ratio one-to-nine. As well as children ages three-through-five ratio one-to-eleven, required ratio one-to-ten. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility where they are employed. Repeat from 9/4/2025 and 10/01/2025. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation regarding staff/child ratios was cited today due to having twelve children aged 2-5 years old with one teacher. The ratio should be based on the youngest child present in the classroom (1:9). When children are mixed staff need to know the ratios based on the children present that they are caring for. A letter of corrective action is required by November 5th, 2025, please list your facility name, ID#, item# for the violation, how you corrected the violation, date corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Due to a violation cited for ratios a return visit will be conducted in the future. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/22/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 10/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 28 Time In: 11:17 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and to follow-up on a violation of supervision cited on October 14th, 2025. There were four classrooms open during my visit. The classrooms were found in compliance with supervision, group size; a violation of staff/child ratios was cited during today’s visit. This visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Educational Director. Monique Taylor, owner/program director, was not present during today’s visit. I observed the following during my walkthrough: In space #2, there was one teacher present with twelve children ranging from two through five years of age. I was told that the two-year-old child was present today due to fighting that was occurring between the child and a classmate in space #6 and the teacher asked that they be separated due to the fighting. When the child was moved to space #2, the ratio for two-year-olds should have been followed. Ms. Dowell stated the following: • The preschool teacher was present in the classroom in ratio in the morning. • Ms. Dowell as well as Ms. Hymann, cook, covered the classroom at different times with Ms. Moore but if the cook needed to leave to cook lunch or Ms. Dowell needed to assist other classrooms or answer the door, it would leave Ms. Moore out of ratio with twelve children. • I stated, if the two-year-old child had been taken back to their classroom, the ratio would have been back to a 1:10 ratio based on the youngest child being three years old. Since eleven children, ages 3-5, were present, two teachers must remain in the classroom to maintain compliance with staff/child ratios. In both situations, the room was out of ratio when the two-year-old was present and even when the two-year-old was not present. As of today’s visit, I reviewed the fourteen open violations with Ms. Dowell from the visits conducted on September 4th, 2025, and October 1st, 2025, and reviewed how a corrective action response should be written to be submitted. The additional violations listed on today's visit summary are violations cited during previous visits and need a letter of corrective action that addresses the violation, how it was corrected, the date it was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. The corrective action responses received previously have not addressed the violation and date, it stated how it will be kept in compliance going forward. The following violation was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care present. Repeat from 08/27/2025 and 10/01/20205. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 9/4/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There was one teacher with 12 children ages two-through- five, required ratio one-to-nine. As well as children ages three-through-five ratio one-to-eleven, required ratio one-to-ten. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility where they are employed. Repeat from 9/4/2025 and 10/01/2025. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation regarding staff/child ratios was cited today due to having twelve children aged 2-5 years old with one teacher. The ratio should be based on the youngest child present in the classroom (1:9). When children are mixed staff need to know the ratios based on the children present that they are caring for. A letter of corrective action is required by November 5th, 2025, please list your facility name, ID#, item# for the violation, how you corrected the violation, date corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Due to a violation cited for ratios a return visit will be conducted in the future. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/22/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 10/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 28 Time In: 11:17 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and to follow-up on a violation of supervision cited on October 14th, 2025. There were four classrooms open during my visit. The classrooms were found in compliance with supervision, group size; a violation of staff/child ratios was cited during today’s visit. This visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Educational Director. Monique Taylor, owner/program director, was not present during today’s visit. I observed the following during my walkthrough: In space #2, there was one teacher present with twelve children ranging from two through five years of age. I was told that the two-year-old child was present today due to fighting that was occurring between the child and a classmate in space #6 and the teacher asked that they be separated due to the fighting. When the child was moved to space #2, the ratio for two-year-olds should have been followed. Ms. Dowell stated the following: • The preschool teacher was present in the classroom in ratio in the morning. • Ms. Dowell as well as Ms. Hymann, cook, covered the classroom at different times with Ms. Moore but if the cook needed to leave to cook lunch or Ms. Dowell needed to assist other classrooms or answer the door, it would leave Ms. Moore out of ratio with twelve children. • I stated, if the two-year-old child had been taken back to their classroom, the ratio would have been back to a 1:10 ratio based on the youngest child being three years old. Since eleven children, ages 3-5, were present, two teachers must remain in the classroom to maintain compliance with staff/child ratios. In both situations, the room was out of ratio when the two-year-old was present and even when the two-year-old was not present. As of today’s visit, I reviewed the fourteen open violations with Ms. Dowell from the visits conducted on September 4th, 2025, and October 1st, 2025, and reviewed how a corrective action response should be written to be submitted. The additional violations listed on today's visit summary are violations cited during previous visits and need a letter of corrective action that addresses the violation, how it was corrected, the date it was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. The corrective action responses received previously have not addressed the violation and date, it stated how it will be kept in compliance going forward. The following violation was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care present. Repeat from 08/27/2025 and 10/01/20205. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 9/4/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There was one teacher with 12 children ages two-through- five, required ratio one-to-nine. As well as children ages three-through-five ratio one-to-eleven, required ratio one-to-ten. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility where they are employed. Repeat from 9/4/2025 and 10/01/2025. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation regarding staff/child ratios was cited today due to having twelve children aged 2-5 years old with one teacher. The ratio should be based on the youngest child present in the classroom (1:9). When children are mixed staff need to know the ratios based on the children present that they are caring for. A letter of corrective action is required by November 5th, 2025, please list your facility name, ID#, item# for the violation, how you corrected the violation, date corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Due to a violation cited for ratios a return visit will be conducted in the future. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/22/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 10/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 28 Time In: 11:17 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and to follow-up on a violation of supervision cited on October 14th, 2025. There were four classrooms open during my visit. The classrooms were found in compliance with supervision, group size; a violation of staff/child ratios was cited during today’s visit. This visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Educational Director. Monique Taylor, owner/program director, was not present during today’s visit. I observed the following during my walkthrough: In space #2, there was one teacher present with twelve children ranging from two through five years of age. I was told that the two-year-old child was present today due to fighting that was occurring between the child and a classmate in space #6 and the teacher asked that they be separated due to the fighting. When the child was moved to space #2, the ratio for two-year-olds should have been followed. Ms. Dowell stated the following: • The preschool teacher was present in the classroom in ratio in the morning. • Ms. Dowell as well as Ms. Hymann, cook, covered the classroom at different times with Ms. Moore but if the cook needed to leave to cook lunch or Ms. Dowell needed to assist other classrooms or answer the door, it would leave Ms. Moore out of ratio with twelve children. • I stated, if the two-year-old child had been taken back to their classroom, the ratio would have been back to a 1:10 ratio based on the youngest child being three years old. Since eleven children, ages 3-5, were present, two teachers must remain in the classroom to maintain compliance with staff/child ratios. In both situations, the room was out of ratio when the two-year-old was present and even when the two-year-old was not present. As of today’s visit, I reviewed the fourteen open violations with Ms. Dowell from the visits conducted on September 4th, 2025, and October 1st, 2025, and reviewed how a corrective action response should be written to be submitted. The additional violations listed on today's visit summary are violations cited during previous visits and need a letter of corrective action that addresses the violation, how it was corrected, the date it was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. The corrective action responses received previously have not addressed the violation and date, it stated how it will be kept in compliance going forward. The following violation was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care present. Repeat from 08/27/2025 and 10/01/20205. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 9/4/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There was one teacher with 12 children ages two-through- five, required ratio one-to-nine. As well as children ages three-through-five ratio one-to-eleven, required ratio one-to-ten. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility where they are employed. Repeat from 9/4/2025 and 10/01/2025. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) The following technical assistance was provided today: A violation regarding staff/child ratios was cited today due to having twelve children aged 2-5 years old with one teacher. The ratio should be based on the youngest child present in the classroom (1:9). When children are mixed staff need to know the ratios based on the children present that they are caring for. A letter of corrective action is required by November 5th, 2025, please list your facility name, ID#, item# for the violation, how you corrected the violation, date corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Due to a violation cited for ratios a return visit will be conducted in the future. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/1/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 201 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:51 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to discuss the following: • Verified that the Provisional License/AA were posted – in the lobby (notebook on table with AA and Provisional license posted in both entrances to the center). • Corrections for open violations cited on 09/04/2025 • The QRIS rated license process included review of staff education, curriculum, family engagement and CQI plans. Monique Taylor and Felxcia Dowell assisted us during the visit today. Michele Remington, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me on today’s visit. We monitored indoor/outdoor environments, program records, staff files, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in/ out by staff and parents, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size and supervision. Effective August 23, 2025, the license was revised (per your request to remove 3rd shift). I was informed that the operating hours are now 7am to 11pm. There were four classrooms open with enrollment during today’s visit. Six new staff files were reviewed today (KW, KM, QW, LM, VP, NM). Five staff members (KS, FW, FW, NF, NR) have been terminated or resigned since their last visit on 09/11/2025. We requested Ms. Taylor provide a new Preservice Administrator form and her work hours, during the visit she stated Mr Harrison would send the form to us. We shared that since Ms. Taylor is the owner and will not be the director she can provide the form to us herself, as her signature is the only one required. The form was not provided during the visit. On September 18, 2025, and September 30, 2025, you submitted a letter of correction that required revisions and additional information. During the visit we monitored for compliance with the following for open violations were added to this visit (from 09/04/2025): Item # 1045: Orientation – OPEN Item # 1320: Medical exam – child – OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1328: All children present have a file OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1804: ABCMS system current for all staff OPEN – the center has not created a the ABCMS system for their program. Directions on how to set up were provided via email. QRIS/Rated License information & verification for Pathway 2 Ms. Remington discussed the new rated license requirements with Ms. Taylor and reviewed the rated license application, education components, CQI, family and community engagement. Staff: Mr. Harrison has submitted several staff information worksheets to complete the education portion of rated license. As of September 22nd, 2025, a revised worksheet was submitted with six staff, four of which were newly hired since the annual compliance follow up visit conducted on September 11, 2025. Three of the six employees were found in the system and education. The remaining three staff cannot be confirmed; they either need additional information or need their account completed and education downloaded and reviewed. On 09/22/2025 Ms. Remington requested you update the QRIS staff information form and include all required information, WFID number for each staff member, and the age group/space assignment. During the visit Ms. Taylor called Mr Harrison so Ms. Hirsch could explain what was missing and what information was needed to process staff education. Lead Teacher stars: TBD Other Educators stars: TBD Curriculum: During previous visits the facility has used Lillio Learning, which is an approved curriculum. The rated license paperwork submitted on 09/20/2025 indicated the program uses Creative Curriculum. The facility also documented the use of Brigance assessments. We verified this information today, Ms. Taylor stated they are going to use both Lillio and Creative Curriculum. She shared that they are in the process of purchasing Creative Curriculum and ASQ and Brigance assessment tools, as that was recommended by Mr Harrison. Currently, the center is using Lillio and does not have a formal assessment to use with the children. Current Curriculum stars: 2-star level – this can increase to 3-star level with an updated CQI for the center, verified staff professional development or CQI plans, formal child observation tool, coaching/training options for Administrator. Family Engagement: 3-star level We reviewed information for the 2-star rating – • classrooms have a daily report and staff talk to parents are drop off and pick up. You stated you have a group text app that you use to share information with all parents. Staff will also text or call parents as needed. You are planning to use Pro-Care in the future. • You offer conferences as needed • You offer opportunities for parents to share and volunteer in the classrooms • You offer community resources 3–5-star criteria: You selected four items under Communication – • After review – you changed it to meet one item and will work towards meeting additional items You selected seven items under Engagement • After review you changed to meet three items however at this time you are only meeting one item – two family events per year. You selected two items under Educational, however after our discussion today you were not meeting either item. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) • CQI – center form needs to be updated. We reviewed the information today. Ms. Taylor took the form to update and it was not returned. Mr. Harrison will need to return the updated form. • Individual CQI (or former professional development forms) are needed for all staff The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care/present. Repeat from 09/04/2025 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Two preschool age children left their classroom to obtain their naptime materials from their cubby in a different classroom unsupervised and returned to their assigned classroom. Repeat 09/04/2025 .1801(a)(1-5) 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. Two infants were observed lying on a boppy pillow, on the floor drinking a bottle. Two other infants were sitting on the floor drinking bottles. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. Repeat from 09/04/2025 .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 09/04/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-91(9) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The staff person working alone in the classroom with infants had not completed ITS-SIDS training. .01102 (f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff files reviewed today found medical information in the main file and not filed separately. .0701(d) The following technical assistance was provided today: • A review of the sign-in sheets found children are not signed in but are marked present on the attendance sheet. In addition, when children are moved from one classroom to another they are not being transferred on the sign in /out sheet. All children in each classroom need to be signed in/out daily. It must be an accurate reflection of who is being cared for in each classroom. This is not only for maintaining records, but also used for fire drills, EPR drills and real-life events. Every staff should know which children are in their care at all times. The sign-in sheet for school age children did not have any children signed out even though all but two children were transported to school by the center. When you transport (or put children on a public-school bus) you need to sign them out of care. When you pick them up, sign them back in. Suggestions were provided on how to maintain the daily sign in/out logs. • A review of the attendance logs was conducted as well as a discussion about enrollment and number of children present. For the documentation to be accurate staff need to know how many children are enrolled in their classroom, the ages in care and how many are present. To make it easier for staff a column can be added to the attendance log with the ages of the children next to their names. During the visit today staff did not share accurate information on how many children were enrolled in their classrooms. For instance, staff stated eight children were enrolled and present, however, the attendance sheet had more than eight children listed, meaning more than eight children were enrolled in the classroom. • An infant unable to hold their own bottle should be held when eating and an infant able to feed themselves needs to be seated in approved seat ex. Highchair or seated in a chair at a table to feed themselves. • Confidential staff medical information (TB results, HQ, and medical assessments) is required to be filed in a separate folder. • ITS=SIDS training is required prior to working alone in the infant room. Rules state that they can work in the room but never be left alone until their ITS-SIDS training is completed. • A teacher asked the children to get their nap materials from their cubbies. Two children had cubbies in a different room, and the children left the room, walked into the next classroom to gather their belongings. Both children left the room without the staff going with them to maintain supervision. Recommend when you move children to a different room you send their belongings with them (in a bin so they can have storage for their personal items). In addition, both administrators were onsite and could have assisted if the staff member had notified them. • Update your EMC- emergency care plan and remove the name of your healthcare consultant as a medical contact. The CCHC should not be listed as the medical consultant, you will need to find someone from the health department, a local doctor’s office and get permission to list them on the EMC plan. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action, please submit this letter by October 14th, 2025. Please list the facility name, ID#, item #, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please note, violations of childcare requirements from your September visit are still open and require a letter of corrective action as well. These violations were discussed with you at the conclusion of our visit. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/1/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 201 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:51 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to discuss the following: • Verified that the Provisional License/AA were posted – in the lobby (notebook on table with AA and Provisional license posted in both entrances to the center). • Corrections for open violations cited on 09/04/2025 • The QRIS rated license process included review of staff education, curriculum, family engagement and CQI plans. Monique Taylor and Felxcia Dowell assisted us during the visit today. Michele Remington, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me on today’s visit. We monitored indoor/outdoor environments, program records, staff files, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in/ out by staff and parents, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size and supervision. Effective August 23, 2025, the license was revised (per your request to remove 3rd shift). I was informed that the operating hours are now 7am to 11pm. There were four classrooms open with enrollment during today’s visit. Six new staff files were reviewed today (KW, KM, QW, LM, VP, NM). Five staff members (KS, FW, FW, NF, NR) have been terminated or resigned since their last visit on 09/11/2025. We requested Ms. Taylor provide a new Preservice Administrator form and her work hours, during the visit she stated Mr Harrison would send the form to us. We shared that since Ms. Taylor is the owner and will not be the director she can provide the form to us herself, as her signature is the only one required. The form was not provided during the visit. On September 18, 2025, and September 30, 2025, you submitted a letter of correction that required revisions and additional information. During the visit we monitored for compliance with the following for open violations were added to this visit (from 09/04/2025): Item # 1045: Orientation – OPEN Item # 1320: Medical exam – child – OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1328: All children present have a file OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1804: ABCMS system current for all staff OPEN – the center has not created a the ABCMS system for their program. Directions on how to set up were provided via email. QRIS/Rated License information & verification for Pathway 2 Ms. Remington discussed the new rated license requirements with Ms. Taylor and reviewed the rated license application, education components, CQI, family and community engagement. Staff: Mr. Harrison has submitted several staff information worksheets to complete the education portion of rated license. As of September 22nd, 2025, a revised worksheet was submitted with six staff, four of which were newly hired since the annual compliance follow up visit conducted on September 11, 2025. Three of the six employees were found in the system and education. The remaining three staff cannot be confirmed; they either need additional information or need their account completed and education downloaded and reviewed. On 09/22/2025 Ms. Remington requested you update the QRIS staff information form and include all required information, WFID number for each staff member, and the age group/space assignment. During the visit Ms. Taylor called Mr Harrison so Ms. Hirsch could explain what was missing and what information was needed to process staff education. Lead Teacher stars: TBD Other Educators stars: TBD Curriculum: During previous visits the facility has used Lillio Learning, which is an approved curriculum. The rated license paperwork submitted on 09/20/2025 indicated the program uses Creative Curriculum. The facility also documented the use of Brigance assessments. We verified this information today, Ms. Taylor stated they are going to use both Lillio and Creative Curriculum. She shared that they are in the process of purchasing Creative Curriculum and ASQ and Brigance assessment tools, as that was recommended by Mr Harrison. Currently, the center is using Lillio and does not have a formal assessment to use with the children. Current Curriculum stars: 2-star level – this can increase to 3-star level with an updated CQI for the center, verified staff professional development or CQI plans, formal child observation tool, coaching/training options for Administrator. Family Engagement: 3-star level We reviewed information for the 2-star rating – • classrooms have a daily report and staff talk to parents are drop off and pick up. You stated you have a group text app that you use to share information with all parents. Staff will also text or call parents as needed. You are planning to use Pro-Care in the future. • You offer conferences as needed • You offer opportunities for parents to share and volunteer in the classrooms • You offer community resources 3–5-star criteria: You selected four items under Communication – • After review – you changed it to meet one item and will work towards meeting additional items You selected seven items under Engagement • After review you changed to meet three items however at this time you are only meeting one item – two family events per year. You selected two items under Educational, however after our discussion today you were not meeting either item. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) • CQI – center form needs to be updated. We reviewed the information today. Ms. Taylor took the form to update and it was not returned. Mr. Harrison will need to return the updated form. • Individual CQI (or former professional development forms) are needed for all staff The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care/present. Repeat from 09/04/2025 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Two preschool age children left their classroom to obtain their naptime materials from their cubby in a different classroom unsupervised and returned to their assigned classroom. Repeat 09/04/2025 .1801(a)(1-5) 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. Two infants were observed lying on a boppy pillow, on the floor drinking a bottle. Two other infants were sitting on the floor drinking bottles. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. Repeat from 09/04/2025 .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 09/04/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-91(9) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The staff person working alone in the classroom with infants had not completed ITS-SIDS training. .01102 (f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff files reviewed today found medical information in the main file and not filed separately. .0701(d) The following technical assistance was provided today: • A review of the sign-in sheets found children are not signed in but are marked present on the attendance sheet. In addition, when children are moved from one classroom to another they are not being transferred on the sign in /out sheet. All children in each classroom need to be signed in/out daily. It must be an accurate reflection of who is being cared for in each classroom. This is not only for maintaining records, but also used for fire drills, EPR drills and real-life events. Every staff should know which children are in their care at all times. The sign-in sheet for school age children did not have any children signed out even though all but two children were transported to school by the center. When you transport (or put children on a public-school bus) you need to sign them out of care. When you pick them up, sign them back in. Suggestions were provided on how to maintain the daily sign in/out logs. • A review of the attendance logs was conducted as well as a discussion about enrollment and number of children present. For the documentation to be accurate staff need to know how many children are enrolled in their classroom, the ages in care and how many are present. To make it easier for staff a column can be added to the attendance log with the ages of the children next to their names. During the visit today staff did not share accurate information on how many children were enrolled in their classrooms. For instance, staff stated eight children were enrolled and present, however, the attendance sheet had more than eight children listed, meaning more than eight children were enrolled in the classroom. • An infant unable to hold their own bottle should be held when eating and an infant able to feed themselves needs to be seated in approved seat ex. Highchair or seated in a chair at a table to feed themselves. • Confidential staff medical information (TB results, HQ, and medical assessments) is required to be filed in a separate folder. • ITS=SIDS training is required prior to working alone in the infant room. Rules state that they can work in the room but never be left alone until their ITS-SIDS training is completed. • A teacher asked the children to get their nap materials from their cubbies. Two children had cubbies in a different room, and the children left the room, walked into the next classroom to gather their belongings. Both children left the room without the staff going with them to maintain supervision. Recommend when you move children to a different room you send their belongings with them (in a bin so they can have storage for their personal items). In addition, both administrators were onsite and could have assisted if the staff member had notified them. • Update your EMC- emergency care plan and remove the name of your healthcare consultant as a medical contact. The CCHC should not be listed as the medical consultant, you will need to find someone from the health department, a local doctor’s office and get permission to list them on the EMC plan. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action, please submit this letter by October 14th, 2025. Please list the facility name, ID#, item #, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please note, violations of childcare requirements from your September visit are still open and require a letter of corrective action as well. These violations were discussed with you at the conclusion of our visit. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/1/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 201 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:51 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to discuss the following: • Verified that the Provisional License/AA were posted – in the lobby (notebook on table with AA and Provisional license posted in both entrances to the center). • Corrections for open violations cited on 09/04/2025 • The QRIS rated license process included review of staff education, curriculum, family engagement and CQI plans. Monique Taylor and Felxcia Dowell assisted us during the visit today. Michele Remington, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me on today’s visit. We monitored indoor/outdoor environments, program records, staff files, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in/ out by staff and parents, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size and supervision. Effective August 23, 2025, the license was revised (per your request to remove 3rd shift). I was informed that the operating hours are now 7am to 11pm. There were four classrooms open with enrollment during today’s visit. Six new staff files were reviewed today (KW, KM, QW, LM, VP, NM). Five staff members (KS, FW, FW, NF, NR) have been terminated or resigned since their last visit on 09/11/2025. We requested Ms. Taylor provide a new Preservice Administrator form and her work hours, during the visit she stated Mr Harrison would send the form to us. We shared that since Ms. Taylor is the owner and will not be the director she can provide the form to us herself, as her signature is the only one required. The form was not provided during the visit. On September 18, 2025, and September 30, 2025, you submitted a letter of correction that required revisions and additional information. During the visit we monitored for compliance with the following for open violations were added to this visit (from 09/04/2025): Item # 1045: Orientation – OPEN Item # 1320: Medical exam – child – OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1328: All children present have a file OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1804: ABCMS system current for all staff OPEN – the center has not created a the ABCMS system for their program. Directions on how to set up were provided via email. QRIS/Rated License information & verification for Pathway 2 Ms. Remington discussed the new rated license requirements with Ms. Taylor and reviewed the rated license application, education components, CQI, family and community engagement. Staff: Mr. Harrison has submitted several staff information worksheets to complete the education portion of rated license. As of September 22nd, 2025, a revised worksheet was submitted with six staff, four of which were newly hired since the annual compliance follow up visit conducted on September 11, 2025. Three of the six employees were found in the system and education. The remaining three staff cannot be confirmed; they either need additional information or need their account completed and education downloaded and reviewed. On 09/22/2025 Ms. Remington requested you update the QRIS staff information form and include all required information, WFID number for each staff member, and the age group/space assignment. During the visit Ms. Taylor called Mr Harrison so Ms. Hirsch could explain what was missing and what information was needed to process staff education. Lead Teacher stars: TBD Other Educators stars: TBD Curriculum: During previous visits the facility has used Lillio Learning, which is an approved curriculum. The rated license paperwork submitted on 09/20/2025 indicated the program uses Creative Curriculum. The facility also documented the use of Brigance assessments. We verified this information today, Ms. Taylor stated they are going to use both Lillio and Creative Curriculum. She shared that they are in the process of purchasing Creative Curriculum and ASQ and Brigance assessment tools, as that was recommended by Mr Harrison. Currently, the center is using Lillio and does not have a formal assessment to use with the children. Current Curriculum stars: 2-star level – this can increase to 3-star level with an updated CQI for the center, verified staff professional development or CQI plans, formal child observation tool, coaching/training options for Administrator. Family Engagement: 3-star level We reviewed information for the 2-star rating – • classrooms have a daily report and staff talk to parents are drop off and pick up. You stated you have a group text app that you use to share information with all parents. Staff will also text or call parents as needed. You are planning to use Pro-Care in the future. • You offer conferences as needed • You offer opportunities for parents to share and volunteer in the classrooms • You offer community resources 3–5-star criteria: You selected four items under Communication – • After review – you changed it to meet one item and will work towards meeting additional items You selected seven items under Engagement • After review you changed to meet three items however at this time you are only meeting one item – two family events per year. You selected two items under Educational, however after our discussion today you were not meeting either item. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) • CQI – center form needs to be updated. We reviewed the information today. Ms. Taylor took the form to update and it was not returned. Mr. Harrison will need to return the updated form. • Individual CQI (or former professional development forms) are needed for all staff The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care/present. Repeat from 09/04/2025 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Two preschool age children left their classroom to obtain their naptime materials from their cubby in a different classroom unsupervised and returned to their assigned classroom. Repeat 09/04/2025 .1801(a)(1-5) 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. Two infants were observed lying on a boppy pillow, on the floor drinking a bottle. Two other infants were sitting on the floor drinking bottles. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. Repeat from 09/04/2025 .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 09/04/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-91(9) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The staff person working alone in the classroom with infants had not completed ITS-SIDS training. .01102 (f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff files reviewed today found medical information in the main file and not filed separately. .0701(d) The following technical assistance was provided today: • A review of the sign-in sheets found children are not signed in but are marked present on the attendance sheet. In addition, when children are moved from one classroom to another they are not being transferred on the sign in /out sheet. All children in each classroom need to be signed in/out daily. It must be an accurate reflection of who is being cared for in each classroom. This is not only for maintaining records, but also used for fire drills, EPR drills and real-life events. Every staff should know which children are in their care at all times. The sign-in sheet for school age children did not have any children signed out even though all but two children were transported to school by the center. When you transport (or put children on a public-school bus) you need to sign them out of care. When you pick them up, sign them back in. Suggestions were provided on how to maintain the daily sign in/out logs. • A review of the attendance logs was conducted as well as a discussion about enrollment and number of children present. For the documentation to be accurate staff need to know how many children are enrolled in their classroom, the ages in care and how many are present. To make it easier for staff a column can be added to the attendance log with the ages of the children next to their names. During the visit today staff did not share accurate information on how many children were enrolled in their classrooms. For instance, staff stated eight children were enrolled and present, however, the attendance sheet had more than eight children listed, meaning more than eight children were enrolled in the classroom. • An infant unable to hold their own bottle should be held when eating and an infant able to feed themselves needs to be seated in approved seat ex. Highchair or seated in a chair at a table to feed themselves. • Confidential staff medical information (TB results, HQ, and medical assessments) is required to be filed in a separate folder. • ITS=SIDS training is required prior to working alone in the infant room. Rules state that they can work in the room but never be left alone until their ITS-SIDS training is completed. • A teacher asked the children to get their nap materials from their cubbies. Two children had cubbies in a different room, and the children left the room, walked into the next classroom to gather their belongings. Both children left the room without the staff going with them to maintain supervision. Recommend when you move children to a different room you send their belongings with them (in a bin so they can have storage for their personal items). In addition, both administrators were onsite and could have assisted if the staff member had notified them. • Update your EMC- emergency care plan and remove the name of your healthcare consultant as a medical contact. The CCHC should not be listed as the medical consultant, you will need to find someone from the health department, a local doctor’s office and get permission to list them on the EMC plan. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action, please submit this letter by October 14th, 2025. Please list the facility name, ID#, item #, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please note, violations of childcare requirements from your September visit are still open and require a letter of corrective action as well. These violations were discussed with you at the conclusion of our visit. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/1/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 201 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:51 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to discuss the following: • Verified that the Provisional License/AA were posted – in the lobby (notebook on table with AA and Provisional license posted in both entrances to the center). • Corrections for open violations cited on 09/04/2025 • The QRIS rated license process included review of staff education, curriculum, family engagement and CQI plans. Monique Taylor and Felxcia Dowell assisted us during the visit today. Michele Remington, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me on today’s visit. We monitored indoor/outdoor environments, program records, staff files, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in/ out by staff and parents, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size and supervision. Effective August 23, 2025, the license was revised (per your request to remove 3rd shift). I was informed that the operating hours are now 7am to 11pm. There were four classrooms open with enrollment during today’s visit. Six new staff files were reviewed today (KW, KM, QW, LM, VP, NM). Five staff members (KS, FW, FW, NF, NR) have been terminated or resigned since their last visit on 09/11/2025. We requested Ms. Taylor provide a new Preservice Administrator form and her work hours, during the visit she stated Mr Harrison would send the form to us. We shared that since Ms. Taylor is the owner and will not be the director she can provide the form to us herself, as her signature is the only one required. The form was not provided during the visit. On September 18, 2025, and September 30, 2025, you submitted a letter of correction that required revisions and additional information. During the visit we monitored for compliance with the following for open violations were added to this visit (from 09/04/2025): Item # 1045: Orientation – OPEN Item # 1320: Medical exam – child – OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1328: All children present have a file OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1804: ABCMS system current for all staff OPEN – the center has not created a the ABCMS system for their program. Directions on how to set up were provided via email. QRIS/Rated License information & verification for Pathway 2 Ms. Remington discussed the new rated license requirements with Ms. Taylor and reviewed the rated license application, education components, CQI, family and community engagement. Staff: Mr. Harrison has submitted several staff information worksheets to complete the education portion of rated license. As of September 22nd, 2025, a revised worksheet was submitted with six staff, four of which were newly hired since the annual compliance follow up visit conducted on September 11, 2025. Three of the six employees were found in the system and education. The remaining three staff cannot be confirmed; they either need additional information or need their account completed and education downloaded and reviewed. On 09/22/2025 Ms. Remington requested you update the QRIS staff information form and include all required information, WFID number for each staff member, and the age group/space assignment. During the visit Ms. Taylor called Mr Harrison so Ms. Hirsch could explain what was missing and what information was needed to process staff education. Lead Teacher stars: TBD Other Educators stars: TBD Curriculum: During previous visits the facility has used Lillio Learning, which is an approved curriculum. The rated license paperwork submitted on 09/20/2025 indicated the program uses Creative Curriculum. The facility also documented the use of Brigance assessments. We verified this information today, Ms. Taylor stated they are going to use both Lillio and Creative Curriculum. She shared that they are in the process of purchasing Creative Curriculum and ASQ and Brigance assessment tools, as that was recommended by Mr Harrison. Currently, the center is using Lillio and does not have a formal assessment to use with the children. Current Curriculum stars: 2-star level – this can increase to 3-star level with an updated CQI for the center, verified staff professional development or CQI plans, formal child observation tool, coaching/training options for Administrator. Family Engagement: 3-star level We reviewed information for the 2-star rating – • classrooms have a daily report and staff talk to parents are drop off and pick up. You stated you have a group text app that you use to share information with all parents. Staff will also text or call parents as needed. You are planning to use Pro-Care in the future. • You offer conferences as needed • You offer opportunities for parents to share and volunteer in the classrooms • You offer community resources 3–5-star criteria: You selected four items under Communication – • After review – you changed it to meet one item and will work towards meeting additional items You selected seven items under Engagement • After review you changed to meet three items however at this time you are only meeting one item – two family events per year. You selected two items under Educational, however after our discussion today you were not meeting either item. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) • CQI – center form needs to be updated. We reviewed the information today. Ms. Taylor took the form to update and it was not returned. Mr. Harrison will need to return the updated form. • Individual CQI (or former professional development forms) are needed for all staff The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care/present. Repeat from 09/04/2025 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Two preschool age children left their classroom to obtain their naptime materials from their cubby in a different classroom unsupervised and returned to their assigned classroom. Repeat 09/04/2025 .1801(a)(1-5) 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. Two infants were observed lying on a boppy pillow, on the floor drinking a bottle. Two other infants were sitting on the floor drinking bottles. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. Repeat from 09/04/2025 .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 09/04/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-91(9) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The staff person working alone in the classroom with infants had not completed ITS-SIDS training. .01102 (f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff files reviewed today found medical information in the main file and not filed separately. .0701(d) The following technical assistance was provided today: • A review of the sign-in sheets found children are not signed in but are marked present on the attendance sheet. In addition, when children are moved from one classroom to another they are not being transferred on the sign in /out sheet. All children in each classroom need to be signed in/out daily. It must be an accurate reflection of who is being cared for in each classroom. This is not only for maintaining records, but also used for fire drills, EPR drills and real-life events. Every staff should know which children are in their care at all times. The sign-in sheet for school age children did not have any children signed out even though all but two children were transported to school by the center. When you transport (or put children on a public-school bus) you need to sign them out of care. When you pick them up, sign them back in. Suggestions were provided on how to maintain the daily sign in/out logs. • A review of the attendance logs was conducted as well as a discussion about enrollment and number of children present. For the documentation to be accurate staff need to know how many children are enrolled in their classroom, the ages in care and how many are present. To make it easier for staff a column can be added to the attendance log with the ages of the children next to their names. During the visit today staff did not share accurate information on how many children were enrolled in their classrooms. For instance, staff stated eight children were enrolled and present, however, the attendance sheet had more than eight children listed, meaning more than eight children were enrolled in the classroom. • An infant unable to hold their own bottle should be held when eating and an infant able to feed themselves needs to be seated in approved seat ex. Highchair or seated in a chair at a table to feed themselves. • Confidential staff medical information (TB results, HQ, and medical assessments) is required to be filed in a separate folder. • ITS=SIDS training is required prior to working alone in the infant room. Rules state that they can work in the room but never be left alone until their ITS-SIDS training is completed. • A teacher asked the children to get their nap materials from their cubbies. Two children had cubbies in a different room, and the children left the room, walked into the next classroom to gather their belongings. Both children left the room without the staff going with them to maintain supervision. Recommend when you move children to a different room you send their belongings with them (in a bin so they can have storage for their personal items). In addition, both administrators were onsite and could have assisted if the staff member had notified them. • Update your EMC- emergency care plan and remove the name of your healthcare consultant as a medical contact. The CCHC should not be listed as the medical consultant, you will need to find someone from the health department, a local doctor’s office and get permission to list them on the EMC plan. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action, please submit this letter by October 14th, 2025. Please list the facility name, ID#, item #, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please note, violations of childcare requirements from your September visit are still open and require a letter of corrective action as well. These violations were discussed with you at the conclusion of our visit. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/1/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 201 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:51 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to discuss the following: • Verified that the Provisional License/AA were posted – in the lobby (notebook on table with AA and Provisional license posted in both entrances to the center). • Corrections for open violations cited on 09/04/2025 • The QRIS rated license process included review of staff education, curriculum, family engagement and CQI plans. Monique Taylor and Felxcia Dowell assisted us during the visit today. Michele Remington, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me on today’s visit. We monitored indoor/outdoor environments, program records, staff files, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in/ out by staff and parents, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size and supervision. Effective August 23, 2025, the license was revised (per your request to remove 3rd shift). I was informed that the operating hours are now 7am to 11pm. There were four classrooms open with enrollment during today’s visit. Six new staff files were reviewed today (KW, KM, QW, LM, VP, NM). Five staff members (KS, FW, FW, NF, NR) have been terminated or resigned since their last visit on 09/11/2025. We requested Ms. Taylor provide a new Preservice Administrator form and her work hours, during the visit she stated Mr Harrison would send the form to us. We shared that since Ms. Taylor is the owner and will not be the director she can provide the form to us herself, as her signature is the only one required. The form was not provided during the visit. On September 18, 2025, and September 30, 2025, you submitted a letter of correction that required revisions and additional information. During the visit we monitored for compliance with the following for open violations were added to this visit (from 09/04/2025): Item # 1045: Orientation – OPEN Item # 1320: Medical exam – child – OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1328: All children present have a file OPEN - center gave the parent a due date of 10/03/2025 Item # 1804: ABCMS system current for all staff OPEN – the center has not created a the ABCMS system for their program. Directions on how to set up were provided via email. QRIS/Rated License information & verification for Pathway 2 Ms. Remington discussed the new rated license requirements with Ms. Taylor and reviewed the rated license application, education components, CQI, family and community engagement. Staff: Mr. Harrison has submitted several staff information worksheets to complete the education portion of rated license. As of September 22nd, 2025, a revised worksheet was submitted with six staff, four of which were newly hired since the annual compliance follow up visit conducted on September 11, 2025. Three of the six employees were found in the system and education. The remaining three staff cannot be confirmed; they either need additional information or need their account completed and education downloaded and reviewed. On 09/22/2025 Ms. Remington requested you update the QRIS staff information form and include all required information, WFID number for each staff member, and the age group/space assignment. During the visit Ms. Taylor called Mr Harrison so Ms. Hirsch could explain what was missing and what information was needed to process staff education. Lead Teacher stars: TBD Other Educators stars: TBD Curriculum: During previous visits the facility has used Lillio Learning, which is an approved curriculum. The rated license paperwork submitted on 09/20/2025 indicated the program uses Creative Curriculum. The facility also documented the use of Brigance assessments. We verified this information today, Ms. Taylor stated they are going to use both Lillio and Creative Curriculum. She shared that they are in the process of purchasing Creative Curriculum and ASQ and Brigance assessment tools, as that was recommended by Mr Harrison. Currently, the center is using Lillio and does not have a formal assessment to use with the children. Current Curriculum stars: 2-star level – this can increase to 3-star level with an updated CQI for the center, verified staff professional development or CQI plans, formal child observation tool, coaching/training options for Administrator. Family Engagement: 3-star level We reviewed information for the 2-star rating – • classrooms have a daily report and staff talk to parents are drop off and pick up. You stated you have a group text app that you use to share information with all parents. Staff will also text or call parents as needed. You are planning to use Pro-Care in the future. • You offer conferences as needed • You offer opportunities for parents to share and volunteer in the classrooms • You offer community resources 3–5-star criteria: You selected four items under Communication – • After review – you changed it to meet one item and will work towards meeting additional items You selected seven items under Engagement • After review you changed to meet three items however at this time you are only meeting one item – two family events per year. You selected two items under Educational, however after our discussion today you were not meeting either item. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) • CQI – center form needs to be updated. We reviewed the information today. Ms. Taylor took the form to update and it was not returned. Mr. Harrison will need to return the updated form. • Individual CQI (or former professional development forms) are needed for all staff The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Sign in sheets and attendance records did not match based on enrolled children in care/present. Repeat from 09/04/2025 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Two preschool age children left their classroom to obtain their naptime materials from their cubby in a different classroom unsupervised and returned to their assigned classroom. Repeat 09/04/2025 .1801(a)(1-5) 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. Two infants were observed lying on a boppy pillow, on the floor drinking a bottle. Two other infants were sitting on the floor drinking bottles. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. Repeat from 09/04/2025 .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. Repeat from 09/04/2025 GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-91(9) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. Repeat from 09/04/2025 G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The staff person working alone in the classroom with infants had not completed ITS-SIDS training. .01102 (f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff files reviewed today found medical information in the main file and not filed separately. .0701(d) The following technical assistance was provided today: • A review of the sign-in sheets found children are not signed in but are marked present on the attendance sheet. In addition, when children are moved from one classroom to another they are not being transferred on the sign in /out sheet. All children in each classroom need to be signed in/out daily. It must be an accurate reflection of who is being cared for in each classroom. This is not only for maintaining records, but also used for fire drills, EPR drills and real-life events. Every staff should know which children are in their care at all times. The sign-in sheet for school age children did not have any children signed out even though all but two children were transported to school by the center. When you transport (or put children on a public-school bus) you need to sign them out of care. When you pick them up, sign them back in. Suggestions were provided on how to maintain the daily sign in/out logs. • A review of the attendance logs was conducted as well as a discussion about enrollment and number of children present. For the documentation to be accurate staff need to know how many children are enrolled in their classroom, the ages in care and how many are present. To make it easier for staff a column can be added to the attendance log with the ages of the children next to their names. During the visit today staff did not share accurate information on how many children were enrolled in their classrooms. For instance, staff stated eight children were enrolled and present, however, the attendance sheet had more than eight children listed, meaning more than eight children were enrolled in the classroom. • An infant unable to hold their own bottle should be held when eating and an infant able to feed themselves needs to be seated in approved seat ex. Highchair or seated in a chair at a table to feed themselves. • Confidential staff medical information (TB results, HQ, and medical assessments) is required to be filed in a separate folder. • ITS=SIDS training is required prior to working alone in the infant room. Rules state that they can work in the room but never be left alone until their ITS-SIDS training is completed. • A teacher asked the children to get their nap materials from their cubbies. Two children had cubbies in a different room, and the children left the room, walked into the next classroom to gather their belongings. Both children left the room without the staff going with them to maintain supervision. Recommend when you move children to a different room you send their belongings with them (in a bin so they can have storage for their personal items). In addition, both administrators were onsite and could have assisted if the staff member had notified them. • Update your EMC- emergency care plan and remove the name of your healthcare consultant as a medical contact. The CCHC should not be listed as the medical consultant, you will need to find someone from the health department, a local doctor’s office and get permission to list them on the EMC plan. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action, please submit this letter by October 14th, 2025. Please list the facility name, ID#, item #, how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please note, violations of childcare requirements from your September visit are still open and require a letter of corrective action as well. These violations were discussed with you at the conclusion of our visit. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 9/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. My visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Acting center director. Monique Taylor owner was not available during today’s visit. Observations: The children were observed participating in teacher-directed activities (tabletop activities, story time, and personal care) for a brief time before being observed during outdoor play. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, and environments/materials. The provisional license and administrative action were posted. There was concern during today’s visit related to toys and materials being insufficient for the children in care. During my visit FedEx arrived with four pallets of toys and materials ordered through Kaplan early learning company. Transportation: Transportation- 2019 passenger van KDE 3342. Transportation requirements were monitored today (registration, insurance, documentation, car safety seats). A violation was cited for two of the four tires having low tire treads. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. • Fire inspection= 1/27/2025- and approved for daytime care (report attached) • Sanitation inspection= 7/24/2025 4 demerits and a superior rating • On July 30th, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as current/active • Fire drill- 8/29/2025 @ 9:35am and took 31 seconds • EPR plan last updated- 6/17/2025- A violation of childcare requirements was cited due to the plan not being updated when staff and administration changes were made (change of director, number of children enrolled, number of staff employed) • Playground inspection- 8/26/2025 • Lockdown drill – 6/10/2025 @ 3:30pm and took 30 seconds- next lockdown or shelter in place is due by 9/10/2025. • ABCMS criminal record requirement- a portal has not been completed, and staff have not been linked, a violation of childcare requirements was cited. • Compliance History prior to today’s visit is: 88 This facility was licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed August 11th, 2025, that the facility will no longer be providing care after August 22nd, 2025. The facility now operates on the first shift from 7am-3pm and second shift from 3pm-11:00 pm there are forty-nine children enrolled on first shift and nine children enrolled on second shift. A permit change was submitted to DCDEE to remove 3rd shift from the Provisional License. Rated License: The center currently operates with a Provisional license issued on April 9th, 2025. The Provisional license ends on October 9th, 2025, and a rated license evaluation was started to determine if the facility continues to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. Prior to today’s visit Mr. Harrison provided me with the staff for each classroom. I reviewed this information in DCDEE WORKS, not all staff were available for review in the system. I informed Mr. Harrison via email who still needed to create an account. Due to changes in staffing, an updated staff information sheet is needed, however if staff education is not accurate in WORKS a rated license will be processed based on available information. I will submit a rated license packet to DCDEE for review and approval on September 16th, 2025. Notify me by 09/12/2025, which pathway the facility will use for this rated license. Currently, Pathways 1 or 2 are the options for you. Pathway 3/accreditation can be a future goal however there will not be time for you to obtain accreditation prior to end of the Provisional license. I encourage you to visit the divisions website and review the QRIS modernization : https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. * A director’s meeting will be offered later this month, information coming soon! *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff person in space 1 was observed asleep in a chair. A staff person in space 2 was observed lying on the floor with a sweatshirt hood over his head. He appeared to be asleep on the floor with the children during naptime. .1801(a)(1-5) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. DCDEE feeding schedules were not completed for the infants in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor learning environment there was weed block/barrier that was not tacked down and is a tripping hazard for staff and children. There was a commercial metal train that has a plastic ring that is supposed to be bolted to the metal structure, only one bolt was in place. Due to missing bolts, the ring is not secure. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher who cares for children ages three and four was heard saying, "you're acting like a baby, go sit down." "Shhhh", " hurry up, get up and go to the bathroom." "Are you a baby, want a bottle." following these statements the child was heard crying. G.S. 110-91(10) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. .1101(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. Bus used for transportation has two tires that require replacement based childcare rule for tire treads less than 2/32 of an inch. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. G.S. 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The owners qualification was verified online but there was not a qualification letter on file at the facility for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The plan was last updated June 17th, 2025, there have been several staffing, administration and enrollment changes and the plan was not updated. .0607(e) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 14 business days by September 16th, 2025. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* August 6th,2025 email from operations manager Mr. Harrison stated that Ms. Taylor was stepping out of the role as director. No correspondence has been received from Ms. Taylor confirming this information. Ms. Dowell provided a Pre-Service Administrator form and the DCDEE system will be updated to reflect changes for Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell. • A violation related to safe environment was cited for tripping hazard and broken equipment. The purpose of the outdoor play inspection is to inspect and document the safety of the outdoor play space and document issues and the plan to correct. Based on the review there were no fails related to items in need of repair. Use the form as checks and balances to assure the playground is safe for children. • DCDEE requires infant feeding schedules completed by parents of enrolled children. The form is available on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under provider, and forms. The form should be available for review. Documenting it on a dry erase board is a helpful tool in addition to the required documents. • Transportation vehicles should meet all federal, state and county requirements and be safe to provide transportation to the enrolled children. Part of the safety checklist before transport should be to check your tires, not only for tire pressure but for tire treads, especially in winter months when roads are icy or on rainy days when roads are slick. Take a penny and turn it upside down so Lincoln’s head is facing down inside the tread and if you cannot see the top of his head there is tread. • A violation related to nurture care was cited and a recommendation during the visit was made to have staff visit www.NCRLAP.org website and watch the videos on https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/?iEventID=885826 language and interactions. • A violation related to the EPR plan was cited based on the need for update since there have been several staffing and enrollment changes since June 2025 when it was last revised. Please obtain the facilities username and password and visit https://staging.ncem.org/portal/# and click on planning tools and log in with the NCID username and password to update the plan. • A violation was cited related to the ABCMS criminal record qualification letter requirement. The facility operator should have created a facility portal and provided all staff with a facility code for them to create individual portals to link themselves to the center. A PowerPoint presentation was shared via email in May prior to our provider meeting. Please review the Power Point and complete the procedure. If you have any questions, please contact the division on 919-814-6300 and select the option for criminal records and ask for ABCMS portal assistance. • A violation of criminal record qualification letters was cited during the visit. per childcare rule all criminal record qualification letters for all employees should be on file and available for review. The owner’s letter was not on file but confirmed qualified. • A violation regarding supervision was cited today due to an observation of staff napping during children’s naptime. Naptime tasks for teachers include preparing a consistent and calm environment by dimming lights and playing soft music, supervising children, and cleaning up after lunch. Staff can use this time for breaks, organizing materials, preparing for the afternoon, sanitizing toys, rotating materials or engaging professional development. • Staff qualifications and training requirements are essential for adults who interact with and teach children. These requirements protect children in childcare facilities by ensuring these facilities provide a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of children are met and where children are cared for by qualified staff. Training is a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education and care. It helps ensure that children receive the best possible care and education. Each staff member shall receive 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. Six of the hours are required to be completed within the first two weeks of employment. When documenting orientation, please ensure that all required information is entered onto the form. You can conduct orientation training as a group with new staff instead of one on one. Ensure you and applicable staff members reflect the date, hours, and signature on the orientation training form. We discussed documenting any additional information at the bottom of the orientation form that is reviewed with the employees. Do not try to rush orientation training. It is apparent that teachers have not had appropriate orientation training , so it is a very important piece for quality childcare. This is the starting point building the foundation for advancing knowledge of early childhood and helps ensure teachers know how to do their job and why it is important. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 Michele Remington, Licensing supervisor 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 9/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. My visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Acting center director. Monique Taylor owner was not available during today’s visit. Observations: The children were observed participating in teacher-directed activities (tabletop activities, story time, and personal care) for a brief time before being observed during outdoor play. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, and environments/materials. The provisional license and administrative action were posted. There was concern during today’s visit related to toys and materials being insufficient for the children in care. During my visit FedEx arrived with four pallets of toys and materials ordered through Kaplan early learning company. Transportation: Transportation- 2019 passenger van KDE 3342. Transportation requirements were monitored today (registration, insurance, documentation, car safety seats). A violation was cited for two of the four tires having low tire treads. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. • Fire inspection= 1/27/2025- and approved for daytime care (report attached) • Sanitation inspection= 7/24/2025 4 demerits and a superior rating • On July 30th, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as current/active • Fire drill- 8/29/2025 @ 9:35am and took 31 seconds • EPR plan last updated- 6/17/2025- A violation of childcare requirements was cited due to the plan not being updated when staff and administration changes were made (change of director, number of children enrolled, number of staff employed) • Playground inspection- 8/26/2025 • Lockdown drill – 6/10/2025 @ 3:30pm and took 30 seconds- next lockdown or shelter in place is due by 9/10/2025. • ABCMS criminal record requirement- a portal has not been completed, and staff have not been linked, a violation of childcare requirements was cited. • Compliance History prior to today’s visit is: 88 This facility was licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed August 11th, 2025, that the facility will no longer be providing care after August 22nd, 2025. The facility now operates on the first shift from 7am-3pm and second shift from 3pm-11:00 pm there are forty-nine children enrolled on first shift and nine children enrolled on second shift. A permit change was submitted to DCDEE to remove 3rd shift from the Provisional License. Rated License: The center currently operates with a Provisional license issued on April 9th, 2025. The Provisional license ends on October 9th, 2025, and a rated license evaluation was started to determine if the facility continues to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. Prior to today’s visit Mr. Harrison provided me with the staff for each classroom. I reviewed this information in DCDEE WORKS, not all staff were available for review in the system. I informed Mr. Harrison via email who still needed to create an account. Due to changes in staffing, an updated staff information sheet is needed, however if staff education is not accurate in WORKS a rated license will be processed based on available information. I will submit a rated license packet to DCDEE for review and approval on September 16th, 2025. Notify me by 09/12/2025, which pathway the facility will use for this rated license. Currently, Pathways 1 or 2 are the options for you. Pathway 3/accreditation can be a future goal however there will not be time for you to obtain accreditation prior to end of the Provisional license. I encourage you to visit the divisions website and review the QRIS modernization : https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. * A director’s meeting will be offered later this month, information coming soon! *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff person in space 1 was observed asleep in a chair. A staff person in space 2 was observed lying on the floor with a sweatshirt hood over his head. He appeared to be asleep on the floor with the children during naptime. .1801(a)(1-5) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. DCDEE feeding schedules were not completed for the infants in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor learning environment there was weed block/barrier that was not tacked down and is a tripping hazard for staff and children. There was a commercial metal train that has a plastic ring that is supposed to be bolted to the metal structure, only one bolt was in place. Due to missing bolts, the ring is not secure. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher who cares for children ages three and four was heard saying, "you're acting like a baby, go sit down." "Shhhh", " hurry up, get up and go to the bathroom." "Are you a baby, want a bottle." following these statements the child was heard crying. G.S. 110-91(10) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. .1101(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. Bus used for transportation has two tires that require replacement based childcare rule for tire treads less than 2/32 of an inch. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. G.S. 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The owners qualification was verified online but there was not a qualification letter on file at the facility for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The plan was last updated June 17th, 2025, there have been several staffing, administration and enrollment changes and the plan was not updated. .0607(e) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 14 business days by September 16th, 2025. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* August 6th,2025 email from operations manager Mr. Harrison stated that Ms. Taylor was stepping out of the role as director. No correspondence has been received from Ms. Taylor confirming this information. Ms. Dowell provided a Pre-Service Administrator form and the DCDEE system will be updated to reflect changes for Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell. • A violation related to safe environment was cited for tripping hazard and broken equipment. The purpose of the outdoor play inspection is to inspect and document the safety of the outdoor play space and document issues and the plan to correct. Based on the review there were no fails related to items in need of repair. Use the form as checks and balances to assure the playground is safe for children. • DCDEE requires infant feeding schedules completed by parents of enrolled children. The form is available on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under provider, and forms. The form should be available for review. Documenting it on a dry erase board is a helpful tool in addition to the required documents. • Transportation vehicles should meet all federal, state and county requirements and be safe to provide transportation to the enrolled children. Part of the safety checklist before transport should be to check your tires, not only for tire pressure but for tire treads, especially in winter months when roads are icy or on rainy days when roads are slick. Take a penny and turn it upside down so Lincoln’s head is facing down inside the tread and if you cannot see the top of his head there is tread. • A violation related to nurture care was cited and a recommendation during the visit was made to have staff visit www.NCRLAP.org website and watch the videos on https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/?iEventID=885826 language and interactions. • A violation related to the EPR plan was cited based on the need for update since there have been several staffing and enrollment changes since June 2025 when it was last revised. Please obtain the facilities username and password and visit https://staging.ncem.org/portal/# and click on planning tools and log in with the NCID username and password to update the plan. • A violation was cited related to the ABCMS criminal record qualification letter requirement. The facility operator should have created a facility portal and provided all staff with a facility code for them to create individual portals to link themselves to the center. A PowerPoint presentation was shared via email in May prior to our provider meeting. Please review the Power Point and complete the procedure. If you have any questions, please contact the division on 919-814-6300 and select the option for criminal records and ask for ABCMS portal assistance. • A violation of criminal record qualification letters was cited during the visit. per childcare rule all criminal record qualification letters for all employees should be on file and available for review. The owner’s letter was not on file but confirmed qualified. • A violation regarding supervision was cited today due to an observation of staff napping during children’s naptime. Naptime tasks for teachers include preparing a consistent and calm environment by dimming lights and playing soft music, supervising children, and cleaning up after lunch. Staff can use this time for breaks, organizing materials, preparing for the afternoon, sanitizing toys, rotating materials or engaging professional development. • Staff qualifications and training requirements are essential for adults who interact with and teach children. These requirements protect children in childcare facilities by ensuring these facilities provide a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of children are met and where children are cared for by qualified staff. Training is a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education and care. It helps ensure that children receive the best possible care and education. Each staff member shall receive 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. Six of the hours are required to be completed within the first two weeks of employment. When documenting orientation, please ensure that all required information is entered onto the form. You can conduct orientation training as a group with new staff instead of one on one. Ensure you and applicable staff members reflect the date, hours, and signature on the orientation training form. We discussed documenting any additional information at the bottom of the orientation form that is reviewed with the employees. Do not try to rush orientation training. It is apparent that teachers have not had appropriate orientation training , so it is a very important piece for quality childcare. This is the starting point building the foundation for advancing knowledge of early childhood and helps ensure teachers know how to do their job and why it is important. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 Michele Remington, Licensing supervisor 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 .1002 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 9/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. My visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Acting center director. Monique Taylor owner was not available during today’s visit. Observations: The children were observed participating in teacher-directed activities (tabletop activities, story time, and personal care) for a brief time before being observed during outdoor play. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, and environments/materials. The provisional license and administrative action were posted. There was concern during today’s visit related to toys and materials being insufficient for the children in care. During my visit FedEx arrived with four pallets of toys and materials ordered through Kaplan early learning company. Transportation: Transportation- 2019 passenger van KDE 3342. Transportation requirements were monitored today (registration, insurance, documentation, car safety seats). A violation was cited for two of the four tires having low tire treads. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. • Fire inspection= 1/27/2025- and approved for daytime care (report attached) • Sanitation inspection= 7/24/2025 4 demerits and a superior rating • On July 30th, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as current/active • Fire drill- 8/29/2025 @ 9:35am and took 31 seconds • EPR plan last updated- 6/17/2025- A violation of childcare requirements was cited due to the plan not being updated when staff and administration changes were made (change of director, number of children enrolled, number of staff employed) • Playground inspection- 8/26/2025 • Lockdown drill – 6/10/2025 @ 3:30pm and took 30 seconds- next lockdown or shelter in place is due by 9/10/2025. • ABCMS criminal record requirement- a portal has not been completed, and staff have not been linked, a violation of childcare requirements was cited. • Compliance History prior to today’s visit is: 88 This facility was licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed August 11th, 2025, that the facility will no longer be providing care after August 22nd, 2025. The facility now operates on the first shift from 7am-3pm and second shift from 3pm-11:00 pm there are forty-nine children enrolled on first shift and nine children enrolled on second shift. A permit change was submitted to DCDEE to remove 3rd shift from the Provisional License. Rated License: The center currently operates with a Provisional license issued on April 9th, 2025. The Provisional license ends on October 9th, 2025, and a rated license evaluation was started to determine if the facility continues to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. Prior to today’s visit Mr. Harrison provided me with the staff for each classroom. I reviewed this information in DCDEE WORKS, not all staff were available for review in the system. I informed Mr. Harrison via email who still needed to create an account. Due to changes in staffing, an updated staff information sheet is needed, however if staff education is not accurate in WORKS a rated license will be processed based on available information. I will submit a rated license packet to DCDEE for review and approval on September 16th, 2025. Notify me by 09/12/2025, which pathway the facility will use for this rated license. Currently, Pathways 1 or 2 are the options for you. Pathway 3/accreditation can be a future goal however there will not be time for you to obtain accreditation prior to end of the Provisional license. I encourage you to visit the divisions website and review the QRIS modernization : https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. * A director’s meeting will be offered later this month, information coming soon! *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff person in space 1 was observed asleep in a chair. A staff person in space 2 was observed lying on the floor with a sweatshirt hood over his head. He appeared to be asleep on the floor with the children during naptime. .1801(a)(1-5) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. DCDEE feeding schedules were not completed for the infants in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor learning environment there was weed block/barrier that was not tacked down and is a tripping hazard for staff and children. There was a commercial metal train that has a plastic ring that is supposed to be bolted to the metal structure, only one bolt was in place. Due to missing bolts, the ring is not secure. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher who cares for children ages three and four was heard saying, "you're acting like a baby, go sit down." "Shhhh", " hurry up, get up and go to the bathroom." "Are you a baby, want a bottle." following these statements the child was heard crying. G.S. 110-91(10) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. .1101(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. Bus used for transportation has two tires that require replacement based childcare rule for tire treads less than 2/32 of an inch. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. G.S. 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The owners qualification was verified online but there was not a qualification letter on file at the facility for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The plan was last updated June 17th, 2025, there have been several staffing, administration and enrollment changes and the plan was not updated. .0607(e) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 14 business days by September 16th, 2025. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* August 6th,2025 email from operations manager Mr. Harrison stated that Ms. Taylor was stepping out of the role as director. No correspondence has been received from Ms. Taylor confirming this information. Ms. Dowell provided a Pre-Service Administrator form and the DCDEE system will be updated to reflect changes for Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell. • A violation related to safe environment was cited for tripping hazard and broken equipment. The purpose of the outdoor play inspection is to inspect and document the safety of the outdoor play space and document issues and the plan to correct. Based on the review there were no fails related to items in need of repair. Use the form as checks and balances to assure the playground is safe for children. • DCDEE requires infant feeding schedules completed by parents of enrolled children. The form is available on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under provider, and forms. The form should be available for review. Documenting it on a dry erase board is a helpful tool in addition to the required documents. • Transportation vehicles should meet all federal, state and county requirements and be safe to provide transportation to the enrolled children. Part of the safety checklist before transport should be to check your tires, not only for tire pressure but for tire treads, especially in winter months when roads are icy or on rainy days when roads are slick. Take a penny and turn it upside down so Lincoln’s head is facing down inside the tread and if you cannot see the top of his head there is tread. • A violation related to nurture care was cited and a recommendation during the visit was made to have staff visit www.NCRLAP.org website and watch the videos on https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/?iEventID=885826 language and interactions. • A violation related to the EPR plan was cited based on the need for update since there have been several staffing and enrollment changes since June 2025 when it was last revised. Please obtain the facilities username and password and visit https://staging.ncem.org/portal/# and click on planning tools and log in with the NCID username and password to update the plan. • A violation was cited related to the ABCMS criminal record qualification letter requirement. The facility operator should have created a facility portal and provided all staff with a facility code for them to create individual portals to link themselves to the center. A PowerPoint presentation was shared via email in May prior to our provider meeting. Please review the Power Point and complete the procedure. If you have any questions, please contact the division on 919-814-6300 and select the option for criminal records and ask for ABCMS portal assistance. • A violation of criminal record qualification letters was cited during the visit. per childcare rule all criminal record qualification letters for all employees should be on file and available for review. The owner’s letter was not on file but confirmed qualified. • A violation regarding supervision was cited today due to an observation of staff napping during children’s naptime. Naptime tasks for teachers include preparing a consistent and calm environment by dimming lights and playing soft music, supervising children, and cleaning up after lunch. Staff can use this time for breaks, organizing materials, preparing for the afternoon, sanitizing toys, rotating materials or engaging professional development. • Staff qualifications and training requirements are essential for adults who interact with and teach children. These requirements protect children in childcare facilities by ensuring these facilities provide a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of children are met and where children are cared for by qualified staff. Training is a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education and care. It helps ensure that children receive the best possible care and education. Each staff member shall receive 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. Six of the hours are required to be completed within the first two weeks of employment. When documenting orientation, please ensure that all required information is entered onto the form. You can conduct orientation training as a group with new staff instead of one on one. Ensure you and applicable staff members reflect the date, hours, and signature on the orientation training form. We discussed documenting any additional information at the bottom of the orientation form that is reviewed with the employees. Do not try to rush orientation training. It is apparent that teachers have not had appropriate orientation training , so it is a very important piece for quality childcare. This is the starting point building the foundation for advancing knowledge of early childhood and helps ensure teachers know how to do their job and why it is important. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 Michele Remington, Licensing supervisor 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 9/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. My visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Acting center director. Monique Taylor owner was not available during today’s visit. Observations: The children were observed participating in teacher-directed activities (tabletop activities, story time, and personal care) for a brief time before being observed during outdoor play. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, and environments/materials. The provisional license and administrative action were posted. There was concern during today’s visit related to toys and materials being insufficient for the children in care. During my visit FedEx arrived with four pallets of toys and materials ordered through Kaplan early learning company. Transportation: Transportation- 2019 passenger van KDE 3342. Transportation requirements were monitored today (registration, insurance, documentation, car safety seats). A violation was cited for two of the four tires having low tire treads. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. • Fire inspection= 1/27/2025- and approved for daytime care (report attached) • Sanitation inspection= 7/24/2025 4 demerits and a superior rating • On July 30th, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as current/active • Fire drill- 8/29/2025 @ 9:35am and took 31 seconds • EPR plan last updated- 6/17/2025- A violation of childcare requirements was cited due to the plan not being updated when staff and administration changes were made (change of director, number of children enrolled, number of staff employed) • Playground inspection- 8/26/2025 • Lockdown drill – 6/10/2025 @ 3:30pm and took 30 seconds- next lockdown or shelter in place is due by 9/10/2025. • ABCMS criminal record requirement- a portal has not been completed, and staff have not been linked, a violation of childcare requirements was cited. • Compliance History prior to today’s visit is: 88 This facility was licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed August 11th, 2025, that the facility will no longer be providing care after August 22nd, 2025. The facility now operates on the first shift from 7am-3pm and second shift from 3pm-11:00 pm there are forty-nine children enrolled on first shift and nine children enrolled on second shift. A permit change was submitted to DCDEE to remove 3rd shift from the Provisional License. Rated License: The center currently operates with a Provisional license issued on April 9th, 2025. The Provisional license ends on October 9th, 2025, and a rated license evaluation was started to determine if the facility continues to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. Prior to today’s visit Mr. Harrison provided me with the staff for each classroom. I reviewed this information in DCDEE WORKS, not all staff were available for review in the system. I informed Mr. Harrison via email who still needed to create an account. Due to changes in staffing, an updated staff information sheet is needed, however if staff education is not accurate in WORKS a rated license will be processed based on available information. I will submit a rated license packet to DCDEE for review and approval on September 16th, 2025. Notify me by 09/12/2025, which pathway the facility will use for this rated license. Currently, Pathways 1 or 2 are the options for you. Pathway 3/accreditation can be a future goal however there will not be time for you to obtain accreditation prior to end of the Provisional license. I encourage you to visit the divisions website and review the QRIS modernization : https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. * A director’s meeting will be offered later this month, information coming soon! *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff person in space 1 was observed asleep in a chair. A staff person in space 2 was observed lying on the floor with a sweatshirt hood over his head. He appeared to be asleep on the floor with the children during naptime. .1801(a)(1-5) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. DCDEE feeding schedules were not completed for the infants in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor learning environment there was weed block/barrier that was not tacked down and is a tripping hazard for staff and children. There was a commercial metal train that has a plastic ring that is supposed to be bolted to the metal structure, only one bolt was in place. Due to missing bolts, the ring is not secure. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher who cares for children ages three and four was heard saying, "you're acting like a baby, go sit down." "Shhhh", " hurry up, get up and go to the bathroom." "Are you a baby, want a bottle." following these statements the child was heard crying. G.S. 110-91(10) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. .1101(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. Bus used for transportation has two tires that require replacement based childcare rule for tire treads less than 2/32 of an inch. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. G.S. 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The owners qualification was verified online but there was not a qualification letter on file at the facility for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The plan was last updated June 17th, 2025, there have been several staffing, administration and enrollment changes and the plan was not updated. .0607(e) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 14 business days by September 16th, 2025. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* August 6th,2025 email from operations manager Mr. Harrison stated that Ms. Taylor was stepping out of the role as director. No correspondence has been received from Ms. Taylor confirming this information. Ms. Dowell provided a Pre-Service Administrator form and the DCDEE system will be updated to reflect changes for Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell. • A violation related to safe environment was cited for tripping hazard and broken equipment. The purpose of the outdoor play inspection is to inspect and document the safety of the outdoor play space and document issues and the plan to correct. Based on the review there were no fails related to items in need of repair. Use the form as checks and balances to assure the playground is safe for children. • DCDEE requires infant feeding schedules completed by parents of enrolled children. The form is available on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under provider, and forms. The form should be available for review. Documenting it on a dry erase board is a helpful tool in addition to the required documents. • Transportation vehicles should meet all federal, state and county requirements and be safe to provide transportation to the enrolled children. Part of the safety checklist before transport should be to check your tires, not only for tire pressure but for tire treads, especially in winter months when roads are icy or on rainy days when roads are slick. Take a penny and turn it upside down so Lincoln’s head is facing down inside the tread and if you cannot see the top of his head there is tread. • A violation related to nurture care was cited and a recommendation during the visit was made to have staff visit www.NCRLAP.org website and watch the videos on https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/?iEventID=885826 language and interactions. • A violation related to the EPR plan was cited based on the need for update since there have been several staffing and enrollment changes since June 2025 when it was last revised. Please obtain the facilities username and password and visit https://staging.ncem.org/portal/# and click on planning tools and log in with the NCID username and password to update the plan. • A violation was cited related to the ABCMS criminal record qualification letter requirement. The facility operator should have created a facility portal and provided all staff with a facility code for them to create individual portals to link themselves to the center. A PowerPoint presentation was shared via email in May prior to our provider meeting. Please review the Power Point and complete the procedure. If you have any questions, please contact the division on 919-814-6300 and select the option for criminal records and ask for ABCMS portal assistance. • A violation of criminal record qualification letters was cited during the visit. per childcare rule all criminal record qualification letters for all employees should be on file and available for review. The owner’s letter was not on file but confirmed qualified. • A violation regarding supervision was cited today due to an observation of staff napping during children’s naptime. Naptime tasks for teachers include preparing a consistent and calm environment by dimming lights and playing soft music, supervising children, and cleaning up after lunch. Staff can use this time for breaks, organizing materials, preparing for the afternoon, sanitizing toys, rotating materials or engaging professional development. • Staff qualifications and training requirements are essential for adults who interact with and teach children. These requirements protect children in childcare facilities by ensuring these facilities provide a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of children are met and where children are cared for by qualified staff. Training is a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education and care. It helps ensure that children receive the best possible care and education. Each staff member shall receive 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. Six of the hours are required to be completed within the first two weeks of employment. When documenting orientation, please ensure that all required information is entered onto the form. You can conduct orientation training as a group with new staff instead of one on one. Ensure you and applicable staff members reflect the date, hours, and signature on the orientation training form. We discussed documenting any additional information at the bottom of the orientation form that is reviewed with the employees. Do not try to rush orientation training. It is apparent that teachers have not had appropriate orientation training , so it is a very important piece for quality childcare. This is the starting point building the foundation for advancing knowledge of early childhood and helps ensure teachers know how to do their job and why it is important. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 Michele Remington, Licensing supervisor 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

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 9/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. My visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Acting center director. Monique Taylor owner was not available during today’s visit. Observations: The children were observed participating in teacher-directed activities (tabletop activities, story time, and personal care) for a brief time before being observed during outdoor play. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, and environments/materials. The provisional license and administrative action were posted. There was concern during today’s visit related to toys and materials being insufficient for the children in care. During my visit FedEx arrived with four pallets of toys and materials ordered through Kaplan early learning company. Transportation: Transportation- 2019 passenger van KDE 3342. Transportation requirements were monitored today (registration, insurance, documentation, car safety seats). A violation was cited for two of the four tires having low tire treads. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. • Fire inspection= 1/27/2025- and approved for daytime care (report attached) • Sanitation inspection= 7/24/2025 4 demerits and a superior rating • On July 30th, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as current/active • Fire drill- 8/29/2025 @ 9:35am and took 31 seconds • EPR plan last updated- 6/17/2025- A violation of childcare requirements was cited due to the plan not being updated when staff and administration changes were made (change of director, number of children enrolled, number of staff employed) • Playground inspection- 8/26/2025 • Lockdown drill – 6/10/2025 @ 3:30pm and took 30 seconds- next lockdown or shelter in place is due by 9/10/2025. • ABCMS criminal record requirement- a portal has not been completed, and staff have not been linked, a violation of childcare requirements was cited. • Compliance History prior to today’s visit is: 88 This facility was licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed August 11th, 2025, that the facility will no longer be providing care after August 22nd, 2025. The facility now operates on the first shift from 7am-3pm and second shift from 3pm-11:00 pm there are forty-nine children enrolled on first shift and nine children enrolled on second shift. A permit change was submitted to DCDEE to remove 3rd shift from the Provisional License. Rated License: The center currently operates with a Provisional license issued on April 9th, 2025. The Provisional license ends on October 9th, 2025, and a rated license evaluation was started to determine if the facility continues to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. Prior to today’s visit Mr. Harrison provided me with the staff for each classroom. I reviewed this information in DCDEE WORKS, not all staff were available for review in the system. I informed Mr. Harrison via email who still needed to create an account. Due to changes in staffing, an updated staff information sheet is needed, however if staff education is not accurate in WORKS a rated license will be processed based on available information. I will submit a rated license packet to DCDEE for review and approval on September 16th, 2025. Notify me by 09/12/2025, which pathway the facility will use for this rated license. Currently, Pathways 1 or 2 are the options for you. Pathway 3/accreditation can be a future goal however there will not be time for you to obtain accreditation prior to end of the Provisional license. I encourage you to visit the divisions website and review the QRIS modernization : https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. * A director’s meeting will be offered later this month, information coming soon! *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff person in space 1 was observed asleep in a chair. A staff person in space 2 was observed lying on the floor with a sweatshirt hood over his head. He appeared to be asleep on the floor with the children during naptime. .1801(a)(1-5) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. DCDEE feeding schedules were not completed for the infants in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor learning environment there was weed block/barrier that was not tacked down and is a tripping hazard for staff and children. There was a commercial metal train that has a plastic ring that is supposed to be bolted to the metal structure, only one bolt was in place. Due to missing bolts, the ring is not secure. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher who cares for children ages three and four was heard saying, "you're acting like a baby, go sit down." "Shhhh", " hurry up, get up and go to the bathroom." "Are you a baby, want a bottle." following these statements the child was heard crying. G.S. 110-91(10) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. .1101(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. Bus used for transportation has two tires that require replacement based childcare rule for tire treads less than 2/32 of an inch. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. G.S. 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The owners qualification was verified online but there was not a qualification letter on file at the facility for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The plan was last updated June 17th, 2025, there have been several staffing, administration and enrollment changes and the plan was not updated. .0607(e) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 14 business days by September 16th, 2025. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* August 6th,2025 email from operations manager Mr. Harrison stated that Ms. Taylor was stepping out of the role as director. No correspondence has been received from Ms. Taylor confirming this information. Ms. Dowell provided a Pre-Service Administrator form and the DCDEE system will be updated to reflect changes for Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell. • A violation related to safe environment was cited for tripping hazard and broken equipment. The purpose of the outdoor play inspection is to inspect and document the safety of the outdoor play space and document issues and the plan to correct. Based on the review there were no fails related to items in need of repair. Use the form as checks and balances to assure the playground is safe for children. • DCDEE requires infant feeding schedules completed by parents of enrolled children. The form is available on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under provider, and forms. The form should be available for review. Documenting it on a dry erase board is a helpful tool in addition to the required documents. • Transportation vehicles should meet all federal, state and county requirements and be safe to provide transportation to the enrolled children. Part of the safety checklist before transport should be to check your tires, not only for tire pressure but for tire treads, especially in winter months when roads are icy or on rainy days when roads are slick. Take a penny and turn it upside down so Lincoln’s head is facing down inside the tread and if you cannot see the top of his head there is tread. • A violation related to nurture care was cited and a recommendation during the visit was made to have staff visit www.NCRLAP.org website and watch the videos on https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/?iEventID=885826 language and interactions. • A violation related to the EPR plan was cited based on the need for update since there have been several staffing and enrollment changes since June 2025 when it was last revised. Please obtain the facilities username and password and visit https://staging.ncem.org/portal/# and click on planning tools and log in with the NCID username and password to update the plan. • A violation was cited related to the ABCMS criminal record qualification letter requirement. The facility operator should have created a facility portal and provided all staff with a facility code for them to create individual portals to link themselves to the center. A PowerPoint presentation was shared via email in May prior to our provider meeting. Please review the Power Point and complete the procedure. If you have any questions, please contact the division on 919-814-6300 and select the option for criminal records and ask for ABCMS portal assistance. • A violation of criminal record qualification letters was cited during the visit. per childcare rule all criminal record qualification letters for all employees should be on file and available for review. The owner’s letter was not on file but confirmed qualified. • A violation regarding supervision was cited today due to an observation of staff napping during children’s naptime. Naptime tasks for teachers include preparing a consistent and calm environment by dimming lights and playing soft music, supervising children, and cleaning up after lunch. Staff can use this time for breaks, organizing materials, preparing for the afternoon, sanitizing toys, rotating materials or engaging professional development. • Staff qualifications and training requirements are essential for adults who interact with and teach children. These requirements protect children in childcare facilities by ensuring these facilities provide a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of children are met and where children are cared for by qualified staff. Training is a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education and care. It helps ensure that children receive the best possible care and education. Each staff member shall receive 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. Six of the hours are required to be completed within the first two weeks of employment. When documenting orientation, please ensure that all required information is entered onto the form. You can conduct orientation training as a group with new staff instead of one on one. Ensure you and applicable staff members reflect the date, hours, and signature on the orientation training form. We discussed documenting any additional information at the bottom of the orientation form that is reviewed with the employees. Do not try to rush orientation training. It is apparent that teachers have not had appropriate orientation training , so it is a very important piece for quality childcare. This is the starting point building the foundation for advancing knowledge of early childhood and helps ensure teachers know how to do their job and why it is important. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 Michele Remington, Licensing supervisor 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 9/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. My visit was conducted with Flexcia Dowell, Acting center director. Monique Taylor owner was not available during today’s visit. Observations: The children were observed participating in teacher-directed activities (tabletop activities, story time, and personal care) for a brief time before being observed during outdoor play. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, and environments/materials. The provisional license and administrative action were posted. There was concern during today’s visit related to toys and materials being insufficient for the children in care. During my visit FedEx arrived with four pallets of toys and materials ordered through Kaplan early learning company. Transportation: Transportation- 2019 passenger van KDE 3342. Transportation requirements were monitored today (registration, insurance, documentation, car safety seats). A violation was cited for two of the four tires having low tire treads. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. • Fire inspection= 1/27/2025- and approved for daytime care (report attached) • Sanitation inspection= 7/24/2025 4 demerits and a superior rating • On July 30th, 2025, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as current/active • Fire drill- 8/29/2025 @ 9:35am and took 31 seconds • EPR plan last updated- 6/17/2025- A violation of childcare requirements was cited due to the plan not being updated when staff and administration changes were made (change of director, number of children enrolled, number of staff employed) • Playground inspection- 8/26/2025 • Lockdown drill – 6/10/2025 @ 3:30pm and took 30 seconds- next lockdown or shelter in place is due by 9/10/2025. • ABCMS criminal record requirement- a portal has not been completed, and staff have not been linked, a violation of childcare requirements was cited. • Compliance History prior to today’s visit is: 88 This facility was licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed August 11th, 2025, that the facility will no longer be providing care after August 22nd, 2025. The facility now operates on the first shift from 7am-3pm and second shift from 3pm-11:00 pm there are forty-nine children enrolled on first shift and nine children enrolled on second shift. A permit change was submitted to DCDEE to remove 3rd shift from the Provisional License. Rated License: The center currently operates with a Provisional license issued on April 9th, 2025. The Provisional license ends on October 9th, 2025, and a rated license evaluation was started to determine if the facility continues to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. Prior to today’s visit Mr. Harrison provided me with the staff for each classroom. I reviewed this information in DCDEE WORKS, not all staff were available for review in the system. I informed Mr. Harrison via email who still needed to create an account. Due to changes in staffing, an updated staff information sheet is needed, however if staff education is not accurate in WORKS a rated license will be processed based on available information. I will submit a rated license packet to DCDEE for review and approval on September 16th, 2025. Notify me by 09/12/2025, which pathway the facility will use for this rated license. Currently, Pathways 1 or 2 are the options for you. Pathway 3/accreditation can be a future goal however there will not be time for you to obtain accreditation prior to end of the Provisional license. I encourage you to visit the divisions website and review the QRIS modernization : https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. * A director’s meeting will be offered later this month, information coming soon! *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff person in space 1 was observed asleep in a chair. A staff person in space 2 was observed lying on the floor with a sweatshirt hood over his head. He appeared to be asleep on the floor with the children during naptime. .1801(a)(1-5) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. DCDEE feeding schedules were not completed for the infants in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor learning environment there was weed block/barrier that was not tacked down and is a tripping hazard for staff and children. There was a commercial metal train that has a plastic ring that is supposed to be bolted to the metal structure, only one bolt was in place. Due to missing bolts, the ring is not secure. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher who cares for children ages three and four was heard saying, "you're acting like a baby, go sit down." "Shhhh", " hurry up, get up and go to the bathroom." "Are you a baby, want a bottle." following these statements the child was heard crying. G.S. 110-91(10) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A new staff person had an orientation form that was not completed to show proof of new hire orientation. .1101(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. Bus used for transportation has two tires that require replacement based childcare rule for tire treads less than 2/32 of an inch. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. An enrolled child did not have a medical on file for review. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. An enrolled child was in attendance at the facility without a file. G.S. 110-91(9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The owners qualification was verified online but there was not a qualification letter on file at the facility for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. The ABCMS provider portal was not created as required for staff to be linked to the facility they are employed. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The plan was last updated June 17th, 2025, there have been several staffing, administration and enrollment changes and the plan was not updated. .0607(e) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 14 business days by September 16th, 2025. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* August 6th,2025 email from operations manager Mr. Harrison stated that Ms. Taylor was stepping out of the role as director. No correspondence has been received from Ms. Taylor confirming this information. Ms. Dowell provided a Pre-Service Administrator form and the DCDEE system will be updated to reflect changes for Ms. Taylor and Ms. Dowell. • A violation related to safe environment was cited for tripping hazard and broken equipment. The purpose of the outdoor play inspection is to inspect and document the safety of the outdoor play space and document issues and the plan to correct. Based on the review there were no fails related to items in need of repair. Use the form as checks and balances to assure the playground is safe for children. • DCDEE requires infant feeding schedules completed by parents of enrolled children. The form is available on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under provider, and forms. The form should be available for review. Documenting it on a dry erase board is a helpful tool in addition to the required documents. • Transportation vehicles should meet all federal, state and county requirements and be safe to provide transportation to the enrolled children. Part of the safety checklist before transport should be to check your tires, not only for tire pressure but for tire treads, especially in winter months when roads are icy or on rainy days when roads are slick. Take a penny and turn it upside down so Lincoln’s head is facing down inside the tread and if you cannot see the top of his head there is tread. • A violation related to nurture care was cited and a recommendation during the visit was made to have staff visit www.NCRLAP.org website and watch the videos on https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/?iEventID=885826 language and interactions. • A violation related to the EPR plan was cited based on the need for update since there have been several staffing and enrollment changes since June 2025 when it was last revised. Please obtain the facilities username and password and visit https://staging.ncem.org/portal/# and click on planning tools and log in with the NCID username and password to update the plan. • A violation was cited related to the ABCMS criminal record qualification letter requirement. The facility operator should have created a facility portal and provided all staff with a facility code for them to create individual portals to link themselves to the center. A PowerPoint presentation was shared via email in May prior to our provider meeting. Please review the Power Point and complete the procedure. If you have any questions, please contact the division on 919-814-6300 and select the option for criminal records and ask for ABCMS portal assistance. • A violation of criminal record qualification letters was cited during the visit. per childcare rule all criminal record qualification letters for all employees should be on file and available for review. The owner’s letter was not on file but confirmed qualified. • A violation regarding supervision was cited today due to an observation of staff napping during children’s naptime. Naptime tasks for teachers include preparing a consistent and calm environment by dimming lights and playing soft music, supervising children, and cleaning up after lunch. Staff can use this time for breaks, organizing materials, preparing for the afternoon, sanitizing toys, rotating materials or engaging professional development. • Staff qualifications and training requirements are essential for adults who interact with and teach children. These requirements protect children in childcare facilities by ensuring these facilities provide a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of children are met and where children are cared for by qualified staff. Training is a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education and care. It helps ensure that children receive the best possible care and education. Each staff member shall receive 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. Six of the hours are required to be completed within the first two weeks of employment. When documenting orientation, please ensure that all required information is entered onto the form. You can conduct orientation training as a group with new staff instead of one on one. Ensure you and applicable staff members reflect the date, hours, and signature on the orientation training form. We discussed documenting any additional information at the bottom of the orientation form that is reviewed with the employees. Do not try to rush orientation training. It is apparent that teachers have not had appropriate orientation training , so it is a very important piece for quality childcare. This is the starting point building the foundation for advancing knowledge of early childhood and helps ensure teachers know how to do their job and why it is important. Additional Resources for Orientation trainings: https://www.swcdcinc.org/ Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 Michele Remington, Licensing supervisor 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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0725-404L Visit Date: 8/7/2025 Number Present: 48 Completed Date: 8/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with NC law as well as to investigate the above allegation. When I arrived, I was greeted by Flexcia Dowell, newly hired director, and center staff. I arrived at the program at 9:37 am. Sherri Hunt, Provider Compliance Consultant, accompanied me. Upon arrival I introduced myself to you and informed you I was present to investigate a complaint and that staff interviews needed to be conducted. You walked with me to obtain enrollment and number of children present in all seven (7) open classrooms. Allegation: There are allegations of violations of childcare requirements related to ratios and attendance. As noted in the report, ratio issues in the classroom for infants and two-year-olds and appears to be an issue on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Attendance concerns are related to documentation of children present or not and attendance records not being available at the center because the owner is taking attendance sheets home. I interviewed four staff members that work with children birth to two-year-olds as well as the director. When ratios were discussed, I was informed by staff and the director that parents are dropping their children either earlier than their application arrival/departure time states and/or do not pick their child up on time. This facility operates three shifts and some of the parents enrolled per shift do not follow their assigned shift hours. This caused overlaps in the next shift causing staffing issues and potentially ratio issues. Staff explained the procedure when this occurs is to contact administrator, determine how to shift children to another class within their age group to keep classes in ratio. If space is not available staff will need to either turn a parent away or ask them to return when the shift their child is enrolled in begins. We discussed the staffing schedules; how many staff per class are needed and additional staff for coverage on all three shifts. There are thirteen staff assigned to work first shift, four additionally that work second shift and two that work third shift. There are eighty-one children enrolled in the first shift, twenty-one in the second shift and eight in the third shift. Based on information shared I was unable to determine ratio issues during my investigation. During today’s visit all seven classrooms were in compliance with staff: child ratios. I interviewed four staff and the director and was told they have not been out of ratio. I was unable to complete a thorough review of daily sign in/out sheets and attendance records because records for the month of July were not on site/available, the first week of August was available and reviewed. I am unable to confirm staff: child ratio violations and the allegation is unsubstantiated. Review of attendance records within the classroom, sign-in and out sheets on the clipboard as well as food program attendance sheets found inconsistencies in documentation. Information documented children present that were absent. I took the attendance sheet into the classroom I called each child’s name that was marked present and the teacher pointed to the child. I called out one name and no one answered, another child said, “he’s not here today.” the teacher confirmed this. The teacher in the classroom was not the teacher that had taken attendance that morning. In addition, a complete review could not be done because the director and an additional staff member who was assisting with the visit could not locate all the attendance records that were requested during the visit. DCDEE rules require a year’s worth of attendance and daily sign in/out documentation to be on-site and available for review, this was not in compliance today. During today’s visit attendance records for April, May and June were on site, there were no records for July. Daily sign in/out records for August were on-site today. Based on review of attendance, daily sign in/out records I was able to determine attendance documentation inconsistencies, and records were not maintained as required. The allegation was substantiated. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Review of sign-in and out sheets found inconsistencies in documentation, incomplete information and only records for August were available. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 326 Program records were not retained for the required timeframe. Per childcare rule .2318(8) a year’s worth of documentation was not on site and available for review. Attendance records and daily arrival and departure records were not maintained as required. Daily attendance records for April, May and June and August were on site. There were no records on site for July. Daily arrival and departure records for August were available. .2318(8) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Review of daily attendance in the classroom found forms incomplete or children marked present that were absent. Only records for April, May and June and the August were on site. There were no records on site for July. GS 110-91(9) Violations of childcare requirements regarding attendance were cited based on a substantiation of the allegation/supplemental information. The violations require a letter of corrective action by August 21, 2025, indicating how you’vie corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Contact Information: If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to call (919)819-9364 or email me at: Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Technical Assistance: There are several new staff working at the facility, one of whom were identified as a volunteer. A file was not available for review for the volunteer. Per childcare rule “Volunteer" means a person who works in a childcare facility and is not counted in staff/child ratio, does not have unsupervised contact with children, and is not monetarily compensated by the facility. A person who is at least 13 years of age, but less than 16 years of age, may work on a volunteer basis, as long as he or she is supervised by and works with a staff person who is at least 21 years of age and meets staff qualification requirements. "Teacher's aide" or "Aide" means a person who assists the lead teacher or the teacher in planning and implementing the daily program. A teacher's aide shall be at least 16 years old and less than 18 years old, shall be literate, and may count in staff/child ratio as long as there is also a credentialed staff person who is at least 21 years of age present in the room and available to respond to the needs of the teacher's aide and children in care. Please review the staff you are labeling as “volunteers” and review their ages to determine if they are considered volunteers or teacher aides. Visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Review the staff file checklist for the paperwork requirements. • Program Management: In addition to being a child care requirement for records, accurate attendance records and daily sign in/our sheets provide information that can help with staffing decisions, ensuring that there are enough staff members to meet the needs of the children. Accurate records are also needed in emergency drills or real life emergencies, it is vital that staff know exactly which children are present to ensure their safety. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0725-404L Visit Date: 8/7/2025 Number Present: 48 Completed Date: 8/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor for compliance with NC law as well as to investigate the above allegation. When I arrived, I was greeted by Flexcia Dowell, newly hired director, and center staff. I arrived at the program at 9:37 am. Sherri Hunt, Provider Compliance Consultant, accompanied me. Upon arrival I introduced myself to you and informed you I was present to investigate a complaint and that staff interviews needed to be conducted. You walked with me to obtain enrollment and number of children present in all seven (7) open classrooms. Allegation: There are allegations of violations of childcare requirements related to ratios and attendance. As noted in the report, ratio issues in the classroom for infants and two-year-olds and appears to be an issue on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Attendance concerns are related to documentation of children present or not and attendance records not being available at the center because the owner is taking attendance sheets home. I interviewed four staff members that work with children birth to two-year-olds as well as the director. When ratios were discussed, I was informed by staff and the director that parents are dropping their children either earlier than their application arrival/departure time states and/or do not pick their child up on time. This facility operates three shifts and some of the parents enrolled per shift do not follow their assigned shift hours. This caused overlaps in the next shift causing staffing issues and potentially ratio issues. Staff explained the procedure when this occurs is to contact administrator, determine how to shift children to another class within their age group to keep classes in ratio. If space is not available staff will need to either turn a parent away or ask them to return when the shift their child is enrolled in begins. We discussed the staffing schedules; how many staff per class are needed and additional staff for coverage on all three shifts. There are thirteen staff assigned to work first shift, four additionally that work second shift and two that work third shift. There are eighty-one children enrolled in the first shift, twenty-one in the second shift and eight in the third shift. Based on information shared I was unable to determine ratio issues during my investigation. During today’s visit all seven classrooms were in compliance with staff: child ratios. I interviewed four staff and the director and was told they have not been out of ratio. I was unable to complete a thorough review of daily sign in/out sheets and attendance records because records for the month of July were not on site/available, the first week of August was available and reviewed. I am unable to confirm staff: child ratio violations and the allegation is unsubstantiated. Review of attendance records within the classroom, sign-in and out sheets on the clipboard as well as food program attendance sheets found inconsistencies in documentation. Information documented children present that were absent. I took the attendance sheet into the classroom I called each child’s name that was marked present and the teacher pointed to the child. I called out one name and no one answered, another child said, “he’s not here today.” the teacher confirmed this. The teacher in the classroom was not the teacher that had taken attendance that morning. In addition, a complete review could not be done because the director and an additional staff member who was assisting with the visit could not locate all the attendance records that were requested during the visit. DCDEE rules require a year’s worth of attendance and daily sign in/out documentation to be on-site and available for review, this was not in compliance today. During today’s visit attendance records for April, May and June were on site, there were no records for July. Daily sign in/out records for August were on-site today. Based on review of attendance, daily sign in/out records I was able to determine attendance documentation inconsistencies, and records were not maintained as required. The allegation was substantiated. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Review of sign-in and out sheets found inconsistencies in documentation, incomplete information and only records for August were available. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 326 Program records were not retained for the required timeframe. Per childcare rule .2318(8) a year’s worth of documentation was not on site and available for review. Attendance records and daily arrival and departure records were not maintained as required. Daily attendance records for April, May and June and August were on site. There were no records on site for July. Daily arrival and departure records for August were available. .2318(8) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Review of daily attendance in the classroom found forms incomplete or children marked present that were absent. Only records for April, May and June and the August were on site. There were no records on site for July. GS 110-91(9) Violations of childcare requirements regarding attendance were cited based on a substantiation of the allegation/supplemental information. The violations require a letter of corrective action by August 21, 2025, indicating how you’vie corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Contact Information: If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to call (919)819-9364 or email me at: Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Technical Assistance: There are several new staff working at the facility, one of whom were identified as a volunteer. A file was not available for review for the volunteer. Per childcare rule “Volunteer" means a person who works in a childcare facility and is not counted in staff/child ratio, does not have unsupervised contact with children, and is not monetarily compensated by the facility. A person who is at least 13 years of age, but less than 16 years of age, may work on a volunteer basis, as long as he or she is supervised by and works with a staff person who is at least 21 years of age and meets staff qualification requirements. "Teacher's aide" or "Aide" means a person who assists the lead teacher or the teacher in planning and implementing the daily program. A teacher's aide shall be at least 16 years old and less than 18 years old, shall be literate, and may count in staff/child ratio as long as there is also a credentialed staff person who is at least 21 years of age present in the room and available to respond to the needs of the teacher's aide and children in care. Please review the staff you are labeling as “volunteers” and review their ages to determine if they are considered volunteers or teacher aides. Visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Review the staff file checklist for the paperwork requirements. • Program Management: In addition to being a child care requirement for records, accurate attendance records and daily sign in/our sheets provide information that can help with staffing decisions, ensuring that there are enough staff members to meet the needs of the children. Accurate records are also needed in emergency drills or real life emergencies, it is vital that staff know exactly which children are present to ensure their safety. 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 .0510 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/25/2025 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 6/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 30 Time In: 06:21 AM Time Out: 06:51 AM 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 discuss the administrative action issued to your childcare center. Upon arrival I was greeted by Elizabeth Somarriba, assistant director and center staff. This 6- month provisional action was received on April 9th, 2025, and was observed posted in the front lobby during today’s visit. The final notice administrative action was observed in your open binder on the table as well as the entry at the front door of the infant/toddler side of the facility. This is a provisional license issued by the division of child development and early education to Little Hearts Academy LLC #92003730. Since the inception of this administrative action issued in April 9th, 2025 I have been keep informed of the facilities progress with the administrative actions requirements by Anthony Harrison, District Operations Manager for Little Hearts Academy LLC, who stated he’d be supporting Monique Taylor, owner/director of Little Hearts Academy LLC with compliance with the administrative action. To date this is the progress I have been provided by Mr. Harrison: • 3/18/2025- PAS profile created • 3/18/2025 supervision/ratio policies and procedures submitted and correspondence for additional information • 3/19/2025 PAS profile accepted and enrollment complete • 3/23/2025 Getting ready for PAS class complete • 3/26/2025 provided contact information for Cumberland County partnership to receive assessment (4/7/2025 and 5/9/2025) additional correspondence and waiting on an assessment date in June 2025 (5/15/2025- still no date received for assessment) • 4/15/2025 inquiry received to pursue NAEYC accreditation • 5/5/2025 PAS summary statement received • 5/15/2025 policies and procedures complete • On 6/11/2025 I received the SIS staff education form back from Mr. Harrison to review all staff in the works education system and sent it back requesting additional information for staff who either did not have an account or who started but did not complete their account. • 6/17/2025 Cumberland County assessment not scheduled so program obtained assessment tool and will be completing it independently. During today’s visit I monitored posted provisional license, indoor environment, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in and out by staff and by parents during drop off of their child, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size, this facility is licensed to provide care during 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift care. There were two classrooms open with enrollment during my visit and were in compliance with ratios, supervision and group size during today’s visit. The following violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. An enrolled one-year-old child was observed watching and listening to "Ms. Rachel" on the teachers phone. .0510(f) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Rule: specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger are prohibited from sleeping in sitting devices, including car safety seats, strollers, swings, and infant carriers. Infants that fall asleep in sitting devices shall be moved to a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot; An infant was observed sleeping in a bouncy seat and staff when asked stated she was sleeping for 30 minutes. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical Assistance: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (f) Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) Each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (10) specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger are prohibited from sleeping in sitting devices, including car safety seats, strollers, swings, and infant carriers. Infants that fall asleep in sitting devices shall be moved to a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot. A violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit and requires a letter of corrective action, stating how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please list your facility name, facility ID and violation # on your letter and submit via email by July 9th, 2025. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/25/2025 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 6/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 30 Time In: 06:21 AM Time Out: 06:51 AM 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 discuss the administrative action issued to your childcare center. Upon arrival I was greeted by Elizabeth Somarriba, assistant director and center staff. This 6- month provisional action was received on April 9th, 2025, and was observed posted in the front lobby during today’s visit. The final notice administrative action was observed in your open binder on the table as well as the entry at the front door of the infant/toddler side of the facility. This is a provisional license issued by the division of child development and early education to Little Hearts Academy LLC #92003730. Since the inception of this administrative action issued in April 9th, 2025 I have been keep informed of the facilities progress with the administrative actions requirements by Anthony Harrison, District Operations Manager for Little Hearts Academy LLC, who stated he’d be supporting Monique Taylor, owner/director of Little Hearts Academy LLC with compliance with the administrative action. To date this is the progress I have been provided by Mr. Harrison: • 3/18/2025- PAS profile created • 3/18/2025 supervision/ratio policies and procedures submitted and correspondence for additional information • 3/19/2025 PAS profile accepted and enrollment complete • 3/23/2025 Getting ready for PAS class complete • 3/26/2025 provided contact information for Cumberland County partnership to receive assessment (4/7/2025 and 5/9/2025) additional correspondence and waiting on an assessment date in June 2025 (5/15/2025- still no date received for assessment) • 4/15/2025 inquiry received to pursue NAEYC accreditation • 5/5/2025 PAS summary statement received • 5/15/2025 policies and procedures complete • On 6/11/2025 I received the SIS staff education form back from Mr. Harrison to review all staff in the works education system and sent it back requesting additional information for staff who either did not have an account or who started but did not complete their account. • 6/17/2025 Cumberland County assessment not scheduled so program obtained assessment tool and will be completing it independently. During today’s visit I monitored posted provisional license, indoor environment, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in and out by staff and by parents during drop off of their child, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size, this facility is licensed to provide care during 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift care. There were two classrooms open with enrollment during my visit and were in compliance with ratios, supervision and group size during today’s visit. The following violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. An enrolled one-year-old child was observed watching and listening to "Ms. Rachel" on the teachers phone. .0510(f) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Rule: specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger are prohibited from sleeping in sitting devices, including car safety seats, strollers, swings, and infant carriers. Infants that fall asleep in sitting devices shall be moved to a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot; An infant was observed sleeping in a bouncy seat and staff when asked stated she was sleeping for 30 minutes. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical Assistance: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (f) Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) Each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (10) specifies that infants aged 12 months or younger are prohibited from sleeping in sitting devices, including car safety seats, strollers, swings, and infant carriers. Infants that fall asleep in sitting devices shall be moved to a crib, bassinet, play pen, mat, or cot. A violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit and requires a letter of corrective action, stating how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please list your facility name, facility ID and violation # on your letter and submit via email by July 9th, 2025. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/15/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 5/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 106 Time In: 08:09 AM Time Out: 09:55 AM 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 discuss the administrative action issued to your childcare center. Upon arrival I was greeted by Monique Taylor, owner/ administrator and center staff. This 6- month provisional action was received on April 7th, 2025, and was observed posted in the front lobby during today’s visit. The final notice administrative action was observed in your open binder on the table as well as the entry at the front door of the infant/toddler side of the facility. This is a provisional license issued by the division of child development and early education to Little Hearts Academy LLC #92003730. Prior to today’s visit I received an email (March 15th, 2025) from Anthony Harrison, District Operations Manager for Little Hearts Academy LLC, who stated he’d be supporting Monique Taylor, owner/director of Little Hearts Academy LLC with compliance with the administrative action. I have been kept informed by Mr. Harrison and this is the timeline for progress: • 3/18/2025- PAS profile created • 3/18/2025 supervision/ratio policies and procedures submitted and correspondence for additional information • 3/19/2025 PAS profile accepted and enrollment complete • 3/23/2025 Getting ready for PAS class complete • 3/26/2025 provided contact information for Cumberland County partnership to receive assessment (4/7/2025 and 5/9/2025) additional correspondence and waiting on an assessment date in June 2025 (5/15/2025- still no date received for assessment) • 4/15/2025 inquiry received to pursue NAEYC accreditation • 5/5/2025 PAS summary statement received • 5/15/2025 policies and procedures are almost complete with revisions and will be submitted by the end of the day today During today’s visit I monitored posted temporary license, indoor environment, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in and out by staff and by parents during drop off of their child, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size, program records ( including fire drills, lockdown/shelter in place drills, playground inspections, EPR plan revisions) and new staff records. This facility is licensed to provide care during 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift care. All five classrooms that were open with enrollment were in compliance with ratios, supervision and group size during today’s visit. I asked and you informed me that you have hired six staff members since April 8th, 2025, an administrative action follow-up visit. I asked to see the ITS-SIDS certificates for the new hires that work with infants (and confirmed in compliance). I asked to see the criminal record qualification letters of the six new staff members (and confirmed compliance with five of the six staff by seeing the qualification letters on site). I contacted the criminal record unit about the sixth staff person, and it was determined that she did not complete the requirement prior to employment and was informed she needed to obtain her qualification letter prior to returning to work. The following violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Since my April 8th, 2025 visit six staff were hired. A review of qualification letters was conducted and one of the six employees did not have a qualification letter completed prior to beginning employment two weeks ago. G.S. 110-90.2(b) Technical Assistance: Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). 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. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. 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. 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 childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated about the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were 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. A violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit and requires a letter of corrective action, stating how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please list your facility name, facility ID and violation # on your letter and submit via email by May 29th, 2025. Because this is a violation of criminal records please provide the qualification letter as an attachment to your emailed corrective action response. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/15/2025 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 5/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 106 Time In: 08:09 AM Time Out: 09:55 AM 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 discuss the administrative action issued to your childcare center. Upon arrival I was greeted by Monique Taylor, owner/ administrator and center staff. This 6- month provisional action was received on April 7th, 2025, and was observed posted in the front lobby during today’s visit. The final notice administrative action was observed in your open binder on the table as well as the entry at the front door of the infant/toddler side of the facility. This is a provisional license issued by the division of child development and early education to Little Hearts Academy LLC #92003730. Prior to today’s visit I received an email (March 15th, 2025) from Anthony Harrison, District Operations Manager for Little Hearts Academy LLC, who stated he’d be supporting Monique Taylor, owner/director of Little Hearts Academy LLC with compliance with the administrative action. I have been kept informed by Mr. Harrison and this is the timeline for progress: • 3/18/2025- PAS profile created • 3/18/2025 supervision/ratio policies and procedures submitted and correspondence for additional information • 3/19/2025 PAS profile accepted and enrollment complete • 3/23/2025 Getting ready for PAS class complete • 3/26/2025 provided contact information for Cumberland County partnership to receive assessment (4/7/2025 and 5/9/2025) additional correspondence and waiting on an assessment date in June 2025 (5/15/2025- still no date received for assessment) • 4/15/2025 inquiry received to pursue NAEYC accreditation • 5/5/2025 PAS summary statement received • 5/15/2025 policies and procedures are almost complete with revisions and will be submitted by the end of the day today During today’s visit I monitored posted temporary license, indoor environment, enrollment/ attendance, sign-in and out by staff and by parents during drop off of their child, interaction between staff and children, staff/child ratios, maximum group size, program records ( including fire drills, lockdown/shelter in place drills, playground inspections, EPR plan revisions) and new staff records. This facility is licensed to provide care during 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift care. All five classrooms that were open with enrollment were in compliance with ratios, supervision and group size during today’s visit. I asked and you informed me that you have hired six staff members since April 8th, 2025, an administrative action follow-up visit. I asked to see the ITS-SIDS certificates for the new hires that work with infants (and confirmed in compliance). I asked to see the criminal record qualification letters of the six new staff members (and confirmed compliance with five of the six staff by seeing the qualification letters on site). I contacted the criminal record unit about the sixth staff person, and it was determined that she did not complete the requirement prior to employment and was informed she needed to obtain her qualification letter prior to returning to work. The following violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Since my April 8th, 2025 visit six staff were hired. A review of qualification letters was conducted and one of the six employees did not have a qualification letter completed prior to beginning employment two weeks ago. G.S. 110-90.2(b) Technical Assistance: Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). 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. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. 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. 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 childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated about the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were 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. A violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit and requires a letter of corrective action, stating how the violation was corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please list your facility name, facility ID and violation # on your letter and submit via email by May 29th, 2025. Because this is a violation of criminal records please provide the qualification letter as an attachment to your emailed corrective action response. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 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 .0603 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 04:50 AM Time Out: 06:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up from the complaint investigation conducted on Monday February 10th, 2025. During the visit, violations were cited regarding staff/child ratios, classroom capacity, staff conducting additional duties, children under one in care with children two and older. Today’s visit was conducted with center staff and Monique Taylor, the owner, who arrived during our visit. LeAnne Simpkins, lead licensing consultant was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a staff member, F. Wiggins, who was caring for eight children aged one through five years of age space #7. An infant arrived a few minutes later. F. Wiggins had 9 children ages 0-to five years old after the infant arrived. Another teacher, K. Brown, was caring for eight children aged three through school-age in space #6. LeAnne Simpkins shared that teachers could ask parents not to leave when there are not enough staff present to care for the children and meet staff/child ratios. At 6am, an infant was dropped off for first shift care. A five-year-old child and a 3-year-old child were moved to space #6 with Ms. Brown. C. Prince arrived about 6:15am and took ten children aged three through school-age to the other side of the building to space #3. Although the classroom for infants was not in compliance with staff/child ratios upon arrival, once additional staff arrived and children were moved to another room, staff/child ratios were in compliance before we left the facility. A violation was cited, and a compliance letter is required to include a plan on how to maintain compliance. Today we observed that six of the eight children in space #7 were awake still in cribs or in a highchair. The children were one year old. We requested materials be provided for the children and they be removed from cribs/highchairs. Toys from another classroom were provided by Michele Hirsch for the older children so they would have something to do. She removed toys from space #5 and brought them to space #7. Younger children were placed on the rug to use the materials. The teacher stated she was concerned for the safety of the 7-month-old infant with the two active preschool age children. Once they were occupied with materials, they all were content and happy. This is an example of why certain age groups may not be combined and why staff/child ratios for infants are 1:5. It is difficult to keep younger children safe when older ones are more active. The safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom for infants, space #7. The safe sleep policy was reviewed and posted during the visit. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Technical assistance: based on the age range of children cared for on third shift a review of chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. By the conclusion of today’s visit, we saw five staff present and caring for children concluding Wednesday nights third shift and the beginning of Thursday’s first shift. Based on conversation had with Ms. Taylor we suggested a review of staff schedules to accommodate the need during third shift. Ms. Taylor informed us that she has hired and will be training two staff for third shift. She also said she will be looking into hiring a manager for third shift as well. The center is following enhanced ratios. Enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. Classroom capacity must also be considered. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number. A violation of childcare requirements was cited for children not napping on cots. When we arrived, two children were asleep on stuffed animals, pillows, and toys, rather than on cots as required. Cots were present in the classroom, however they were not being used by any of the children. Cots need to be set up for sleep and children should be encouraged to lay down and rest on their cots to sleep and not on stuffed animals, pillows, or toys. Ms. Taylor stated that they always use the cots, she wasn’t sure why they didn’t this time. The following violations were cited during today's visit Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. There were eight children ages zero to five in space #7. This is a repeat violation. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In space #7 where children infant through preschool were present there were no toys available for the preschool age children (ages 2-5). GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 701 A safe and comfortable bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least 4 inches thick was not provided for each child receiving overnight care. Cots were available for third shift children to sleep on but were not used. Children were observed sleeping on the floor with blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0603 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. The owner/administrator posted the policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One caregiver was present with seven children aged 1-5 years old from 11pm to 6am. An infant arrived to make a total of eight before shifting of ages when additional staff arrived. Repeat 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. Two of the violations were corrected during the visit. One other violation was not corrected during the visit. A corrective action letter is required by February 27th, 2025. Please document the name of the facility, ID # and list the item number, how it was corrected and how you will prevent repeat violations in the future. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance: Children should not be kept in a crib or highchair when not sleeping or eating. The children should be able to move around and explore materials. If children show signs of being unhappy in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat or exersaucer, they need to be removed. A child should never be in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat, or any other type of equipment for more than a few minutes. Based on our observations of the grouping of children enrolled and present for third shift care and the beginning of first shift care, more staff are needed during third shift to meet ratio requirements. Three rooms should be used for overnight care. Each room needs a lead teacher. Document arrival and departure times for each room each night. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Based on the age range of children cared for on third shift Chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. Each shift needs to have a daily schedule posted and activities offered to the children should be appropriate for the ages and times children are in care. During the complaint and the follow-up visit today we were unable to determine if the schedule for third shirt was posted. When offering third shift care, children may be sleeping for most of the time. Based on the ages of the children in care, rest/sleep may begin as early as 7 pm, have activities planned and available for children that do not go to sleep as early. Ensure that staff working overnight are engaged in activities with children while they are awake and conducting safe sleep checks for infants and checks on all children through the night as they sleep. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 04:50 AM Time Out: 06:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up from the complaint investigation conducted on Monday February 10th, 2025. During the visit, violations were cited regarding staff/child ratios, classroom capacity, staff conducting additional duties, children under one in care with children two and older. Today’s visit was conducted with center staff and Monique Taylor, the owner, who arrived during our visit. LeAnne Simpkins, lead licensing consultant was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a staff member, F. Wiggins, who was caring for eight children aged one through five years of age space #7. An infant arrived a few minutes later. F. Wiggins had 9 children ages 0-to five years old after the infant arrived. Another teacher, K. Brown, was caring for eight children aged three through school-age in space #6. LeAnne Simpkins shared that teachers could ask parents not to leave when there are not enough staff present to care for the children and meet staff/child ratios. At 6am, an infant was dropped off for first shift care. A five-year-old child and a 3-year-old child were moved to space #6 with Ms. Brown. C. Prince arrived about 6:15am and took ten children aged three through school-age to the other side of the building to space #3. Although the classroom for infants was not in compliance with staff/child ratios upon arrival, once additional staff arrived and children were moved to another room, staff/child ratios were in compliance before we left the facility. A violation was cited, and a compliance letter is required to include a plan on how to maintain compliance. Today we observed that six of the eight children in space #7 were awake still in cribs or in a highchair. The children were one year old. We requested materials be provided for the children and they be removed from cribs/highchairs. Toys from another classroom were provided by Michele Hirsch for the older children so they would have something to do. She removed toys from space #5 and brought them to space #7. Younger children were placed on the rug to use the materials. The teacher stated she was concerned for the safety of the 7-month-old infant with the two active preschool age children. Once they were occupied with materials, they all were content and happy. This is an example of why certain age groups may not be combined and why staff/child ratios for infants are 1:5. It is difficult to keep younger children safe when older ones are more active. The safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom for infants, space #7. The safe sleep policy was reviewed and posted during the visit. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Technical assistance: based on the age range of children cared for on third shift a review of chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. By the conclusion of today’s visit, we saw five staff present and caring for children concluding Wednesday nights third shift and the beginning of Thursday’s first shift. Based on conversation had with Ms. Taylor we suggested a review of staff schedules to accommodate the need during third shift. Ms. Taylor informed us that she has hired and will be training two staff for third shift. She also said she will be looking into hiring a manager for third shift as well. The center is following enhanced ratios. Enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. Classroom capacity must also be considered. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number. A violation of childcare requirements was cited for children not napping on cots. When we arrived, two children were asleep on stuffed animals, pillows, and toys, rather than on cots as required. Cots were present in the classroom, however they were not being used by any of the children. Cots need to be set up for sleep and children should be encouraged to lay down and rest on their cots to sleep and not on stuffed animals, pillows, or toys. Ms. Taylor stated that they always use the cots, she wasn’t sure why they didn’t this time. The following violations were cited during today's visit Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. There were eight children ages zero to five in space #7. This is a repeat violation. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In space #7 where children infant through preschool were present there were no toys available for the preschool age children (ages 2-5). GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 701 A safe and comfortable bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least 4 inches thick was not provided for each child receiving overnight care. Cots were available for third shift children to sleep on but were not used. Children were observed sleeping on the floor with blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0603 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. The owner/administrator posted the policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One caregiver was present with seven children aged 1-5 years old from 11pm to 6am. An infant arrived to make a total of eight before shifting of ages when additional staff arrived. Repeat 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. Two of the violations were corrected during the visit. One other violation was not corrected during the visit. A corrective action letter is required by February 27th, 2025. Please document the name of the facility, ID # and list the item number, how it was corrected and how you will prevent repeat violations in the future. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance: Children should not be kept in a crib or highchair when not sleeping or eating. The children should be able to move around and explore materials. If children show signs of being unhappy in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat or exersaucer, they need to be removed. A child should never be in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat, or any other type of equipment for more than a few minutes. Based on our observations of the grouping of children enrolled and present for third shift care and the beginning of first shift care, more staff are needed during third shift to meet ratio requirements. Three rooms should be used for overnight care. Each room needs a lead teacher. Document arrival and departure times for each room each night. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Based on the age range of children cared for on third shift Chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. Each shift needs to have a daily schedule posted and activities offered to the children should be appropriate for the ages and times children are in care. During the complaint and the follow-up visit today we were unable to determine if the schedule for third shirt was posted. When offering third shift care, children may be sleeping for most of the time. Based on the ages of the children in care, rest/sleep may begin as early as 7 pm, have activities planned and available for children that do not go to sleep as early. Ensure that staff working overnight are engaged in activities with children while they are awake and conducting safe sleep checks for infants and checks on all children through the night as they sleep. 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 .0516 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 04:50 AM Time Out: 06:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up from the complaint investigation conducted on Monday February 10th, 2025. During the visit, violations were cited regarding staff/child ratios, classroom capacity, staff conducting additional duties, children under one in care with children two and older. Today’s visit was conducted with center staff and Monique Taylor, the owner, who arrived during our visit. LeAnne Simpkins, lead licensing consultant was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a staff member, F. Wiggins, who was caring for eight children aged one through five years of age space #7. An infant arrived a few minutes later. F. Wiggins had 9 children ages 0-to five years old after the infant arrived. Another teacher, K. Brown, was caring for eight children aged three through school-age in space #6. LeAnne Simpkins shared that teachers could ask parents not to leave when there are not enough staff present to care for the children and meet staff/child ratios. At 6am, an infant was dropped off for first shift care. A five-year-old child and a 3-year-old child were moved to space #6 with Ms. Brown. C. Prince arrived about 6:15am and took ten children aged three through school-age to the other side of the building to space #3. Although the classroom for infants was not in compliance with staff/child ratios upon arrival, once additional staff arrived and children were moved to another room, staff/child ratios were in compliance before we left the facility. A violation was cited, and a compliance letter is required to include a plan on how to maintain compliance. Today we observed that six of the eight children in space #7 were awake still in cribs or in a highchair. The children were one year old. We requested materials be provided for the children and they be removed from cribs/highchairs. Toys from another classroom were provided by Michele Hirsch for the older children so they would have something to do. She removed toys from space #5 and brought them to space #7. Younger children were placed on the rug to use the materials. The teacher stated she was concerned for the safety of the 7-month-old infant with the two active preschool age children. Once they were occupied with materials, they all were content and happy. This is an example of why certain age groups may not be combined and why staff/child ratios for infants are 1:5. It is difficult to keep younger children safe when older ones are more active. The safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom for infants, space #7. The safe sleep policy was reviewed and posted during the visit. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Technical assistance: based on the age range of children cared for on third shift a review of chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. By the conclusion of today’s visit, we saw five staff present and caring for children concluding Wednesday nights third shift and the beginning of Thursday’s first shift. Based on conversation had with Ms. Taylor we suggested a review of staff schedules to accommodate the need during third shift. Ms. Taylor informed us that she has hired and will be training two staff for third shift. She also said she will be looking into hiring a manager for third shift as well. The center is following enhanced ratios. Enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. Classroom capacity must also be considered. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number. A violation of childcare requirements was cited for children not napping on cots. When we arrived, two children were asleep on stuffed animals, pillows, and toys, rather than on cots as required. Cots were present in the classroom, however they were not being used by any of the children. Cots need to be set up for sleep and children should be encouraged to lay down and rest on their cots to sleep and not on stuffed animals, pillows, or toys. Ms. Taylor stated that they always use the cots, she wasn’t sure why they didn’t this time. The following violations were cited during today's visit Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. There were eight children ages zero to five in space #7. This is a repeat violation. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In space #7 where children infant through preschool were present there were no toys available for the preschool age children (ages 2-5). GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 701 A safe and comfortable bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least 4 inches thick was not provided for each child receiving overnight care. Cots were available for third shift children to sleep on but were not used. Children were observed sleeping on the floor with blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0603 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. The owner/administrator posted the policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One caregiver was present with seven children aged 1-5 years old from 11pm to 6am. An infant arrived to make a total of eight before shifting of ages when additional staff arrived. Repeat 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. Two of the violations were corrected during the visit. One other violation was not corrected during the visit. A corrective action letter is required by February 27th, 2025. Please document the name of the facility, ID # and list the item number, how it was corrected and how you will prevent repeat violations in the future. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance: Children should not be kept in a crib or highchair when not sleeping or eating. The children should be able to move around and explore materials. If children show signs of being unhappy in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat or exersaucer, they need to be removed. A child should never be in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat, or any other type of equipment for more than a few minutes. Based on our observations of the grouping of children enrolled and present for third shift care and the beginning of first shift care, more staff are needed during third shift to meet ratio requirements. Three rooms should be used for overnight care. Each room needs a lead teacher. Document arrival and departure times for each room each night. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Based on the age range of children cared for on third shift Chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. Each shift needs to have a daily schedule posted and activities offered to the children should be appropriate for the ages and times children are in care. During the complaint and the follow-up visit today we were unable to determine if the schedule for third shirt was posted. When offering third shift care, children may be sleeping for most of the time. Based on the ages of the children in care, rest/sleep may begin as early as 7 pm, have activities planned and available for children that do not go to sleep as early. Ensure that staff working overnight are engaged in activities with children while they are awake and conducting safe sleep checks for infants and checks on all children through the night as they sleep. 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 04:50 AM Time Out: 06:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up from the complaint investigation conducted on Monday February 10th, 2025. During the visit, violations were cited regarding staff/child ratios, classroom capacity, staff conducting additional duties, children under one in care with children two and older. Today’s visit was conducted with center staff and Monique Taylor, the owner, who arrived during our visit. LeAnne Simpkins, lead licensing consultant was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a staff member, F. Wiggins, who was caring for eight children aged one through five years of age space #7. An infant arrived a few minutes later. F. Wiggins had 9 children ages 0-to five years old after the infant arrived. Another teacher, K. Brown, was caring for eight children aged three through school-age in space #6. LeAnne Simpkins shared that teachers could ask parents not to leave when there are not enough staff present to care for the children and meet staff/child ratios. At 6am, an infant was dropped off for first shift care. A five-year-old child and a 3-year-old child were moved to space #6 with Ms. Brown. C. Prince arrived about 6:15am and took ten children aged three through school-age to the other side of the building to space #3. Although the classroom for infants was not in compliance with staff/child ratios upon arrival, once additional staff arrived and children were moved to another room, staff/child ratios were in compliance before we left the facility. A violation was cited, and a compliance letter is required to include a plan on how to maintain compliance. Today we observed that six of the eight children in space #7 were awake still in cribs or in a highchair. The children were one year old. We requested materials be provided for the children and they be removed from cribs/highchairs. Toys from another classroom were provided by Michele Hirsch for the older children so they would have something to do. She removed toys from space #5 and brought them to space #7. Younger children were placed on the rug to use the materials. The teacher stated she was concerned for the safety of the 7-month-old infant with the two active preschool age children. Once they were occupied with materials, they all were content and happy. This is an example of why certain age groups may not be combined and why staff/child ratios for infants are 1:5. It is difficult to keep younger children safe when older ones are more active. The safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom for infants, space #7. The safe sleep policy was reviewed and posted during the visit. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Technical assistance: based on the age range of children cared for on third shift a review of chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. By the conclusion of today’s visit, we saw five staff present and caring for children concluding Wednesday nights third shift and the beginning of Thursday’s first shift. Based on conversation had with Ms. Taylor we suggested a review of staff schedules to accommodate the need during third shift. Ms. Taylor informed us that she has hired and will be training two staff for third shift. She also said she will be looking into hiring a manager for third shift as well. The center is following enhanced ratios. Enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. Classroom capacity must also be considered. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number. A violation of childcare requirements was cited for children not napping on cots. When we arrived, two children were asleep on stuffed animals, pillows, and toys, rather than on cots as required. Cots were present in the classroom, however they were not being used by any of the children. Cots need to be set up for sleep and children should be encouraged to lay down and rest on their cots to sleep and not on stuffed animals, pillows, or toys. Ms. Taylor stated that they always use the cots, she wasn’t sure why they didn’t this time. The following violations were cited during today's visit Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. There were eight children ages zero to five in space #7. This is a repeat violation. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In space #7 where children infant through preschool were present there were no toys available for the preschool age children (ages 2-5). GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 701 A safe and comfortable bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least 4 inches thick was not provided for each child receiving overnight care. Cots were available for third shift children to sleep on but were not used. Children were observed sleeping on the floor with blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0603 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. The owner/administrator posted the policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One caregiver was present with seven children aged 1-5 years old from 11pm to 6am. An infant arrived to make a total of eight before shifting of ages when additional staff arrived. Repeat 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. Two of the violations were corrected during the visit. One other violation was not corrected during the visit. A corrective action letter is required by February 27th, 2025. Please document the name of the facility, ID # and list the item number, how it was corrected and how you will prevent repeat violations in the future. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance: Children should not be kept in a crib or highchair when not sleeping or eating. The children should be able to move around and explore materials. If children show signs of being unhappy in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat or exersaucer, they need to be removed. A child should never be in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat, or any other type of equipment for more than a few minutes. Based on our observations of the grouping of children enrolled and present for third shift care and the beginning of first shift care, more staff are needed during third shift to meet ratio requirements. Three rooms should be used for overnight care. Each room needs a lead teacher. Document arrival and departure times for each room each night. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Based on the age range of children cared for on third shift Chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. Each shift needs to have a daily schedule posted and activities offered to the children should be appropriate for the ages and times children are in care. During the complaint and the follow-up visit today we were unable to determine if the schedule for third shirt was posted. When offering third shift care, children may be sleeping for most of the time. Based on the ages of the children in care, rest/sleep may begin as early as 7 pm, have activities planned and available for children that do not go to sleep as early. Ensure that staff working overnight are engaged in activities with children while they are awake and conducting safe sleep checks for infants and checks on all children through the night as they sleep. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 04:50 AM Time Out: 06:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up from the complaint investigation conducted on Monday February 10th, 2025. During the visit, violations were cited regarding staff/child ratios, classroom capacity, staff conducting additional duties, children under one in care with children two and older. Today’s visit was conducted with center staff and Monique Taylor, the owner, who arrived during our visit. LeAnne Simpkins, lead licensing consultant was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a staff member, F. Wiggins, who was caring for eight children aged one through five years of age space #7. An infant arrived a few minutes later. F. Wiggins had 9 children ages 0-to five years old after the infant arrived. Another teacher, K. Brown, was caring for eight children aged three through school-age in space #6. LeAnne Simpkins shared that teachers could ask parents not to leave when there are not enough staff present to care for the children and meet staff/child ratios. At 6am, an infant was dropped off for first shift care. A five-year-old child and a 3-year-old child were moved to space #6 with Ms. Brown. C. Prince arrived about 6:15am and took ten children aged three through school-age to the other side of the building to space #3. Although the classroom for infants was not in compliance with staff/child ratios upon arrival, once additional staff arrived and children were moved to another room, staff/child ratios were in compliance before we left the facility. A violation was cited, and a compliance letter is required to include a plan on how to maintain compliance. Today we observed that six of the eight children in space #7 were awake still in cribs or in a highchair. The children were one year old. We requested materials be provided for the children and they be removed from cribs/highchairs. Toys from another classroom were provided by Michele Hirsch for the older children so they would have something to do. She removed toys from space #5 and brought them to space #7. Younger children were placed on the rug to use the materials. The teacher stated she was concerned for the safety of the 7-month-old infant with the two active preschool age children. Once they were occupied with materials, they all were content and happy. This is an example of why certain age groups may not be combined and why staff/child ratios for infants are 1:5. It is difficult to keep younger children safe when older ones are more active. The safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom for infants, space #7. The safe sleep policy was reviewed and posted during the visit. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Technical assistance: based on the age range of children cared for on third shift a review of chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. By the conclusion of today’s visit, we saw five staff present and caring for children concluding Wednesday nights third shift and the beginning of Thursday’s first shift. Based on conversation had with Ms. Taylor we suggested a review of staff schedules to accommodate the need during third shift. Ms. Taylor informed us that she has hired and will be training two staff for third shift. She also said she will be looking into hiring a manager for third shift as well. The center is following enhanced ratios. Enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. Classroom capacity must also be considered. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number. A violation of childcare requirements was cited for children not napping on cots. When we arrived, two children were asleep on stuffed animals, pillows, and toys, rather than on cots as required. Cots were present in the classroom, however they were not being used by any of the children. Cots need to be set up for sleep and children should be encouraged to lay down and rest on their cots to sleep and not on stuffed animals, pillows, or toys. Ms. Taylor stated that they always use the cots, she wasn’t sure why they didn’t this time. The following violations were cited during today's visit Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. There were eight children ages zero to five in space #7. This is a repeat violation. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In space #7 where children infant through preschool were present there were no toys available for the preschool age children (ages 2-5). GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 701 A safe and comfortable bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least 4 inches thick was not provided for each child receiving overnight care. Cots were available for third shift children to sleep on but were not used. Children were observed sleeping on the floor with blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0603 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. The owner/administrator posted the policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One caregiver was present with seven children aged 1-5 years old from 11pm to 6am. An infant arrived to make a total of eight before shifting of ages when additional staff arrived. Repeat 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. Two of the violations were corrected during the visit. One other violation was not corrected during the visit. A corrective action letter is required by February 27th, 2025. Please document the name of the facility, ID # and list the item number, how it was corrected and how you will prevent repeat violations in the future. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance: Children should not be kept in a crib or highchair when not sleeping or eating. The children should be able to move around and explore materials. If children show signs of being unhappy in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat or exersaucer, they need to be removed. A child should never be in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat, or any other type of equipment for more than a few minutes. Based on our observations of the grouping of children enrolled and present for third shift care and the beginning of first shift care, more staff are needed during third shift to meet ratio requirements. Three rooms should be used for overnight care. Each room needs a lead teacher. Document arrival and departure times for each room each night. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Based on the age range of children cared for on third shift Chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. Each shift needs to have a daily schedule posted and activities offered to the children should be appropriate for the ages and times children are in care. During the complaint and the follow-up visit today we were unable to determine if the schedule for third shirt was posted. When offering third shift care, children may be sleeping for most of the time. Based on the ages of the children in care, rest/sleep may begin as early as 7 pm, have activities planned and available for children that do not go to sleep as early. Ensure that staff working overnight are engaged in activities with children while they are awake and conducting safe sleep checks for infants and checks on all children through the night as they sleep. 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 04:50 AM Time Out: 06:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up from the complaint investigation conducted on Monday February 10th, 2025. During the visit, violations were cited regarding staff/child ratios, classroom capacity, staff conducting additional duties, children under one in care with children two and older. Today’s visit was conducted with center staff and Monique Taylor, the owner, who arrived during our visit. LeAnne Simpkins, lead licensing consultant was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a staff member, F. Wiggins, who was caring for eight children aged one through five years of age space #7. An infant arrived a few minutes later. F. Wiggins had 9 children ages 0-to five years old after the infant arrived. Another teacher, K. Brown, was caring for eight children aged three through school-age in space #6. LeAnne Simpkins shared that teachers could ask parents not to leave when there are not enough staff present to care for the children and meet staff/child ratios. At 6am, an infant was dropped off for first shift care. A five-year-old child and a 3-year-old child were moved to space #6 with Ms. Brown. C. Prince arrived about 6:15am and took ten children aged three through school-age to the other side of the building to space #3. Although the classroom for infants was not in compliance with staff/child ratios upon arrival, once additional staff arrived and children were moved to another room, staff/child ratios were in compliance before we left the facility. A violation was cited, and a compliance letter is required to include a plan on how to maintain compliance. Today we observed that six of the eight children in space #7 were awake still in cribs or in a highchair. The children were one year old. We requested materials be provided for the children and they be removed from cribs/highchairs. Toys from another classroom were provided by Michele Hirsch for the older children so they would have something to do. She removed toys from space #5 and brought them to space #7. Younger children were placed on the rug to use the materials. The teacher stated she was concerned for the safety of the 7-month-old infant with the two active preschool age children. Once they were occupied with materials, they all were content and happy. This is an example of why certain age groups may not be combined and why staff/child ratios for infants are 1:5. It is difficult to keep younger children safe when older ones are more active. The safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom for infants, space #7. The safe sleep policy was reviewed and posted during the visit. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Technical assistance: based on the age range of children cared for on third shift a review of chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. By the conclusion of today’s visit, we saw five staff present and caring for children concluding Wednesday nights third shift and the beginning of Thursday’s first shift. Based on conversation had with Ms. Taylor we suggested a review of staff schedules to accommodate the need during third shift. Ms. Taylor informed us that she has hired and will be training two staff for third shift. She also said she will be looking into hiring a manager for third shift as well. The center is following enhanced ratios. Enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. Classroom capacity must also be considered. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number. A violation of childcare requirements was cited for children not napping on cots. When we arrived, two children were asleep on stuffed animals, pillows, and toys, rather than on cots as required. Cots were present in the classroom, however they were not being used by any of the children. Cots need to be set up for sleep and children should be encouraged to lay down and rest on their cots to sleep and not on stuffed animals, pillows, or toys. Ms. Taylor stated that they always use the cots, she wasn’t sure why they didn’t this time. The following violations were cited during today's visit Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. There were eight children ages zero to five in space #7. This is a repeat violation. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In space #7 where children infant through preschool were present there were no toys available for the preschool age children (ages 2-5). GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 701 A safe and comfortable bed, crib, or cot, equipped with a firm waterproof mattress at least 4 inches thick was not provided for each child receiving overnight care. Cots were available for third shift children to sleep on but were not used. Children were observed sleeping on the floor with blankets. 10A NCAC 09 .0603 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. The owner/administrator posted the policy during the visit. .0606(b) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One caregiver was present with seven children aged 1-5 years old from 11pm to 6am. An infant arrived to make a total of eight before shifting of ages when additional staff arrived. Repeat 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. Two of the violations were corrected during the visit. One other violation was not corrected during the visit. A corrective action letter is required by February 27th, 2025. Please document the name of the facility, ID # and list the item number, how it was corrected and how you will prevent repeat violations in the future. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance: Children should not be kept in a crib or highchair when not sleeping or eating. The children should be able to move around and explore materials. If children show signs of being unhappy in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat or exersaucer, they need to be removed. A child should never be in a crib, highchair, bouncy seat, or any other type of equipment for more than a few minutes. Based on our observations of the grouping of children enrolled and present for third shift care and the beginning of first shift care, more staff are needed during third shift to meet ratio requirements. Three rooms should be used for overnight care. Each room needs a lead teacher. Document arrival and departure times for each room each night. The infants- one-year old's should be cared for in space #7, four years old through school-age should be cared for in space #6 and two through three-year-old children should be cared for in space #5. Based on the age range of children cared for on third shift Chapter 10A NCAC 09 .0516 administrative operational policies during nighttime care should be reviewed to ensure schedules, toys, and materials appropriate to the age of children in care in a specific space are provided. Each shift needs to have a daily schedule posted and activities offered to the children should be appropriate for the ages and times children are in care. During the complaint and the follow-up visit today we were unable to determine if the schedule for third shirt was posted. When offering third shift care, children may be sleeping for most of the time. Based on the ages of the children in care, rest/sleep may begin as early as 7 pm, have activities planned and available for children that do not go to sleep as early. Ensure that staff working overnight are engaged in activities with children while they are awake and conducting safe sleep checks for infants and checks on all children through the night as they sleep. 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/10/2025 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 2/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 94 Time In: 06:00 AM Time Out: 07:34 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of applicable childcare requirements regarding staff/child ratios. Today’s visit was completed with Tiffany Holt, center director. LeAnne Simpkins, the lead licensing consultant, was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the director. Parents were waiting with their children to drop off for first shift care. The parents signed in and left bottles to be put in the refrigerator. The director stated that there are no children in care on third shift care on Sunday evenings. She also stated that there is only one teacher (F. Wiggins) that cares for the children on third shift. There were thirteen (13) children aged 0-12 years old, enrolled for third shift care. She stated that they use space #7, the classroom for infants or space # 6, the classroom for toddlers for overnight care/sleeping. Space #6 will hold ten children based on measured capacity at 25 sq., ft. per child and space #7 will hold nine children based on measured capacity at 25 sq. ft. per child. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number, which may be the space capacity (also listed on the staff/child ratio sheet). There are thirteen children enrolled on third shift care. The younger children should not be combined with older children, splitting the age groups is required (except for the first and last hour of the operating day). Ensure that no group of children will exceed the allowed capacity of the classrooms. Since Ms. Holt shared that they use either space 6 or 7 for overnight care, a violation was cited regarding capacity. Thirteen children were documented enrolled and present on January 27, 2025, for overnight care and were cared for together with one caregiver in one of the spaces. The director, Tiffany was not sure which room was used for overnight care since she was not present. Since this program operates 24 hrs. per day, each shift is a total of 8 hrs. First shift starts at 6:00am and ends at 2:00pm. The second shift care starts at 2:00pm and ends at 10:00pm. Third shift care starts at 10:00pm and ends at 6am. Staff/child ratios were in compliance during today’s visit. Children were separated so infants and toddlers were together in space #7 and the preschool age children were combined in space #6. Allegation #1: There is a concern of inadequate supervision. A child received an unexplained injury. Findings: The director was unaware of any injuries that occurred during third shift. The incident log was reviewed and there was not an incident report on file for any children enrolled on third shift. When an incident occurs, teachers fill out the incident report and notify parents. The incident log was stored separately from the incident reports. Incident reports were stated to be stored in the children’s files. Based on my discussion with the director and review of the incident reports/incident log, I was unable to substantiate the allegation regarding an incident occurring. Allegation #2: There is a concern that an incident report was not written for a child who was injured while in care. Findings: The director was unaware of any injuries that occurred during third shift. The incident log was reviewed and there was not an incident report on file for any children enrolled on third shift. Based on my discussion with the director and review of the incident reports/incident log, I was unable to substantiate the allegation regarding an incident occurring. When an incident occurs, teachers fill out the incident report and notify parents. The incident log was stored separately from the incident reports. Incident reports were stated to be stored in the children’s files. The staff member that cares for the children daily from 11pm to 7am must be able to communicate with administrators about incidents that occur during that time. Having an additional staff member present for overnight care will maintain ratios, group sizes and help prevent incidents from occurring. Procedures should be in place so the staff person knows what to do if an incident occurs and who to notify. Teachers should not be performing other duties while children are in care when there is only one staff person caring for the children. This can create lapses in supervision, staff/child ratios, group sizes and more risks for incidents to occur. Allegation #3: There is a concern that the posted staff/child ratios are not being followed in the early morning hours. We reviewed three weeks of sign-in sheets for the children that attend on second and third shift. On January 27, 2025, there were two infants in care from 6pm to 12am and a one-year-old child in care with thirteen children aged one year up to school age. Only one staff member was present with the children from 11pm-7am. Children under one year old shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over, meaning only infants and one-year old's can be combined in a group. Based on information provided a violation was cited for grouping infants with children ages 2 yrs and above. Children may be grouped together during the first and last hour of each day and staff/child ratios and group sizes still apply even when grouped together. If the youngest child is an infant under age one, the ratio should be 1:5 with a group size of no more than ten in a group. When the youngest child is one year old, the ratio should be 1:6 with a group size of no more than twelve children in a group. The center is following enhanced ratios, so the enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. During the visit today, a second teacher arrived about 6:15am. A third teacher arrived about 7:00am. Based on time sheets, it appears that there are several staff members that come in at 7am. Someone needs to be available during the end of third shift and the start of first shift so there aren’t so many children present at the same time without enough caregivers. Administrators should review the attendance/sign in and out sheets to determine if another staff member is needed and adjust staff hours to ensure ratios are maintained . We reviewed the time sheets for a three-week time frame for all teachers that had documented in and out times. Based on the attendance sheets for the children, it appears that there were thirteen children, infants -12 yrs old, in care with one caregiver on January 27, 2025. The following violations were cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 201 A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child. Thirteen children ages 0-12 were in care in either space six or space seven. Space seven holds nine children and space six holds ten children. GS 110-91(6); .1401(f) 306 When children under the age of two were in care, the only caregiver required to meet the staff/child ratio was responsible for other duties besides direct child care. One caregiver was responsible for caring for infants through school age on third shift. Other duties such as answering the phone, answering the door for parents to pick up, and speaking with parents, were performed while caring for the children. .0713(a)(7) 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. Children aged 0-12 years old were grouped together with one caregiver. Based on sign in/out records, children ages 1-12 yrs old were mixed together from 11 pm to 7am on January 27, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Staff/child ratios were found out of compliance during third shift on January 27, 2025. One caregiver was present with thirteen children aged 0-12 years old from 11pm to 7am. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical assistance: Based on the time sheets, there appear to be three staff that work night hours. One leaves around 9-10pm and the other one leaves at 11 pm when the overnight caregiver arrives. There may be some dates that second shift care is out of staff/child ratios. Attendance sheets reviewed included second and third shift care since some of the children arrive during second shift and are picked up during third shirt care. 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. Staff/child ratios must be maintained from open to close each day. Administrators should review the staffing schedule to ensure there is enough staff present for the number of children based on the time the children arrive and depart for the day or overnight care. Administrators should also review the arrival and departure times for each child so staff will be present based on the number of children that arrive at any given time. Based on the discussion with the center director, review of the arrival and departure times for the children and the time sheets for staff, it appears that the center was out of compliance with staff/child ratios and group sizes January 27, 2025, due to not having enough staff present to maintain ratios and group sizes based on the ages of the children in care. Depending on the ratios the facility is required to meet; the group sizes will vary. Group sizes are in place so teachers can maintain supervision, and to ensure the safety of the children. You should be following the ratios based on the youngest child in the group throughout the day. This includes the first and last hour of the operating day. Younger children have lower group sizes so that they can be easily supervised. Older children have larger group sizes because they are older and don’t require as much supervision as younger children do. Each classroom was measured during the pre-licensing process before opening. Classroom capacity may be lower than the group size for the age group using the classroom. You will always go with the lowest number. If a classroom holds 10 children and the children are one year old, the group size is 12. The classroom will only hold 10 children so you can never go over 10 children based on the measured capacity of the classroom. You may never go over the measured capacity of the classroom even if the group size is larger. The measured capacity is the number of children the space can hold for minimum space requirements or enhanced space requirements. This restriction keeps the children safe. In this case, space #6 holds ten children and space #7 holds nine children. Since all of the children were combined in one space, the room was over capacity. Verify staffing, arrival and departure times for children and separate the children based on ages. Additional technical assistance: Space 7 is set up for infants. There were age-appropriate materials for infants and toddlers in this space along with a diaper chafing station and refrigerator. If older children are using the space, the materials are not age appropriate. If space 6 is used, materials were present for children ages 1-3 years old so the materials and items needed for infants were not present. Use a separate sign in sheet for each space as children arrive and depart so it shows which room they used for overnight care. The sign in sheets should also include the ages of the children. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today's visit and require a letter of corrective action that is due by February 24th, 2025. Please submit your letter via email and list the facility name, ID #, item number, how you have corrected the violation and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/10/2025 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 2/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 94 Time In: 06:00 AM Time Out: 07:34 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of applicable childcare requirements regarding staff/child ratios. Today’s visit was completed with Tiffany Holt, center director. LeAnne Simpkins, the lead licensing consultant, was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the director. Parents were waiting with their children to drop off for first shift care. The parents signed in and left bottles to be put in the refrigerator. The director stated that there are no children in care on third shift care on Sunday evenings. She also stated that there is only one teacher (F. Wiggins) that cares for the children on third shift. There were thirteen (13) children aged 0-12 years old, enrolled for third shift care. She stated that they use space #7, the classroom for infants or space # 6, the classroom for toddlers for overnight care/sleeping. Space #6 will hold ten children based on measured capacity at 25 sq., ft. per child and space #7 will hold nine children based on measured capacity at 25 sq. ft. per child. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number, which may be the space capacity (also listed on the staff/child ratio sheet). There are thirteen children enrolled on third shift care. The younger children should not be combined with older children, splitting the age groups is required (except for the first and last hour of the operating day). Ensure that no group of children will exceed the allowed capacity of the classrooms. Since Ms. Holt shared that they use either space 6 or 7 for overnight care, a violation was cited regarding capacity. Thirteen children were documented enrolled and present on January 27, 2025, for overnight care and were cared for together with one caregiver in one of the spaces. The director, Tiffany was not sure which room was used for overnight care since she was not present. Since this program operates 24 hrs. per day, each shift is a total of 8 hrs. First shift starts at 6:00am and ends at 2:00pm. The second shift care starts at 2:00pm and ends at 10:00pm. Third shift care starts at 10:00pm and ends at 6am. Staff/child ratios were in compliance during today’s visit. Children were separated so infants and toddlers were together in space #7 and the preschool age children were combined in space #6. Allegation #1: There is a concern of inadequate supervision. A child received an unexplained injury. Findings: The director was unaware of any injuries that occurred during third shift. The incident log was reviewed and there was not an incident report on file for any children enrolled on third shift. When an incident occurs, teachers fill out the incident report and notify parents. The incident log was stored separately from the incident reports. Incident reports were stated to be stored in the children’s files. Based on my discussion with the director and review of the incident reports/incident log, I was unable to substantiate the allegation regarding an incident occurring. Allegation #2: There is a concern that an incident report was not written for a child who was injured while in care. Findings: The director was unaware of any injuries that occurred during third shift. The incident log was reviewed and there was not an incident report on file for any children enrolled on third shift. Based on my discussion with the director and review of the incident reports/incident log, I was unable to substantiate the allegation regarding an incident occurring. When an incident occurs, teachers fill out the incident report and notify parents. The incident log was stored separately from the incident reports. Incident reports were stated to be stored in the children’s files. The staff member that cares for the children daily from 11pm to 7am must be able to communicate with administrators about incidents that occur during that time. Having an additional staff member present for overnight care will maintain ratios, group sizes and help prevent incidents from occurring. Procedures should be in place so the staff person knows what to do if an incident occurs and who to notify. Teachers should not be performing other duties while children are in care when there is only one staff person caring for the children. This can create lapses in supervision, staff/child ratios, group sizes and more risks for incidents to occur. Allegation #3: There is a concern that the posted staff/child ratios are not being followed in the early morning hours. We reviewed three weeks of sign-in sheets for the children that attend on second and third shift. On January 27, 2025, there were two infants in care from 6pm to 12am and a one-year-old child in care with thirteen children aged one year up to school age. Only one staff member was present with the children from 11pm-7am. Children under one year old shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over, meaning only infants and one-year old's can be combined in a group. Based on information provided a violation was cited for grouping infants with children ages 2 yrs and above. Children may be grouped together during the first and last hour of each day and staff/child ratios and group sizes still apply even when grouped together. If the youngest child is an infant under age one, the ratio should be 1:5 with a group size of no more than ten in a group. When the youngest child is one year old, the ratio should be 1:6 with a group size of no more than twelve children in a group. The center is following enhanced ratios, so the enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. During the visit today, a second teacher arrived about 6:15am. A third teacher arrived about 7:00am. Based on time sheets, it appears that there are several staff members that come in at 7am. Someone needs to be available during the end of third shift and the start of first shift so there aren’t so many children present at the same time without enough caregivers. Administrators should review the attendance/sign in and out sheets to determine if another staff member is needed and adjust staff hours to ensure ratios are maintained . We reviewed the time sheets for a three-week time frame for all teachers that had documented in and out times. Based on the attendance sheets for the children, it appears that there were thirteen children, infants -12 yrs old, in care with one caregiver on January 27, 2025. The following violations were cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 201 A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child. Thirteen children ages 0-12 were in care in either space six or space seven. Space seven holds nine children and space six holds ten children. GS 110-91(6); .1401(f) 306 When children under the age of two were in care, the only caregiver required to meet the staff/child ratio was responsible for other duties besides direct child care. One caregiver was responsible for caring for infants through school age on third shift. Other duties such as answering the phone, answering the door for parents to pick up, and speaking with parents, were performed while caring for the children. .0713(a)(7) 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. Children aged 0-12 years old were grouped together with one caregiver. Based on sign in/out records, children ages 1-12 yrs old were mixed together from 11 pm to 7am on January 27, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Staff/child ratios were found out of compliance during third shift on January 27, 2025. One caregiver was present with thirteen children aged 0-12 years old from 11pm to 7am. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical assistance: Based on the time sheets, there appear to be three staff that work night hours. One leaves around 9-10pm and the other one leaves at 11 pm when the overnight caregiver arrives. There may be some dates that second shift care is out of staff/child ratios. Attendance sheets reviewed included second and third shift care since some of the children arrive during second shift and are picked up during third shirt care. 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. Staff/child ratios must be maintained from open to close each day. Administrators should review the staffing schedule to ensure there is enough staff present for the number of children based on the time the children arrive and depart for the day or overnight care. Administrators should also review the arrival and departure times for each child so staff will be present based on the number of children that arrive at any given time. Based on the discussion with the center director, review of the arrival and departure times for the children and the time sheets for staff, it appears that the center was out of compliance with staff/child ratios and group sizes January 27, 2025, due to not having enough staff present to maintain ratios and group sizes based on the ages of the children in care. Depending on the ratios the facility is required to meet; the group sizes will vary. Group sizes are in place so teachers can maintain supervision, and to ensure the safety of the children. You should be following the ratios based on the youngest child in the group throughout the day. This includes the first and last hour of the operating day. Younger children have lower group sizes so that they can be easily supervised. Older children have larger group sizes because they are older and don’t require as much supervision as younger children do. Each classroom was measured during the pre-licensing process before opening. Classroom capacity may be lower than the group size for the age group using the classroom. You will always go with the lowest number. If a classroom holds 10 children and the children are one year old, the group size is 12. The classroom will only hold 10 children so you can never go over 10 children based on the measured capacity of the classroom. You may never go over the measured capacity of the classroom even if the group size is larger. The measured capacity is the number of children the space can hold for minimum space requirements or enhanced space requirements. This restriction keeps the children safe. In this case, space #6 holds ten children and space #7 holds nine children. Since all of the children were combined in one space, the room was over capacity. Verify staffing, arrival and departure times for children and separate the children based on ages. Additional technical assistance: Space 7 is set up for infants. There were age-appropriate materials for infants and toddlers in this space along with a diaper chafing station and refrigerator. If older children are using the space, the materials are not age appropriate. If space 6 is used, materials were present for children ages 1-3 years old so the materials and items needed for infants were not present. Use a separate sign in sheet for each space as children arrive and depart so it shows which room they used for overnight care. The sign in sheets should also include the ages of the children. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today's visit and require a letter of corrective action that is due by February 24th, 2025. Please submit your letter via email and list the facility name, ID #, item number, how you have corrected the violation and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-034L Visit Date: 2/10/2025 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 2/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 94 Time In: 06:00 AM Time Out: 07:34 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of applicable childcare requirements regarding staff/child ratios. Today’s visit was completed with Tiffany Holt, center director. LeAnne Simpkins, the lead licensing consultant, was also present during today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the director. Parents were waiting with their children to drop off for first shift care. The parents signed in and left bottles to be put in the refrigerator. The director stated that there are no children in care on third shift care on Sunday evenings. She also stated that there is only one teacher (F. Wiggins) that cares for the children on third shift. There were thirteen (13) children aged 0-12 years old, enrolled for third shift care. She stated that they use space #7, the classroom for infants or space # 6, the classroom for toddlers for overnight care/sleeping. Space #6 will hold ten children based on measured capacity at 25 sq., ft. per child and space #7 will hold nine children based on measured capacity at 25 sq. ft. per child. Classrooms may not hold the number of children as allowed by group sizes, so follow the lowest number, which may be the space capacity (also listed on the staff/child ratio sheet). There are thirteen children enrolled on third shift care. The younger children should not be combined with older children, splitting the age groups is required (except for the first and last hour of the operating day). Ensure that no group of children will exceed the allowed capacity of the classrooms. Since Ms. Holt shared that they use either space 6 or 7 for overnight care, a violation was cited regarding capacity. Thirteen children were documented enrolled and present on January 27, 2025, for overnight care and were cared for together with one caregiver in one of the spaces. The director, Tiffany was not sure which room was used for overnight care since she was not present. Since this program operates 24 hrs. per day, each shift is a total of 8 hrs. First shift starts at 6:00am and ends at 2:00pm. The second shift care starts at 2:00pm and ends at 10:00pm. Third shift care starts at 10:00pm and ends at 6am. Staff/child ratios were in compliance during today’s visit. Children were separated so infants and toddlers were together in space #7 and the preschool age children were combined in space #6. Allegation #1: There is a concern of inadequate supervision. A child received an unexplained injury. Findings: The director was unaware of any injuries that occurred during third shift. The incident log was reviewed and there was not an incident report on file for any children enrolled on third shift. When an incident occurs, teachers fill out the incident report and notify parents. The incident log was stored separately from the incident reports. Incident reports were stated to be stored in the children’s files. Based on my discussion with the director and review of the incident reports/incident log, I was unable to substantiate the allegation regarding an incident occurring. Allegation #2: There is a concern that an incident report was not written for a child who was injured while in care. Findings: The director was unaware of any injuries that occurred during third shift. The incident log was reviewed and there was not an incident report on file for any children enrolled on third shift. Based on my discussion with the director and review of the incident reports/incident log, I was unable to substantiate the allegation regarding an incident occurring. When an incident occurs, teachers fill out the incident report and notify parents. The incident log was stored separately from the incident reports. Incident reports were stated to be stored in the children’s files. The staff member that cares for the children daily from 11pm to 7am must be able to communicate with administrators about incidents that occur during that time. Having an additional staff member present for overnight care will maintain ratios, group sizes and help prevent incidents from occurring. Procedures should be in place so the staff person knows what to do if an incident occurs and who to notify. Teachers should not be performing other duties while children are in care when there is only one staff person caring for the children. This can create lapses in supervision, staff/child ratios, group sizes and more risks for incidents to occur. Allegation #3: There is a concern that the posted staff/child ratios are not being followed in the early morning hours. We reviewed three weeks of sign-in sheets for the children that attend on second and third shift. On January 27, 2025, there were two infants in care from 6pm to 12am and a one-year-old child in care with thirteen children aged one year up to school age. Only one staff member was present with the children from 11pm-7am. Children under one year old shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over, meaning only infants and one-year old's can be combined in a group. Based on information provided a violation was cited for grouping infants with children ages 2 yrs and above. Children may be grouped together during the first and last hour of each day and staff/child ratios and group sizes still apply even when grouped together. If the youngest child is an infant under age one, the ratio should be 1:5 with a group size of no more than ten in a group. When the youngest child is one year old, the ratio should be 1:6 with a group size of no more than twelve children in a group. The center is following enhanced ratios, so the enhanced ratios must be followed on all shifts since care is offered on all three shifts. During the visit today, a second teacher arrived about 6:15am. A third teacher arrived about 7:00am. Based on time sheets, it appears that there are several staff members that come in at 7am. Someone needs to be available during the end of third shift and the start of first shift so there aren’t so many children present at the same time without enough caregivers. Administrators should review the attendance/sign in and out sheets to determine if another staff member is needed and adjust staff hours to ensure ratios are maintained . We reviewed the time sheets for a three-week time frame for all teachers that had documented in and out times. Based on the attendance sheets for the children, it appears that there were thirteen children, infants -12 yrs old, in care with one caregiver on January 27, 2025. The following violations were cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 201 A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child. Thirteen children ages 0-12 were in care in either space six or space seven. Space seven holds nine children and space six holds ten children. GS 110-91(6); .1401(f) 306 When children under the age of two were in care, the only caregiver required to meet the staff/child ratio was responsible for other duties besides direct child care. One caregiver was responsible for caring for infants through school age on third shift. Other duties such as answering the phone, answering the door for parents to pick up, and speaking with parents, were performed while caring for the children. .0713(a)(7) 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. Children aged 0-12 years old were grouped together with one caregiver. Based on sign in/out records, children ages 1-12 yrs old were mixed together from 11 pm to 7am on January 27, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Staff/child ratios were found out of compliance during third shift on January 27, 2025. One caregiver was present with thirteen children aged 0-12 years old from 11pm to 7am. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical assistance: Based on the time sheets, there appear to be three staff that work night hours. One leaves around 9-10pm and the other one leaves at 11 pm when the overnight caregiver arrives. There may be some dates that second shift care is out of staff/child ratios. Attendance sheets reviewed included second and third shift care since some of the children arrive during second shift and are picked up during third shirt care. 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. Staff/child ratios must be maintained from open to close each day. Administrators should review the staffing schedule to ensure there is enough staff present for the number of children based on the time the children arrive and depart for the day or overnight care. Administrators should also review the arrival and departure times for each child so staff will be present based on the number of children that arrive at any given time. Based on the discussion with the center director, review of the arrival and departure times for the children and the time sheets for staff, it appears that the center was out of compliance with staff/child ratios and group sizes January 27, 2025, due to not having enough staff present to maintain ratios and group sizes based on the ages of the children in care. Depending on the ratios the facility is required to meet; the group sizes will vary. Group sizes are in place so teachers can maintain supervision, and to ensure the safety of the children. You should be following the ratios based on the youngest child in the group throughout the day. This includes the first and last hour of the operating day. Younger children have lower group sizes so that they can be easily supervised. Older children have larger group sizes because they are older and don’t require as much supervision as younger children do. Each classroom was measured during the pre-licensing process before opening. Classroom capacity may be lower than the group size for the age group using the classroom. You will always go with the lowest number. If a classroom holds 10 children and the children are one year old, the group size is 12. The classroom will only hold 10 children so you can never go over 10 children based on the measured capacity of the classroom. You may never go over the measured capacity of the classroom even if the group size is larger. The measured capacity is the number of children the space can hold for minimum space requirements or enhanced space requirements. This restriction keeps the children safe. In this case, space #6 holds ten children and space #7 holds nine children. Since all of the children were combined in one space, the room was over capacity. Verify staffing, arrival and departure times for children and separate the children based on ages. Additional technical assistance: Space 7 is set up for infants. There were age-appropriate materials for infants and toddlers in this space along with a diaper chafing station and refrigerator. If older children are using the space, the materials are not age appropriate. If space 6 is used, materials were present for children ages 1-3 years old so the materials and items needed for infants were not present. Use a separate sign in sheet for each space as children arrive and depart so it shows which room they used for overnight care. The sign in sheets should also include the ages of the children. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today's visit and require a letter of corrective action that is due by February 24th, 2025. Please submit your letter via email and list the facility name, ID #, item number, how you have corrected the violation and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I may be reached by phone 919-819-9364 or email michele.j.hirsch@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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/29/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 10/29/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 45 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor NC childcare requirements during your annual compliance follow-up visit. The facilities’ annual compliance visit was conducted on October 21st, 2024. The children were observed participating in teacher directed activities in the classroom for children ages four and five. The infants and toddlers were observed in the outdoor learning environment. During my visit on October 21st, 2024, a violation of childcare requirements concerning mixing of ages was cited for the older children being outside with the younger children, as well as infants being mixed during the day with older age groups. During today’s visit the infants were outside with children up to two years of age. A repeat violation was cited. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct observations. I monitored interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity. This facility is licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed that there are nineteen children enrolled on first shift from 7am-6pm, twelve children enrolled on second shift from 6pm- 10:30pm and eight children enrolled on third shift from 10:30pm -8:30am. *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. The teacher for the children ages four and five left the classroom to answer the door instead of bringing the children with her up front. .1801(a)(1-5) 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. An infant in a stroller was observed in the outdoor environment with children ages one and two years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 12 business days by November 10th, 2024. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Due to the repeat violation as well as a violation of supervision a return visit will be conducted in the near future. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* Infants: Infants should not be mixed with other age groups. Supervision: During today’s visit the director was off premises and the teacher for four- and five-year-old children was the only one who could answer the door. Teachers should receive training concerning supervision and how this action can safely be accomplished. The teacher could have walked the five enrolled four-year-olds through the school-age classroom and had them sit or stand along the lobby door so the teacher could safely answer the door. Plans need to be put in place when extra staff are not present. Supervision was discussed in detail, along with examples of inadequate supervision. Children shall be adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision shall mean that staff interact with the children while moving about 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. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/21/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 10/21/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 133 Time In: 10:03 AM Time Out: 12:16 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. The facilities’ last annual compliance visit November 3rd ,2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. All staff and children’s files were reviewed. Staff and training worksheets were not complete prior to the visit. Although files are being reviewed, I asked you to provide your worksheets by the end of the week. The center currently operates with a 4-star license issued December 5th, 2020, operating at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios only. The children were observed participating in teacher directed activities for a brief time before being observed outdoors. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct observations. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, equipment, furnishings. Transportation requirements were not monitored today. Transportation is provided by the parents of the children enrolled at this time. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= January 5th, 2024- approved for daytime care *Sanitation inspection=May 28th, 2024- 25 demerits and an approved rating *On October 16th, 2024, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as active- not current. Compliance History prior to visit: 92% EPR plan last updated: May 6th, 2024 Playground inspection- October 1st, 2024 Lockdown/shelter in place- Lockdown August 1st, 2024 First aid and CPR training- I was informed that it was conducted by Kenneth Robinson on October 18th, 2024. Please provide a copy of either a certificate or a sign in sheet to show who attended. This facility is currently not providing transportation- I was informed that due to low school-age enrollment transportation is not being provided. I was informed that one of the vehicles needs to be picked up for repair because it does not run. If the facility resumes transportation, please send copies of the up insurance and registration for the buses prior to transporting. This facility is licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed that there are nineteen children enrolled on first shift from 7am-6pm, twelve children enrolled on second shift from 6pm- 10:30pm and eight children enrolled on third shift from 10:30pm -8:30am. *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. An infant in a stroller was observed in the outdoor environment with children ages one through four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. The toddlers were outside with the children ages two through four years old. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The school-age classrooms activity schedule posted was for September 2nd-6th, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 452 Separate outdoor play areas or time schedules were not provided for children under two when 15 or more children were in care. The posted playground schedules were not followed and all nineteen children ages zero through four years old were all outside together. .0605(c) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Indoors: classroom walls had chipping paint and exposed sheetrock. Outdoors: the water table had a broken leg support and contained old water beads (Orbies) that turned brown and encapsulated the toys inside. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Two staff had health questionnaires completed August 2023 and needed to be updated by August 2024. .0701(d) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 12 business days by November 2nd, 2024. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* ACTIVITY PLANS - Complete weekly activity plans (dated) that include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include daily activities to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. A sample lesson plan form containing all required components was provided. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. A designated staff member should conduct a walkthrough of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. Outdoor Area: 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 is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. Check all the toys and materials before play to make sure they are safe. Health Questionnaire: A health questionnaire is required for every staff person and updated each year prior to the date it was completed the year before. Infants: Infants and toddlers ages 12-24 should not be mixed with other age groups. Today all enrolled children were observed in the outdoor learning environment together. classroom teachers should following class schedules both indoors and outdoors to make sure ratios, group sizes and age groups are followed. based on the violations of mixing of ages a follow-up visit will need to be conducted. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/21/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 10/21/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 133 Time In: 10:03 AM Time Out: 12:16 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. The facilities’ last annual compliance visit November 3rd ,2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. All staff and children’s files were reviewed. Staff and training worksheets were not complete prior to the visit. Although files are being reviewed, I asked you to provide your worksheets by the end of the week. The center currently operates with a 4-star license issued December 5th, 2020, operating at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios only. The children were observed participating in teacher directed activities for a brief time before being observed outdoors. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct observations. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, equipment, furnishings. Transportation requirements were not monitored today. Transportation is provided by the parents of the children enrolled at this time. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= January 5th, 2024- approved for daytime care *Sanitation inspection=May 28th, 2024- 25 demerits and an approved rating *On October 16th, 2024, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as active- not current. Compliance History prior to visit: 92% EPR plan last updated: May 6th, 2024 Playground inspection- October 1st, 2024 Lockdown/shelter in place- Lockdown August 1st, 2024 First aid and CPR training- I was informed that it was conducted by Kenneth Robinson on October 18th, 2024. Please provide a copy of either a certificate or a sign in sheet to show who attended. This facility is currently not providing transportation- I was informed that due to low school-age enrollment transportation is not being provided. I was informed that one of the vehicles needs to be picked up for repair because it does not run. If the facility resumes transportation, please send copies of the up insurance and registration for the buses prior to transporting. This facility is licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed that there are nineteen children enrolled on first shift from 7am-6pm, twelve children enrolled on second shift from 6pm- 10:30pm and eight children enrolled on third shift from 10:30pm -8:30am. *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. An infant in a stroller was observed in the outdoor environment with children ages one through four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. The toddlers were outside with the children ages two through four years old. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The school-age classrooms activity schedule posted was for September 2nd-6th, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 452 Separate outdoor play areas or time schedules were not provided for children under two when 15 or more children were in care. The posted playground schedules were not followed and all nineteen children ages zero through four years old were all outside together. .0605(c) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Indoors: classroom walls had chipping paint and exposed sheetrock. Outdoors: the water table had a broken leg support and contained old water beads (Orbies) that turned brown and encapsulated the toys inside. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Two staff had health questionnaires completed August 2023 and needed to be updated by August 2024. .0701(d) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 12 business days by November 2nd, 2024. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* ACTIVITY PLANS - Complete weekly activity plans (dated) that include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include daily activities to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. A sample lesson plan form containing all required components was provided. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. A designated staff member should conduct a walkthrough of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. Outdoor Area: 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 is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. Check all the toys and materials before play to make sure they are safe. Health Questionnaire: A health questionnaire is required for every staff person and updated each year prior to the date it was completed the year before. Infants: Infants and toddlers ages 12-24 should not be mixed with other age groups. Today all enrolled children were observed in the outdoor learning environment together. classroom teachers should following class schedules both indoors and outdoors to make sure ratios, group sizes and age groups are followed. based on the violations of mixing of ages a follow-up visit will need to be conducted. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/21/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 10/21/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 133 Time In: 10:03 AM Time Out: 12:16 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. The facilities’ last annual compliance visit November 3rd ,2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. All staff and children’s files were reviewed. Staff and training worksheets were not complete prior to the visit. Although files are being reviewed, I asked you to provide your worksheets by the end of the week. The center currently operates with a 4-star license issued December 5th, 2020, operating at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios only. The children were observed participating in teacher directed activities for a brief time before being observed outdoors. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct observations. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, equipment, furnishings. Transportation requirements were not monitored today. Transportation is provided by the parents of the children enrolled at this time. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= January 5th, 2024- approved for daytime care *Sanitation inspection=May 28th, 2024- 25 demerits and an approved rating *On October 16th, 2024, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as active- not current. Compliance History prior to visit: 92% EPR plan last updated: May 6th, 2024 Playground inspection- October 1st, 2024 Lockdown/shelter in place- Lockdown August 1st, 2024 First aid and CPR training- I was informed that it was conducted by Kenneth Robinson on October 18th, 2024. Please provide a copy of either a certificate or a sign in sheet to show who attended. This facility is currently not providing transportation- I was informed that due to low school-age enrollment transportation is not being provided. I was informed that one of the vehicles needs to be picked up for repair because it does not run. If the facility resumes transportation, please send copies of the up insurance and registration for the buses prior to transporting. This facility is licensed for first, second and third shift. I was informed that there are nineteen children enrolled on first shift from 7am-6pm, twelve children enrolled on second shift from 6pm- 10:30pm and eight children enrolled on third shift from 10:30pm -8:30am. *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. An infant in a stroller was observed in the outdoor environment with children ages one through four years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. The toddlers were outside with the children ages two through four years old. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The school-age classrooms activity schedule posted was for September 2nd-6th, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 452 Separate outdoor play areas or time schedules were not provided for children under two when 15 or more children were in care. The posted playground schedules were not followed and all nineteen children ages zero through four years old were all outside together. .0605(c) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Indoors: classroom walls had chipping paint and exposed sheetrock. Outdoors: the water table had a broken leg support and contained old water beads (Orbies) that turned brown and encapsulated the toys inside. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Two staff had health questionnaires completed August 2023 and needed to be updated by August 2024. .0701(d) Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. A letter of corrective action is required within 12 business days by November 2nd, 2024. Please list the item numbers, how you came into compliance and how you will keep in compliance going forward. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* ACTIVITY PLANS - Complete weekly activity plans (dated) that include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include daily activities to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. A sample lesson plan form containing all required components was provided. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. A designated staff member should conduct a walkthrough of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. Outdoor Area: 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 is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. Check all the toys and materials before play to make sure they are safe. Health Questionnaire: A health questionnaire is required for every staff person and updated each year prior to the date it was completed the year before. Infants: Infants and toddlers ages 12-24 should not be mixed with other age groups. Today all enrolled children were observed in the outdoor learning environment together. classroom teachers should following class schedules both indoors and outdoors to make sure ratios, group sizes and age groups are followed. based on the violations of mixing of ages a follow-up visit will need to be conducted. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/27/2024 Number Present: 50 Completed Date: 6/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 53 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 10:08 AM 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 compliance for NC childcare requirements during a routine unannounced visit. The facilities last annual compliance visit was conducted on November 3rd,2023 and an annual compliance follow-up on November 9th, 2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. The center currently operates with a 4- star license issued December 5th, 2020, operating at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios only. The division created a cohort system to renew facilities rated license, this facility is in cohort #3 planning year 7/1/2025-6/30/2026 assessment year 7/1/2026-6/30/2027. My visit was conducted with administrator Tiffany Holt and center staff. The children were observed participating in teacher directed activities, infant feeding, and personal care. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct observations. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, equipment, and furnishings requirements. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= 1/5/2024- approved for daytime care *Sanitation inspection=5/28/2024- 25 demerits and an approved rating *Compliance History prior to visit: % *Shelter in place- 5/7/2024 @ 12:30pm * Fire drill- 6/3/2024 @ 6:10pm *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Upon arrival while waiting to enter the building I observed a teacher from the back classroom looking into the school-age classroom several times while I was waiting to enter. A staff person from the infant side walked outside and over to the primary daycare door to let me in. This staff person walked into the school age classroom and began giving directions. I never saw another teacher in the space other than the teacher for two year old's looking in. Following this observation while speaking with the director in the office the same school-age teacher was observed leaving her classroom to open the door to let someone into the facility. .1801(a)(1-5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In the classroom for children ages four and five where an enhanced ratio of one to thirteen is required during today's visit it was a one to fourteen ratio. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* Due to violations of supervision and staff/child ratio being cited today a return/follow-up visit for compliance is required. Reminder: New information on the Provider Portal for submitting the Change of Information from Jon Douglas in Criminal Record. The provider must sign up for the provider portal through ABCMS in order to submit the employee’s information. If they haven’t signed up, they will not be able to do the Change of Information electronically. They can send an email to dcdee_abcms_provider@dhhs.nc.gov with their facility information requesting to sign up. Once they are signed up, they can enter all their employees and have access to the employee qualification letters. This portal is new and started in January 2024. It might take some time. Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed child care facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). 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. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. 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. 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. 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. Technical Assistance: 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. Supervision: Supervision was discussed in detail, along with examples of inadequate supervision. 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. Due to the violations cited today a letter of corrective action is required by July 7th, 2024, documenting how the violations were corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/27/2024 Number Present: 50 Completed Date: 6/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 53 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 10:08 AM 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 compliance for NC childcare requirements during a routine unannounced visit. The facilities last annual compliance visit was conducted on November 3rd,2023 and an annual compliance follow-up on November 9th, 2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. The center currently operates with a 4- star license issued December 5th, 2020, operating at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios only. The division created a cohort system to renew facilities rated license, this facility is in cohort #3 planning year 7/1/2025-6/30/2026 assessment year 7/1/2026-6/30/2027. My visit was conducted with administrator Tiffany Holt and center staff. The children were observed participating in teacher directed activities, infant feeding, and personal care. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct observations. I monitored the required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, equipment, and furnishings requirements. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= 1/5/2024- approved for daytime care *Sanitation inspection=5/28/2024- 25 demerits and an approved rating *Compliance History prior to visit: % *Shelter in place- 5/7/2024 @ 12:30pm * Fire drill- 6/3/2024 @ 6:10pm *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Upon arrival while waiting to enter the building I observed a teacher from the back classroom looking into the school-age classroom several times while I was waiting to enter. A staff person from the infant side walked outside and over to the primary daycare door to let me in. This staff person walked into the school age classroom and began giving directions. I never saw another teacher in the space other than the teacher for two year old's looking in. Following this observation while speaking with the director in the office the same school-age teacher was observed leaving her classroom to open the door to let someone into the facility. .1801(a)(1-5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In the classroom for children ages four and five where an enhanced ratio of one to thirteen is required during today's visit it was a one to fourteen ratio. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* Due to violations of supervision and staff/child ratio being cited today a return/follow-up visit for compliance is required. Reminder: New information on the Provider Portal for submitting the Change of Information from Jon Douglas in Criminal Record. The provider must sign up for the provider portal through ABCMS in order to submit the employee’s information. If they haven’t signed up, they will not be able to do the Change of Information electronically. They can send an email to dcdee_abcms_provider@dhhs.nc.gov with their facility information requesting to sign up. Once they are signed up, they can enter all their employees and have access to the employee qualification letters. This portal is new and started in January 2024. It might take some time. Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed child care facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). 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. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. 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. 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. 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. Technical Assistance: 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. Supervision: Supervision was discussed in detail, along with examples of inadequate supervision. 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. Due to the violations cited today a letter of corrective action is required by July 7th, 2024, documenting how the violations were corrected and how you will keep in compliance going forward. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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: LITTLE HEARTS ACADEMY, LLC Facility ID: 92003730 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/3/2023 Number Present: 64 Completed Date: 11/3/2023 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 141 Time In: 09:49 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. The facilities last annual compliance visit November 10th,2022. A checklist was used to note the requirements we monitored today. All staff were not reviewed today, a return visit will be made soon to do a staff file review. I completed the children’s record worksheet and the staff & training worksheets, your signature on the bottom of these forms serves as verification that the information provided is accurate and complete. The center currently operates with a 4- star license issued December 5th, 2020, operating at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios only. The division created a cohort system to renew facilities rated license, this facility is in cohort #3 planning year 7/1/2025-6/30/2026 assessment year 7/1/2026-6/30/2027. My visit was conducted with administrative assistant Tiffany Holt and center staff. The children were observed participating in teacher directed activities, naptime, infant feeding, napping, tummy time, outdoor play, and personal care. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct observations. I monitored for required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, equipment, furnishings, and transportation requirements. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= 12/9/2022- approved for daytime care *Sanitation inspection=9/26/2023- 6 demerits and a superior rating *On November 3rd,2023, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Little Hearts Academy LLC owner of the facility listed as current-active. Compliance History prior to visit: 95% EPR plan last updated: 6/1/2023. Playground inspection- 9/9/2023- violation cited. Lockdown/shelter in place- 7/3/2023- violation cited for not completing a drill in October 2023. This facility provides transportation- the buses registration, insurance, emergency file, car seats and vehicle were inspected today and approved. *The following violations of childcare requirements were observed today. 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. The October playground inspection was not completed and documented. .0605(q) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. One enrolled child's record that was reviewed did not contain a medical and immunization record. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last drill was July 3rd, 2023 the one due by October 3rd, 2023 was not completed and documented. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *A violation of children’s files was cited today for not having medical and immunization records. Please make sure parents are providing all required paperwork upon enrollment or on their first day as it is much for difficult to obtain after children have started. * A violation for playground inspections was cited for not completing it in the month of October the inspection and paperwork are required to be completed every month. * A violation for lockdown and shelter in place drills was cited for not completing it quarterly/or once every three months. Please make sure you complete a drill every three months to the day of the one prior. Example: last completed 7/3/2023 next should have been completed by 10/3/2023. Learn about New Free Online Teacher Professional Development Membership! NC child care teachers and staff are eligible for an online professional development membership program for early educators. DCDEE covers the cost! Membership includes 200+ hours including all training required for a CDA. Learning is engaging, interactive and includes relevant content, games and videos. Courses are available in English and Spanish. To learn more, register now! North Carolina Teacher Professional Development Resources Webinar Nov 30, 2023 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time Space is limited. Register in advance for this webinar: https://teachingstrategies.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RjOYSOSBRxur5dhunfZDpA Meeting ID: 987 6848 1576 Passcode: 370896 On Demand Training Webinar Unpacking ITERS-R: An Overview of the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale The NC Birth-to-Three Quality Initiative is excited to announce a new online, on-demand course for everyone interested in understanding and using the Infant-Toddler Environment Rating Scale - Revised Edition (ITERS-R). This two-hour course provides an introduction to ITERS-R: what it is, its history and how NC uses the assessment. Every item of the assessment is discussed along with specific tips on how to improve your classroom quality and, in turn, improve your overall ITERS-R score. Sign up for the course at https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0041-0007-24ac1d4d53ed4eb69ffcf6726ead570f. Registration is $20. Remember to have your own copy of the assessment with you to follow along! This course is ideal for those preparing for the resumption of star-rated license assessments. If you have any questions about this on-demand course, please reach out to B3QI@childcareservices.org. Violations of childcare requirements were cited during today's visit and require a letter of corrective action. Please submit your letter via email by November 13th, 2023 documenting how you corrected it and how you will keep it in compliance going forward. Please send to the email address listed below. thank you Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.