10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/27/2025 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 8/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. I was having technological issues and was unable to type the report while I was at the center. I will email the full report to you when I return to the office. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center director, April Proctor, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play on the playground or their classroom. They were doing staggered entry for their NC PreK and their Wake 3 School classrooms, so for many of these students, it was their first day of school. I also observed diapering and infant meal time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 3/12/20. They received 7 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. All staff should be registered and have their education assessed through WORKS. Best practice recommends that this be completed as a part of new employee orientation and then updated as staff education changes. During today’s visit we discussed the new QRIS pathways and you were given an opportunity to ask questions. Please visit the DCDEE website to review the QRIS Modernization requirement, and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project for more information about the ERS 3s. Here are links to this information: QRIS Modernization - https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization NCRLAP: https://ncrlap.org In addition, technical assistance may be available through Wake County Smart Start or Early Years (formerly known as Child Care Services Association). The director stated that they are considering seeking accreditation. I explained that we would need to see documentation from the accreditation agency to confirm that they are actively pursuing accreditation, should the need arise. In September, we will be conducting Provider trainings to help you better understand Pathway to the Stars. Please be on the lookout for your invitation to this training. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 2/10/25. The last fire inspection was completed 7/28/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted 8/25/25. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/28/25. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 7/25/25. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The facility was assessed using items noted on the Annual Compliance for Centers checklist. The status of the owner, Creative Schools, Inc., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/24 – 9/30/25. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a medical report in their file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff member's qualification letter expired in January 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff members did not have orientation documented in their file. .1101(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member did not complete this training within their first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/10/25 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 91%. According to NC General Statute 110-90 (4) (d) all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Orientation is crucial to helping staff understand expectations and prepares them to be successful in their work with children. Two staff members did not have orientation documented in their file. The director stated that she had completed the orientation, but she had not completed the documentation form. I explained that credit could not be given without documentation. I suggest completing the form as each topic is reviewed and when all topics have been reviewed, then ask the teacher to sign their orientation form. Criminal background checks ensure that all staff meet the basic qualifications to work in child care. This ensures children’s safety and protects the children from having contact with someone with a history of harming children. One staff member’s qualification letter expired in January 2025. The director stated that she had missed that one when she was completing the staff and training worksheets. This staff member must complete her background check and have her letter in her file by 9/10/25 or she will be unable to work until this is completed. One staff member did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within her first 90 days of employment. She completed another training on this website, and the director stated that the teacher probably did not realize that she had taken the wrong training. This training is essential in helping staff understand their responsibility as mandated reporters and equips them to know the warning signs that a child may be at risk. Moving forward, I recommend you closely review training certificates to ensure that staff have completed all the required training. One staff member did not have a Medical Statement on file. This is a pre-employment requirement. The director stated that she was certain that the teacher had turned it in, but she was unable to locate this during the visit. If you are unable to find the document, the teacher will need to obtain a copy from the doctor who completed the report, or have another medical exam. CONSULTATION With the extreme heat conditions we have been experiencing, we are cautioning all programs to closely monitor the temperatures of playground surfaces. During a recent visit, a consultant found that the artificial turf, in an unshaded area, was hot to touch. This could result in children being burned while playing outdoors. I left a handout with you today titled, “Protecting Children from Thermal Burns.” This handout discussed prevention and treatment options should a child experience a burn. Child Care facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for lead every three years. Your water was last tested for lead on 5/25/24. In addition, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. It was determined that your facility is exempt from this testing. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle but you must register separately for this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. There is a link to this training on Moodle. ACCESS TO THE ABCMS SYSTEM: Center directors can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: See the real-time background check status of staff members. Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. If you have questions regarding the PROVIDER PORTAL contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or email: DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. For general questions regarding APPLICANTS, applications, or other CBC questions email: DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6401. To access your staff criminal records, they must have your program listed as their place of employment in ABCMS. This requirement is indicated as Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet and replaces the Data Change form that was previously required to be submitted to the Criminal Records Unit. It is recommended that staff add your program as their place of employment during the first few days of orientation. This change should be documented and placed in their file. The documentation could be a screenshot after the change is made or documented on the Orientation Form in the Other section. The date the change was made should be indicated in Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet during the staff member’s first year of employment. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements and the new QRIS requirements. If you need assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/27/2025 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 8/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. I was having technological issues and was unable to type the report while I was at the center. I will email the full report to you when I return to the office. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center director, April Proctor, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play on the playground or their classroom. They were doing staggered entry for their NC PreK and their Wake 3 School classrooms, so for many of these students, it was their first day of school. I also observed diapering and infant meal time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 3/12/20. They received 7 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. All staff should be registered and have their education assessed through WORKS. Best practice recommends that this be completed as a part of new employee orientation and then updated as staff education changes. During today’s visit we discussed the new QRIS pathways and you were given an opportunity to ask questions. Please visit the DCDEE website to review the QRIS Modernization requirement, and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project for more information about the ERS 3s. Here are links to this information: QRIS Modernization - https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization NCRLAP: https://ncrlap.org In addition, technical assistance may be available through Wake County Smart Start or Early Years (formerly known as Child Care Services Association). The director stated that they are considering seeking accreditation. I explained that we would need to see documentation from the accreditation agency to confirm that they are actively pursuing accreditation, should the need arise. In September, we will be conducting Provider trainings to help you better understand Pathway to the Stars. Please be on the lookout for your invitation to this training. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 2/10/25. The last fire inspection was completed 7/28/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted 8/25/25. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/28/25. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 7/25/25. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The facility was assessed using items noted on the Annual Compliance for Centers checklist. The status of the owner, Creative Schools, Inc., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/24 – 9/30/25. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a medical report in their file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff member's qualification letter expired in January 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff members did not have orientation documented in their file. .1101(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member did not complete this training within their first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/10/25 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 91%. According to NC General Statute 110-90 (4) (d) all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Orientation is crucial to helping staff understand expectations and prepares them to be successful in their work with children. Two staff members did not have orientation documented in their file. The director stated that she had completed the orientation, but she had not completed the documentation form. I explained that credit could not be given without documentation. I suggest completing the form as each topic is reviewed and when all topics have been reviewed, then ask the teacher to sign their orientation form. Criminal background checks ensure that all staff meet the basic qualifications to work in child care. This ensures children’s safety and protects the children from having contact with someone with a history of harming children. One staff member’s qualification letter expired in January 2025. The director stated that she had missed that one when she was completing the staff and training worksheets. This staff member must complete her background check and have her letter in her file by 9/10/25 or she will be unable to work until this is completed. One staff member did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within her first 90 days of employment. She completed another training on this website, and the director stated that the teacher probably did not realize that she had taken the wrong training. This training is essential in helping staff understand their responsibility as mandated reporters and equips them to know the warning signs that a child may be at risk. Moving forward, I recommend you closely review training certificates to ensure that staff have completed all the required training. One staff member did not have a Medical Statement on file. This is a pre-employment requirement. The director stated that she was certain that the teacher had turned it in, but she was unable to locate this during the visit. If you are unable to find the document, the teacher will need to obtain a copy from the doctor who completed the report, or have another medical exam. CONSULTATION With the extreme heat conditions we have been experiencing, we are cautioning all programs to closely monitor the temperatures of playground surfaces. During a recent visit, a consultant found that the artificial turf, in an unshaded area, was hot to touch. This could result in children being burned while playing outdoors. I left a handout with you today titled, “Protecting Children from Thermal Burns.” This handout discussed prevention and treatment options should a child experience a burn. Child Care facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for lead every three years. Your water was last tested for lead on 5/25/24. In addition, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. It was determined that your facility is exempt from this testing. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle but you must register separately for this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. There is a link to this training on Moodle. ACCESS TO THE ABCMS SYSTEM: Center directors can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: See the real-time background check status of staff members. Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. If you have questions regarding the PROVIDER PORTAL contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or email: DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. For general questions regarding APPLICANTS, applications, or other CBC questions email: DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6401. To access your staff criminal records, they must have your program listed as their place of employment in ABCMS. This requirement is indicated as Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet and replaces the Data Change form that was previously required to be submitted to the Criminal Records Unit. It is recommended that staff add your program as their place of employment during the first few days of orientation. This change should be documented and placed in their file. The documentation could be a screenshot after the change is made or documented on the Orientation Form in the Other section. The date the change was made should be indicated in Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet during the staff member’s first year of employment. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements and the new QRIS requirements. If you need assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-292A Visit Date: 6/30/2025 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 6/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 12:50 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. April Proctor, director, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with April Proctor and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A staff member pushed a child back on to the cot to prevent the child from sitting up and/or leaving the cot. G.S. 110-91(10) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-308A Visit Date: 3/6/2025 Number Present: 163 Completed Date: 3/6/3035 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:50 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. Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor, accompanied me on the visit today. Teresia Burroughs and Charity Kizer, assistant directors, accompanied us during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, we discussed the allegations with April Proctor, director, Ms. Burroughs, Ms. Kizer and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A staff member grabbed and pulled toddlers by the arms and lifted a child by their shoulders and sat children down rough on chairs. Staff members yelled at and made threatening comments to three-year-old children. G.S. 110-91(10) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. A staff member threw a child's food in the trash because the child took food from another child's plate. .1803(a)(4-6) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2024 Number Present: 153 Completed Date: 9/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:45 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. This documentation was reviewed with you and a copy of the visit summary documentation was given to you at the end of the visit. Vanessa Price, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me for today’s visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center director, April Proctor, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 3/12/20. They received 6 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. We discussed a restriction listed on your current permit that states the center followed enhanced, reduced staff child ratios at the 7 point level, however the center received 6 points in program standards. It was determined that the center has elected to follow the enhanced reduced ratios, so no additional action is needed. The program’s “held harmless status” has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented. This means that rated license visits will not be processed until the new rated license process is completed unless the program requests to proceed with a new rated license. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 1/6/24. The last fire inspection was completed 7/31/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted 8/30/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/12/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/13/24. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The facility was assessed using items noted on the Annual Compliance for Centers checklist. There were three staff members listed on the staff and training worksheets that did not have their qualification letter dates listed. During today’s visit we the status of all qualification letters for all center staff. One staff member’s qualification letter was expired. The center has 3 vehicles that are used to transport school-aged children. All vehicles are covered by liability insurance until 12/31/24 and all had inspections and registration completed in April 2024. Vehicle #1 has an NC license plate number FDF-2723. Vehicle #2 has NC license plate number FDF-2726 and vehicle #3 has NC license plate number FDF-2724. Vehicles #2 and #3 were missing first aid supplies. The status of the owner, Creative Schools, Inc. is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/23 – 9/30/24. You have several staff members who need to complete additional training hours to meet their requirements for this year. Please have them complete this training by the end of September. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff member's qualification letter expired 8/19/24. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. First aid supplies was missing from Vehicles # 2 and # 3. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. The child's photograph was missing from the emergency information on the vehicles. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Three staff members did not complete training in all the required topics within their first year of employment. .1102(a) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/18/24 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it my attention at 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Staff background checks ensures that all staff members meet the minimum qualification to work in child care. It is essential that the qualification letter for all center staff be valid and current. One staff member’s qualification letter expired 8/19/24. You stated that you were confused because of the rule changes that extended the expiration date on these letters by two years. This employee’s letter was issued in 2019. We discussed this rule clarification during today’s visit. If you keep the staff and training forms current, these could be referenced each month to ensure that staff qualification records remain current. Training in the required health and safety topics is essential to helping child care staff to understand the requirement related to basic sanitation and health practices. Three staff did not complete training in all the required topics within their first year of employment. Please ensure that they complete this training as soon as possible. Many programs require that this training be completed within the first month of employment, to ensure that this requirement is met. When transporting young children, it is essential to take appropriate safety measures so that you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Two of the vehicles are missing first aid kits and the children’s photos are not attached to their emergency documents that are on the vehicle when children are transported. Please add first aid supplies to vehicles # 2 and #3 and attach photos to the children’s emergency information. CONSULTATION Child Care facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for lead every three years. You stated that your water was last tested in May 2024. It was determined that the center was exempt for testing for lead based paint and asbestos. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2024 Number Present: 153 Completed Date: 9/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:45 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. This documentation was reviewed with you and a copy of the visit summary documentation was given to you at the end of the visit. Vanessa Price, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me for today’s visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center director, April Proctor, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 3/12/20. They received 6 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. We discussed a restriction listed on your current permit that states the center followed enhanced, reduced staff child ratios at the 7 point level, however the center received 6 points in program standards. It was determined that the center has elected to follow the enhanced reduced ratios, so no additional action is needed. The program’s “held harmless status” has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented. This means that rated license visits will not be processed until the new rated license process is completed unless the program requests to proceed with a new rated license. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 1/6/24. The last fire inspection was completed 7/31/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted 8/30/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/12/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/13/24. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The facility was assessed using items noted on the Annual Compliance for Centers checklist. There were three staff members listed on the staff and training worksheets that did not have their qualification letter dates listed. During today’s visit we the status of all qualification letters for all center staff. One staff member’s qualification letter was expired. The center has 3 vehicles that are used to transport school-aged children. All vehicles are covered by liability insurance until 12/31/24 and all had inspections and registration completed in April 2024. Vehicle #1 has an NC license plate number FDF-2723. Vehicle #2 has NC license plate number FDF-2726 and vehicle #3 has NC license plate number FDF-2724. Vehicles #2 and #3 were missing first aid supplies. The status of the owner, Creative Schools, Inc. is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/23 – 9/30/24. You have several staff members who need to complete additional training hours to meet their requirements for this year. Please have them complete this training by the end of September. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff member's qualification letter expired 8/19/24. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. First aid supplies was missing from Vehicles # 2 and # 3. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. The child's photograph was missing from the emergency information on the vehicles. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Three staff members did not complete training in all the required topics within their first year of employment. .1102(a) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/18/24 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it my attention at 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Staff background checks ensures that all staff members meet the minimum qualification to work in child care. It is essential that the qualification letter for all center staff be valid and current. One staff member’s qualification letter expired 8/19/24. You stated that you were confused because of the rule changes that extended the expiration date on these letters by two years. This employee’s letter was issued in 2019. We discussed this rule clarification during today’s visit. If you keep the staff and training forms current, these could be referenced each month to ensure that staff qualification records remain current. Training in the required health and safety topics is essential to helping child care staff to understand the requirement related to basic sanitation and health practices. Three staff did not complete training in all the required topics within their first year of employment. Please ensure that they complete this training as soon as possible. Many programs require that this training be completed within the first month of employment, to ensure that this requirement is met. When transporting young children, it is essential to take appropriate safety measures so that you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Two of the vehicles are missing first aid kits and the children’s photos are not attached to their emergency documents that are on the vehicle when children are transported. Please add first aid supplies to vehicles # 2 and #3 and attach photos to the children’s emergency information. CONSULTATION Child Care facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for lead every three years. You stated that your water was last tested in May 2024. It was determined that the center was exempt for testing for lead based paint and asbestos. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: AMBER TELFAIR Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-185A Visit Date: 4/15/2024 Number Present: 136 Completed Date: 4/15/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 115 Time In: 10:20 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 this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. April Proctor, Director, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Proctor and an additional staff member. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On April 11, 2024, while caring for one-year-old children, a staff member slept during the children's nap time. Also, staff members did not intervene when two children engaged in a physical altercation . .1801(a)(1-5) 404 All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. On April 11, 2024, in the classroom for one-year-old children, a staff member did not wash their hands in between each diaper change. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On April 11, 2024, while caring for one-year-old children, a staff member yelled at a child. G.S. 110-91(10) 904 Child was handled roughly. On April 10 and 11, 2024, in the classroom for one-year-old children, a staff member repeatedly lifted children by their arms, grabbed children aggressively, and pushed children. .1803(a)(1) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member's qualification letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: AMBER TELFAIR Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-185A Visit Date: 4/15/2024 Number Present: 136 Completed Date: 4/15/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 115 Time In: 10:20 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 this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. April Proctor, Director, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Proctor and an additional staff member. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On April 11, 2024, while caring for one-year-old children, a staff member slept during the children's nap time. Also, staff members did not intervene when two children engaged in a physical altercation . .1801(a)(1-5) 404 All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. On April 11, 2024, in the classroom for one-year-old children, a staff member did not wash their hands in between each diaper change. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On April 11, 2024, while caring for one-year-old children, a staff member yelled at a child. G.S. 110-91(10) 904 Child was handled roughly. On April 10 and 11, 2024, in the classroom for one-year-old children, a staff member repeatedly lifted children by their arms, grabbed children aggressively, and pushed children. .1803(a)(1) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member's qualification letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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.

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: WAKEFIELD CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92001956 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/7/2023 Number Present: 129 Completed Date: 9/7/2023 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 203 Time In: 09:07 AM Time Out: 12:30 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 with NC Childcare requirements during your annual compliance. The facilities last annual compliance visit was conducted on September14th, 2022. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The center currently operates with a 5- star license, operating at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios minus one at the seven -point level. My visit was conducted with you, April Proctor, Director, and center staff. The cohort process was discussed during today’s visit, and I informed you that the facility is in Cohort #2 the planning year is July 1st, 2024- June 30th, 2025, implementation year July 1st, 2025-June 30th, 2026. Although the planning year begins in 2024, we discussed the importance of submitting education to the works education department to keep all staff education up to date instead of trying to get it all in during the planning year. The children were observed participating in teacher directed & free play activities today both inside and outside, group/center activities and infant feeding, diaper changing and napping as well as personal care time in the preschool classrooms. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct my observations. I monitored for required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, indoor and outdoor environment, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, toys, materials, equipment and furnishings, medication, and transportation requirements. The facility houses three NC PreK classes and one three school classroom. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=7/28/2023 and approved for daytime care only *Sanitation inspection= 1/11/2023 - 22 demerits and a provisional rating. A re-inspection was conducted on 1/18/2023- 2 demerits and a superior rating. *On September 1st, 2023, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Creative School Inc. owner of the facility (Wakefield Creative School) listed as current-active. * The facility has two buses and had a borrowed bus from their Apex location. insurance, registration, fire extinguishers and condition were reviewed. * Compliance history as of this visit 96% *The following items of non-compliance were cited during my visit Violation Number Comment Rule 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. An enrolled child had aquaphor and A & D ointment to be applied during diaper changing and there was not paperwork completed by the parent to apply it. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The facilities last documented lockdown drill was March 31st, 2023 and although they stated they had one as required on June 8th, 2023 there was no documentation to reflect this drill per requirements. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* • Please do not forget to send me the updated/revised staff and training worksheets with all staff documented including administrators, full, part time teachers, substitutes and floaters. • Please check for an email from Wendy Price concerning. Pre-K Teachers Research Study-ECERS-3 for an opportunity for your preschool teachers to participate in a study through UNC-CH in regard to the ECERS-3. If you did not receive it please let me know and I will be glad to forward it to you. • Due to a violation of childcare requirements being cited today a letter of corrective action is required addressing the item number and rule and how it was corrected and how it will be kept in compliance in the future. Please provide a letter via email or regular mail by September 14th, 2023. • A violation of childcare requirements concerning drills was cited during today’s visit. Please remember that all drills need to be conducted and documented on the DCDEE forms available on the website. Best practice is to document it on your calendar either written or electronically in case you forget to immediately transcribe it onto the required forms. • A violation of childcare requirements concerning medication/topical ointments was cited during today’s visit. DCDEE forms are available on the website for over-the-counter administration of ointments, creams, lotions and should be completed in full for each individual topical a parent is requesting to be applied and “as needed” is not an acceptable amount to document it needs to be specific. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 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.