10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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 . 0508 · Violation

Name of Operation: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/9/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted me with the visit. E. Enslen, administrator was present for the visit. Your program currently operates with a One-Star Center License issued April 16, 2025. Restrictions include 1st shift care with a capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old. This is the first annual compliance visit following issue of the temporary license on October 15, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of October 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 21, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2025 and Seaside Academy Inc. was listed as current-active. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and forty-five (45) children present. There are five (5) indoor spaces and two (2) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Indoors, children were engaged in free play in a variety of centers and activities, including but not limited to fine motor play, drawing, and dramatic play. Outdoors, children were using a small climber and push toys. Staff in all classrooms were attentive to the children’s needs and interacted during play activities. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. Some were playing on the floor while others were fed and changed. The teachers provided interaction during both play and routines. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice, peas, fruit cocktail, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- One (1) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to complete all required health and safety trainings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed October 17, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing application has been started but not completed. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not provided outdoor time every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The infants are not taken outside every day. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Metal pieces connecting the fencing to the support poles on the small playground had sharp ends. Several wooden slats on the large playground were broken. There were broken plastic toys on the large playground. There were weeds with thorns growing through the wooden fence on the large playground. A large, loose tarp and a broken plastic climber on the side of the building were not removed or made inaccessible. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A wet mop with attached cleaner was accessible to the children in spaces 3 and 5. .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Bug repellant for two children in space 5 did not have a parent permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A sunscreen in space 5 and a sunscreen in space 3 were both expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. An inspection was not completed for July and August 2025. .0605(q) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Three of the seven cribs in space 1 had loose fitting sheets on the mattresses. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(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). M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 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 child whose date of enrollment was December 2, 2024 did not have a medical exam or health assessment on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, enrolled on December 2, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. M. Jackson's qualification letter expired on July 22, 2025 and a valid letter was not on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 23, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 M. Jackson has a qualification letter that expired on July 22, 2025, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. An application was started on October 6, 2025 but not completed. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, on or before October 23, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility any longer until they receive their qualification letter. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): During your temporary time period visit on February 6, 2025 you were informed of the requirement for using the ABCMS Provider Portal. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Although not cited as a violation today, you will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119 on or before October 23, 2025. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. I have also emailed you an ABCMS Access Guide to assist you in the process. It is important to ensure that all children’s files are complete and up-to-date. A regular review of files, using the children’s file checklist provided on the DCDEE website, will help with this process. The child care rules do not address the type of repellent that can be used. However, there have been some conversations with the Environmental Health Section on the use of homemade products. Parents can make a homemade product for an individual child for the operator to apply on the child of that parent only. If a facility chooses to allow a parent to bring in a homemade repellent to use on their child, when used, it must be treated like any other type of repellent and all rules on the administration of medication, safety requirement, as well as making sure they are complying with the storage requirements provided in the Sanitation of Child Care Centers rule .2820 Storage. The parent must complete a permission slip for using the product on their child. Additionally, the parent must provide a listing of ingredients used in the homemade repellent that is stored together with the product. We would discourage the use of repellent stickers, bracelets, and/or necklaces used or worn by children and would refer to the same rules shared above. These items would be worn by a child or placed on them; giving that child and other children access to the item that could pose a choking hazard if placed in their mouth and could be potentially hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled. Playground safety inspections must be completed monthly. A calendar reminder or similar strategy can help to ensure these are completed on time. Staffing plans help to insure that supervision, staff/child ratio, and employee needs are met. Consider reviewing your staffing plan so that classrooms have coverage at all times and the administrator is able to remain in the office area to greet families, handle daily situations that may arise, and complete required duties related to overseeing the center’s business practices. Washer and Dryer: It is recommended that a childcare center should have a washer and dryer on-site to handle the high volume of laundry. Children’s items such as clothing and linens, and classroom items such as rugs, soft materials, and kitchen linens should not be taken off the premises to be washed and then bright back to the center, as this practice is not sanitary. The classroom for infants in Space 1 needs a trash can with a sensor to ensure health and safety practices can be followed. The morning sun comes into the door of the infant room and shines onto a large portion of the infant play area. This can create an uncomfortable brightness while the children play on the floor. Consider a covering on the door to minimize the brightness and glare. Infants must be taken outside for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Put a plan in place to create a schedule and space for daily outdoor time. This can include the use of buggies, extra staffing, and/or a space accessible directly outside the infant room. Nursery gliders are important during infant feeding. Gliders allow caregivers to be comfortable during the frequent and lengthy feeding sessions by reducing strain on the back and arms, while the gentle rocking helps to relax the baby and create a peaceful atmosphere for bonding and feeding. In addition, infants should not be fed on the floor due to the high risk of germ and bacterial contamination, which can cause illness. Loose crib sheets pose a serious suffocation or entanglement risk for babies, and can also impede airflow, leading to CO2 buildup and potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) deaths. To ensure safety, use a tightly fitted sheet that fits the mattress snugly without any slack fabric, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Dangers of Loose Sheets • Suffocation and Entanglement: Loose sheets or those that bunch up can shift around the baby's face, obstructing their breathing. • Strangulation: Babies can become entangled in loose fabric, leading to suffocation or strangulation. • Carbon Dioxide Buildup: A poorly fitting sheet can block airflow and create a rebreathing zone for carbon dioxide, a dangerous situation for infants. How to Prevent These Dangers • Use Tightly Fitted Sheets: The sheet should fit the mattress snugly and securely, with no excess fabric for your baby to get tangled in. • Check the Sheet's Fit: Ensure there are no loose areas or folds around the mattress that could pose a risk. Consider using cloth or nylon bags for extra clothes that are stored within reach of the children in classrooms that include children under three. A safe outdoor area minimizes the risk of injury and ensures that children are able to play freely. Plants with thorns and broken wood and plastic can create splinters, cuts, and scrapes. Remove broken equipment and materials that could create a unsafe situation, such as tarps that could hide animals or standing water. Consider putting a plan in place to regularly inspect the outdoor areas for broken equipment and unwanted weeds or plants. The side area next to the small playground could be used for additional movement space and/or a variety of play activities. However, if the side area is not going to be used make it inaccessible and the space calculation will be updated for that space. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license, which was issued October 15, 2024. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. Rated License Information: Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. There are 3 Pathways that providers will be able to choose from to achieve a 2 to 5 Star Rated License. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, child care consultants hosted in-person facility operator/administrator meetings. • During licensing visits, consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. The NC Department of Health and Human Services Controller's Office will mail license fee invoices during the month of October. Payments must be paid 30 days from the receipt of the invoice. Please carefully follow the directions on the invoice to ensure your facility's payment is made using and acceptable method. Partial payments or pre-payment will not be accepted. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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 .2829 · Violation

Name of Operation: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/6/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 2/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s second temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 15, 2024, and is valid through April 14, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old: daytime care only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, the corporation that owns and operates your facility, Seaside Academy Inc., is current and active. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were posted and current in each classroom. Fifty-seven children are enrolled; forty-five children present, ranging in age from 0-4 years old. In space 1, there were seven infants present. They were lying in boppy pillows, sitting in play seats, looking at a book, playing in an exersaucer or being held. Infant feeding charts were current and up to date. Safe sleep documentation appeared to be completed in real time. In space 2, children were observed sitting at a child size table coloring with markers and crayons on paper. You have recently opened this space to be used for two- and three-year-olds. Materials are needed in this space. In space 3, children were engaged in free play activities and then later transitioned into circle time. In space 4, the two-year-olds were engaged in play activities such as building with blocks, coloring bats, playing in housekeeping and many other age-appropriate activities. In space 5, the one-year-olds were walking around, and playing with classroom toys and materials. Encourage you to add a shelf to prevent children from having access and playing with the stack of chairs and sink. Lunch served included hotdogs, bun, baked beans, pineapple and milk. Today, staff records were reviewed and were organized and available. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In classroom space #5, an over-the-counter medication was not returned to the parent after the authorization has expired. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom space #2, plastic bags were stored on a low cubby cabinet accessible to the children in care. .0604(q) Two violations were documented and corrected during the visit. Technical assistance was provided but corrections are needed during this Temporary Time Period visit. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. A violation was documented related to safety- Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom used by two year olds (space #2), plastic bags were stored on a low cubby cabinet accessible to the children in care. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard and kill dozens of children yearly mostly infants. Ensure all plastic bags are in locked storage or above 5 feet. Technical assistance from today’s visit: Develop the learning centers in classroom space #2. Don’t store items on top of kitchen set as children have access to those items. RATED LICENSE: While you have declined an environment rating scale assessment as part this 2-5 star application, we reviewed the ERS -3 today and discussed the 2-5 star application process in great detail. I provided you with an administrator and lead teacher education worksheets, the facility program standards worksheet and the quality point form. We reviewed each form in detail. You would like to earn a minimum of a three star license at the expiration of your temporary license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two points in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. *Submit receipt of the items purchased. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulatives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. *Submit receipt of the items purchased. Plus, to earn more than two points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 3.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3are used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour training, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-3 and ECERS-3 as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. Today, we reviewed the lead teachers, teachers, and administrator’s education/experience. Lead Teachers and teachers: 1 or 2 points DW- 1 yr experience HW- 2 yr experience MJ- 3 yr experience AC- NCECC & 20 yr experience TS- NCECC & 3 yr experience Teacher: DT- 3 months exp HC- 6 yr experience TS- NCECC, 3 yr experience LK- 4 yr experience Administration- EE- Admin II, 6 yr Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 28, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. You stated as of today that you are not meeting Education Standards Quality point. You stated you will inquire about the course: Center administrator has completed a business training course and a wage and hour training course that is at least 30 hours of total training time. I provided you the information of agencies where you could complete these courses. Overall, based on today’s review, the center is eligible for 2 Stars. To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility (household members in a Family Child Care Home) within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. Once you receive your Star Rated License, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. This is a requirement for all child care centers. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact your consultant at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/6/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 2/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s second temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 15, 2024, and is valid through April 14, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old: daytime care only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, the corporation that owns and operates your facility, Seaside Academy Inc., is current and active. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were posted and current in each classroom. Fifty-seven children are enrolled; forty-five children present, ranging in age from 0-4 years old. In space 1, there were seven infants present. They were lying in boppy pillows, sitting in play seats, looking at a book, playing in an exersaucer or being held. Infant feeding charts were current and up to date. Safe sleep documentation appeared to be completed in real time. In space 2, children were observed sitting at a child size table coloring with markers and crayons on paper. You have recently opened this space to be used for two- and three-year-olds. Materials are needed in this space. In space 3, children were engaged in free play activities and then later transitioned into circle time. In space 4, the two-year-olds were engaged in play activities such as building with blocks, coloring bats, playing in housekeeping and many other age-appropriate activities. In space 5, the one-year-olds were walking around, and playing with classroom toys and materials. Encourage you to add a shelf to prevent children from having access and playing with the stack of chairs and sink. Lunch served included hotdogs, bun, baked beans, pineapple and milk. Today, staff records were reviewed and were organized and available. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In classroom space #5, an over-the-counter medication was not returned to the parent after the authorization has expired. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom space #2, plastic bags were stored on a low cubby cabinet accessible to the children in care. .0604(q) Two violations were documented and corrected during the visit. Technical assistance was provided but corrections are needed during this Temporary Time Period visit. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. A violation was documented related to safety- Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom used by two year olds (space #2), plastic bags were stored on a low cubby cabinet accessible to the children in care. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard and kill dozens of children yearly mostly infants. Ensure all plastic bags are in locked storage or above 5 feet. Technical assistance from today’s visit: Develop the learning centers in classroom space #2. Don’t store items on top of kitchen set as children have access to those items. RATED LICENSE: While you have declined an environment rating scale assessment as part this 2-5 star application, we reviewed the ERS -3 today and discussed the 2-5 star application process in great detail. I provided you with an administrator and lead teacher education worksheets, the facility program standards worksheet and the quality point form. We reviewed each form in detail. You would like to earn a minimum of a three star license at the expiration of your temporary license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two points in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. *Submit receipt of the items purchased. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulatives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. *Submit receipt of the items purchased. Plus, to earn more than two points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 3.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3are used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour training, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-3 and ECERS-3 as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. Today, we reviewed the lead teachers, teachers, and administrator’s education/experience. Lead Teachers and teachers: 1 or 2 points DW- 1 yr experience HW- 2 yr experience MJ- 3 yr experience AC- NCECC & 20 yr experience TS- NCECC & 3 yr experience Teacher: DT- 3 months exp HC- 6 yr experience TS- NCECC, 3 yr experience LK- 4 yr experience Administration- EE- Admin II, 6 yr Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 28, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. You stated as of today that you are not meeting Education Standards Quality point. You stated you will inquire about the course: Center administrator has completed a business training course and a wage and hour training course that is at least 30 hours of total training time. I provided you the information of agencies where you could complete these courses. Overall, based on today’s review, the center is eligible for 2 Stars. To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility (household members in a Family Child Care Home) within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. Once you receive your Star Rated License, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. This is a requirement for all child care centers. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact your consultant at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Seaside Academy Childcare Facility ID: 67001226 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/6/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 2/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s second temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 15, 2024, and is valid through April 14, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 60 children ages 0 to 12 years old: daytime care only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, the corporation that owns and operates your facility, Seaside Academy Inc., is current and active. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were posted and current in each classroom. Fifty-seven children are enrolled; forty-five children present, ranging in age from 0-4 years old. In space 1, there were seven infants present. They were lying in boppy pillows, sitting in play seats, looking at a book, playing in an exersaucer or being held. Infant feeding charts were current and up to date. Safe sleep documentation appeared to be completed in real time. In space 2, children were observed sitting at a child size table coloring with markers and crayons on paper. You have recently opened this space to be used for two- and three-year-olds. Materials are needed in this space. In space 3, children were engaged in free play activities and then later transitioned into circle time. In space 4, the two-year-olds were engaged in play activities such as building with blocks, coloring bats, playing in housekeeping and many other age-appropriate activities. In space 5, the one-year-olds were walking around, and playing with classroom toys and materials. Encourage you to add a shelf to prevent children from having access and playing with the stack of chairs and sink. Lunch served included hotdogs, bun, baked beans, pineapple and milk. Today, staff records were reviewed and were organized and available. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In classroom space #5, an over-the-counter medication was not returned to the parent after the authorization has expired. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom space #2, plastic bags were stored on a low cubby cabinet accessible to the children in care. .0604(q) Two violations were documented and corrected during the visit. Technical assistance was provided but corrections are needed during this Temporary Time Period visit. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. A violation was documented related to safety- Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom used by two year olds (space #2), plastic bags were stored on a low cubby cabinet accessible to the children in care. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard and kill dozens of children yearly mostly infants. Ensure all plastic bags are in locked storage or above 5 feet. Technical assistance from today’s visit: Develop the learning centers in classroom space #2. Don’t store items on top of kitchen set as children have access to those items. RATED LICENSE: While you have declined an environment rating scale assessment as part this 2-5 star application, we reviewed the ERS -3 today and discussed the 2-5 star application process in great detail. I provided you with an administrator and lead teacher education worksheets, the facility program standards worksheet and the quality point form. We reviewed each form in detail. You would like to earn a minimum of a three star license at the expiration of your temporary license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two points in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. *Submit receipt of the items purchased. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulatives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. *Submit receipt of the items purchased. Plus, to earn more than two points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 3.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3are used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour training, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-3 and ECERS-3 as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. Today, we reviewed the lead teachers, teachers, and administrator’s education/experience. Lead Teachers and teachers: 1 or 2 points DW- 1 yr experience HW- 2 yr experience MJ- 3 yr experience AC- NCECC & 20 yr experience TS- NCECC & 3 yr experience Teacher: DT- 3 months exp HC- 6 yr experience TS- NCECC, 3 yr experience LK- 4 yr experience Administration- EE- Admin II, 6 yr Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 28, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. You stated as of today that you are not meeting Education Standards Quality point. You stated you will inquire about the course: Center administrator has completed a business training course and a wage and hour training course that is at least 30 hours of total training time. I provided you the information of agencies where you could complete these courses. Overall, based on today’s review, the center is eligible for 2 Stars. To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Technical Assistance: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility (household members in a Family Child Care Home) within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. Once you receive your Star Rated License, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. This is a requirement for all child care centers. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact your consultant at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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