Clara Hearne Head Start

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: CLARA HEARNE HEAD START Facility ID: 42000241 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/8/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 10/10/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Currently, this facility operates with a Five-Star license issued on May 24, 2019. The last sanitation inspection was completed on March 5, 2025, earning a “Superior” classification and “6” demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on May 23, 2025. The center's last annual compliance visit was completed on November 7, 2024. C. Robinson, Administrator, R. Richardson, Family Services Specialist, and K. Hantz, Director, were present and available to assist. Fifteen (15) children were present during my visit. Children were observed during teacher directed activities, free choice activities, and outdoor play. All staff interacted with children in a positive manner. The center is owned and operated by Choanoke Area Development Association of North Carolina but located in a Roanoke Rapids Graded School District facility; operating as a Head Start program. This facility does not provide transportation. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable childcare requirements pertinent to this facility. Ten percent of staff records and ten percent of children’s records, and all program records were monitored. All children’s and program records were in compliance. One (1) violation was written for staff record keeping. A computer- generated visit summary reviewed and left with you at the end of the visit. The following violations of childcare requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. There was no annual staff evaluation nor staff development plan on record for A. Pittman. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) Child Care Licensing Requirements are established to ensure a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment for all childcare facilities. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all licensing requirements that apply for your facility. 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 maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 22, 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 accurate documentation. If any information provided in the letter is not accurate, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Marquitta Holloman, Child Care Consultant PO Box 644 Murfreesboro, NC 27855 marquitta.holloman@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. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today's visit, this facility has maintained an 18-month compliance score of 99%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION STAFF RECORD KEEPING/TRAININGS Staff development plan and annual staff evaluation were not on record for A. Pittman. QRIS/STAR RATED LICENSE We discussed the different pathway options for the new QRIS system. You decided to complete Pathway 2-Classroom and Instructional Quality. We completed an in-depth review of the forms specific to Pathway 2 and you were given the opportunity to ask questions. RESOURCES The Division of Child Development and Early Education's (DCDEE) website is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Visit this website for the most up-to-date child care forms, resources related to child care, and new child care rules/laws. RECALLED ITEMS You can visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov for more information on recently recalled items. CONTACTS o Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 o I encourage you to contact Kathy Vick, Child Care Health Consultant, kvick@hwss.org or 252-537-5621, if additional assistance regarding applicable health and safety practices as is needed. If you have questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-370-0207 or marquitta.holloman@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809. 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: CLARA HEARNE HEAD START Facility ID: 42000241 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/8/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 10/10/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Currently, this facility operates with a Five-Star license issued on May 24, 2019. The last sanitation inspection was completed on March 5, 2025, earning a “Superior” classification and “6” demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on May 23, 2025. The center's last annual compliance visit was completed on November 7, 2024. C. Robinson, Administrator, R. Richardson, Family Services Specialist, and K. Hantz, Director, were present and available to assist. Fifteen (15) children were present during my visit. Children were observed during teacher directed activities, free choice activities, and outdoor play. All staff interacted with children in a positive manner. The center is owned and operated by Choanoke Area Development Association of North Carolina but located in a Roanoke Rapids Graded School District facility; operating as a Head Start program. This facility does not provide transportation. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable childcare requirements pertinent to this facility. Ten percent of staff records and ten percent of children’s records, and all program records were monitored. All children’s and program records were in compliance. One (1) violation was written for staff record keeping. A computer- generated visit summary reviewed and left with you at the end of the visit. The following violations of childcare requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. There was no annual staff evaluation nor staff development plan on record for A. Pittman. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) Child Care Licensing Requirements are established to ensure a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment for all childcare facilities. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all licensing requirements that apply for your facility. 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 maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 22, 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 accurate documentation. If any information provided in the letter is not accurate, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Marquitta Holloman, Child Care Consultant PO Box 644 Murfreesboro, NC 27855 marquitta.holloman@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. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today's visit, this facility has maintained an 18-month compliance score of 99%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION STAFF RECORD KEEPING/TRAININGS Staff development plan and annual staff evaluation were not on record for A. Pittman. QRIS/STAR RATED LICENSE We discussed the different pathway options for the new QRIS system. You decided to complete Pathway 2-Classroom and Instructional Quality. We completed an in-depth review of the forms specific to Pathway 2 and you were given the opportunity to ask questions. RESOURCES The Division of Child Development and Early Education's (DCDEE) website is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Visit this website for the most up-to-date child care forms, resources related to child care, and new child care rules/laws. RECALLED ITEMS You can visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov for more information on recently recalled items. CONTACTS o Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 o I encourage you to contact Kathy Vick, Child Care Health Consultant, kvick@hwss.org or 252-537-5621, if additional assistance regarding applicable health and safety practices as is needed. If you have questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-370-0207 or marquitta.holloman@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809. 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: CLARA HEARNE HEAD START Facility ID: 42000241 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my routine unannounced visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. Currently, this facility operates with a Five-Star license issued on May 24, 2019. The last sanitation inspection was completed on March 5, 2025, earning a “Superior” classification and “6” demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on May 7, 2024. The center's last annual compliance visit was completed on December 17,2024. C.Robinson, Administrator and Renarda Richardson, Family Services Specialist were present and available to assist. Eleven (11) children were present during my visit. Children were observed during teacher directed activities, free choice activities, and outdoor play. All staff interacted with children in a positive manner. The center is owned and operated by Choanoke Area Development Association of North Carolina but located in a Roanoke Rapids Graded School District facility; operating as a Head Start program. This facility does not provide transportation. I used a checklist as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable childcare requirements pertinent to your program. The following requirements were monitored during today's visit: Staff/Child Ratio, Supervision, Specialized trainings, Storage of Hazardous Products, Storage of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, General Safety, Staff Records, Program Records, and License Posted and Permit Restrictions. A computer- generated visit summary reviewed and left with you at the end of the visit. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). The Criminal Background Check qualification (CBC) for K. Purnell expired on 2/17/2025. A qualification was not obtained. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) Child Care Licensing Requirements are established to ensure a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment for all child care facilities. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all licensing requirements that apply for your facility. 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 maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 14, 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 accurate documentation. If any information provided in the letter is not accurate, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Marquitta Holloman, Child Care Consultant PO Box 644 Murfreesboro, NC 27855 marquitta.holloman@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. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today's visit, this facility has maintained an 18-month compliance score of 100%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/ CONSULTATION STAFF RECORD KEEPING/TRAININGS The Criminal Background Check qualification (CBC) for K. Purnell expired on 2/17/2025 CBC is required to be completed every five (5) years before the expiration of the previous qualification. We discussed, staff is prohibited from the facility’s premises until the new CBC qualification has been obtained. RESOURCES The Division of Child Development and Early Education's (DCDEE) website is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Visit this website for the most up-to-date child care forms, resources related to child care, and new child care rules/laws. STAR RATED LICENSE Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). Providers in Cohort 1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless they want to, and providers in Cohort 2 do not need to start their preparation year unless they want to. This should be the providers’ choice only. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at 1-800-859-0829 and someone will assist you. LEAD IN WATER/PAINT AND ASBESTOS Public schools and licensed child care facilities in North Carolina are eligible to participate in the funding mechanisms to cover the costs of testing for lead in water and inspecting for asbestos and lead-based paint hazards beyond the May 1, 2024 deadline listed in 10A NCAC 41C .1002(a). Due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, this deadline has been revised statewide, and facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program is providing free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. Required water testing for child care centers under rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 is not affected by the new May 31, 2025 deadline. Enroll today at https://www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org/enroll. If you have enrolled for only one or two of the program sections, log back in to complete surveys for the remaining section(s) to comply with the rule requirements. Thank you for your participation in ensuring healthy learning environments for children across North Carolina. Please contact Ed Norman at ed.norman@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-218-6511 if you have questions regarding this guidance. PATHWAYS TO THE PROFESSION The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) prioritizes increasing career pathways for future ECE teachers. However, after lengthy careful consideration DCDEE has reluctantly decided it will not bring back the Early Childhood Equivalency Exam due to concerns about academic integrity. We make this decision to ensure fair and equitable opportunity for all aspiring early childhood teachers, uphold minimum educational standards, and keep staff and children in licensed child care environments safe. Note, other Pathways to the Profession of Early Childhood Teacher still include: • EDU 119 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education: This 12-week course introduces the foundations of culturally responsive, equitable and inclusive early childhood education. Available at many N.C. Community Colleges with online, evening, or in-person options. Upon successful completion of EDU-119, the student earns the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and qualifies to be a lead teacher in a child care center. • Test-Out Option for EDU 119: An early childhood professional who has gained knowledge through work and lived experience and/or professional development may be able to receive Credit for Prior Learning by taking a challenge exam for EDU119. Contact a local N.C. Community College for testing information. • EDU 3119 – Intro to Early Childhood Education: This new short-term (8-week) continuing education offering is designed to prepare students to work in a childcare facility. Students learn how to design developmentally appropriate and inclusive lesson plans and activities for young children in alignment with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development and state regulations. At the end of the course, students will have obtained a qualifying letter which provides eligibility for employment in a N.C. child care facility. Contact a local N.C. Community College to see if this course is available near you. • Child Development Associate® Credential (CDA): DCDEE is still offering free memberships for a limited time to the ECE workforce to enroll in Teaching Strategies Quorum® online teacher education platform. Get support as a new teacher, or complete CDA Coursework and get guidance for portfolio development. Coursework is also available in Spanish on Quorum. Scholarships for CDA course materials are available through TEACH Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program. Remember lead teachers lacking the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential have six months to enroll in EDU 119 or a DCDEE-approved equivalent, plus up to 18 months to complete the course. RECALLED ITEMS You can visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov for more information on recently recalled items. CONTACTS o Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 o I encourage you to contact Kathy Vick, Child Care Health Consultant, kvick@hwss.org or 252-537-5621, if additional assistance regarding applicable health and safety practices as is needed. If you have questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-370-0207 or marquitta.holloman@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809. 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: CLARA HEARNE HEAD START Facility ID: 42000241 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my routine unannounced visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. Currently, this facility operates with a Five-Star license issued on May 24, 2019. The last sanitation inspection was completed on March 5, 2025, earning a “Superior” classification and “6” demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on May 7, 2024. The center's last annual compliance visit was completed on December 17,2024. C.Robinson, Administrator and Renarda Richardson, Family Services Specialist were present and available to assist. Eleven (11) children were present during my visit. Children were observed during teacher directed activities, free choice activities, and outdoor play. All staff interacted with children in a positive manner. The center is owned and operated by Choanoke Area Development Association of North Carolina but located in a Roanoke Rapids Graded School District facility; operating as a Head Start program. This facility does not provide transportation. I used a checklist as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable childcare requirements pertinent to your program. The following requirements were monitored during today's visit: Staff/Child Ratio, Supervision, Specialized trainings, Storage of Hazardous Products, Storage of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, General Safety, Staff Records, Program Records, and License Posted and Permit Restrictions. A computer- generated visit summary reviewed and left with you at the end of the visit. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). The Criminal Background Check qualification (CBC) for K. Purnell expired on 2/17/2025. A qualification was not obtained. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) Child Care Licensing Requirements are established to ensure a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment for all child care facilities. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all licensing requirements that apply for your facility. 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 maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 14, 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 accurate documentation. If any information provided in the letter is not accurate, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Marquitta Holloman, Child Care Consultant PO Box 644 Murfreesboro, NC 27855 marquitta.holloman@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. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today's visit, this facility has maintained an 18-month compliance score of 100%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/ CONSULTATION STAFF RECORD KEEPING/TRAININGS The Criminal Background Check qualification (CBC) for K. Purnell expired on 2/17/2025 CBC is required to be completed every five (5) years before the expiration of the previous qualification. We discussed, staff is prohibited from the facility’s premises until the new CBC qualification has been obtained. RESOURCES The Division of Child Development and Early Education's (DCDEE) website is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Visit this website for the most up-to-date child care forms, resources related to child care, and new child care rules/laws. STAR RATED LICENSE Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). Providers in Cohort 1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless they want to, and providers in Cohort 2 do not need to start their preparation year unless they want to. This should be the providers’ choice only. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at 1-800-859-0829 and someone will assist you. LEAD IN WATER/PAINT AND ASBESTOS Public schools and licensed child care facilities in North Carolina are eligible to participate in the funding mechanisms to cover the costs of testing for lead in water and inspecting for asbestos and lead-based paint hazards beyond the May 1, 2024 deadline listed in 10A NCAC 41C .1002(a). Due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, this deadline has been revised statewide, and facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program is providing free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. Required water testing for child care centers under rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 is not affected by the new May 31, 2025 deadline. Enroll today at https://www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org/enroll. If you have enrolled for only one or two of the program sections, log back in to complete surveys for the remaining section(s) to comply with the rule requirements. Thank you for your participation in ensuring healthy learning environments for children across North Carolina. Please contact Ed Norman at ed.norman@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-218-6511 if you have questions regarding this guidance. PATHWAYS TO THE PROFESSION The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) prioritizes increasing career pathways for future ECE teachers. However, after lengthy careful consideration DCDEE has reluctantly decided it will not bring back the Early Childhood Equivalency Exam due to concerns about academic integrity. We make this decision to ensure fair and equitable opportunity for all aspiring early childhood teachers, uphold minimum educational standards, and keep staff and children in licensed child care environments safe. Note, other Pathways to the Profession of Early Childhood Teacher still include: • EDU 119 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education: This 12-week course introduces the foundations of culturally responsive, equitable and inclusive early childhood education. Available at many N.C. Community Colleges with online, evening, or in-person options. Upon successful completion of EDU-119, the student earns the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and qualifies to be a lead teacher in a child care center. • Test-Out Option for EDU 119: An early childhood professional who has gained knowledge through work and lived experience and/or professional development may be able to receive Credit for Prior Learning by taking a challenge exam for EDU119. Contact a local N.C. Community College for testing information. • EDU 3119 – Intro to Early Childhood Education: This new short-term (8-week) continuing education offering is designed to prepare students to work in a childcare facility. Students learn how to design developmentally appropriate and inclusive lesson plans and activities for young children in alignment with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development and state regulations. At the end of the course, students will have obtained a qualifying letter which provides eligibility for employment in a N.C. child care facility. Contact a local N.C. Community College to see if this course is available near you. • Child Development Associate® Credential (CDA): DCDEE is still offering free memberships for a limited time to the ECE workforce to enroll in Teaching Strategies Quorum® online teacher education platform. Get support as a new teacher, or complete CDA Coursework and get guidance for portfolio development. Coursework is also available in Spanish on Quorum. Scholarships for CDA course materials are available through TEACH Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program. Remember lead teachers lacking the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential have six months to enroll in EDU 119 or a DCDEE-approved equivalent, plus up to 18 months to complete the course. RECALLED ITEMS You can visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov for more information on recently recalled items. CONTACTS o Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 o I encourage you to contact Kathy Vick, Child Care Health Consultant, kvick@hwss.org or 252-537-5621, if additional assistance regarding applicable health and safety practices as is needed. If you have questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-370-0207 or marquitta.holloman@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809. 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: CLARA HEARNE HEAD START Facility ID: 42000241 Consultant: APRIL FLEMING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2024 Number Present: 10 Completed Date: 11/7/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. Currently, this facility operates with a Five-Star license issued on May 24, 2019. The center's last annual compliance visit was completed on December 14, 2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored during the visit. The last sanitation inspection was completed on March 6, 2024, earning a “Superior” classification and “4” demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on May 7, 2024. Carolyn Robinson, Administrator and Renarda Richardson, Family Services Specialist were present and available to assist. Ten (10) children were present during my visit. Children were observed during outdoor play and free choice activities. All staff interacted with children in a positive manner. This facility does not provide transportation. The center is owned and operated by Choanoke Area Development Association of North Carolina but located in a Roanoke Rapids Graded School District facility; operating as a Head Start program. The following violation of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. A substitute staff did not have required records available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) The above violation must be corrected immediately. The letter must describe, in detail, specifically how each violation has been corrected and any supporting documents. You can mail or email me with verification of compliance regarding the violations that were documented. If you choose to mail, two signed and dated copies must be sent and received by November 21, 2024. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of the violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. It is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license, could be issued. The letter of compliance should be mailed or emailed to me, April Fleming, PO Box 236, Enfield, NC 27823. If you have questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-450-9796 or april.fleming@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor, at 252-373-9809. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always if they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Compliance History: Prior to today's visit, this facility maintained an 18-month compliance score of 99%. CONSULTATION/TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. Children records reviewed, were in compliance. Other children’s files not reviewed should be monitored to ensure compliance with the same information. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored. Staff records reviewed were not in compliance. A substitute staff did not have the required paperwork. Other staff files not reviewed should be monitored to ensure compliance with the same information. To ensure compliance, I encourage you to use the substitute checklist to ensure all required information is on file. CRIMNIAL BACKGROUND APPLICATIONS: A New feature links criminal background applications to facilities. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test lead in paint and asbestos once only unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers to the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs should have completed the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by November 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Testing for lead in water results were verified in the clean water for US kids facility data for 2021. However, current results for lead in water, and results for lead base paint and asbestos have not been completed. Also, the results in 2021 are listed under the Clara Hearne Early Childhood Center in the facility data and not under Clara Hearne Head Start. These two programs are in the same building with two different license permits. Please be sure you are enrolled, and you are meeting requirements for lead base paint and asbestos. Maintenance stated the results are in process. STAR RATED LICENSE (SRL): Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that no child care facilities in cohort one will have a rated license assessment unless they voluntarily want to. Also, cohort two do not need to start a preparation year. More information will be forthcoming. GET READY FOR THE 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3): The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3 that starts February 1, 2025. Don't worry! Visit the Get ready for the 3s webpage to learn what's different and what you can do now to prepare. New resources have just been added. You'll find updated FAQs, fact sheets, credit hour trainings, outreach assessment opportunities and more to help you become familiar with these tools. Until February 1, 2025, NCRLAP will use the Revised editions for official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License (for new licensees or upon request.) PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. All requirements must be included if you choose to use your own forms electronically or hard copy. Child care rules were updated effective January 1, 2024. RESOURCES: • The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care, MOODLE trainings, and new child care requirements can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ • MOODLE for health and safety trainings: https://www.dcdee.moodle.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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: CLARA HEARNE HEAD START Facility ID: 42000241 Consultant: EMILY HARGROVE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/6/2023 Number Present: 7 Completed Date: 9/6/2023 Age: From 4 To 4 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor this child care program for applicable child care requirements during an Routine Unannounced visit. S. Williams, Director was present and assisted with today's visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star Center License issued May 24, 2019. The last Annual Compliance visit was conducted at this center completed January 17, 2023. The most current fire inspection completed was on May 30, 2023. The most current sanitation inspection was completed on March 13, 2023 earning a "Superior" classification. Seven (7) children were observed in care, ages four (4) through four (4). I observed children participating in free choice play activities, preparing for outdoor play activities inside, having lunch in the cafeteria, completing handwashing routines, and preparation of teacher directed activities. Caregivers interacted with children in a positive and nurturing manner. The following violations were documented today. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. Operator did not submit to DCDEE with in one week of the inspection. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) GENERAL RULE REMINDERS: Child Care Licensing Requirements are established to ensure a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment for all child care facilities. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all licensing requirements that apply for your center. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website. COMPLIANCE LETTER REQUIRED: The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Please send a compliance verification letter to me describing when and how the violation was corrected and your plans for maintaining compliance in the future. You may submit the compliance verification letter by postal mail to Emily Hargrove, PO Box 1974 Henderson, NC 27537 or email emily.hargrove@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance verification letter must be received on or before September 20, 2023. The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance verification letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during the visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONSULTATION: Compliance History: Prior to today's visit, this facility has maintained an 18-month compliance score of 100%. MEDICATION: No Medication provided. TRANSPORTATION: No Transportation provided. PROGRAM RECORDS: Fire Drills/Emergency Drills, Fire inspection, Sanitation report, First Aid/CPR Poster, Playground Outdoor Inspections, EMC Plan and License were reviewed and current. FIRE INSPECTION: You submitted fire inspection report. We discussed the violation for not submitting report with in five business days. DCDEE WORKS: New staff that has not had their education evaluated will need to create a WORKS account by accessing our website under the provider tab, then click DCDEE WORKS. Once account is created, staff should upload or submit original transcripts or certificates to the division for evaluation of their education. Existing staff who has completed additional college course work should also upload and or submit new transcripts. Staff should also apply for what position they want to be evaluated for. (teacher, lead teacher, group leader, etc.) If you need assistance or have any questions, you should contact our workforce education unit. NEW CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK LEGISLATIVE CHANGES: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. • The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. • The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. The Division intends to implement these changes as soon as possible. An individual’s current Qualification Letter will be extended 2 years for the total of 5 years. New Qualification Letters will not be generated. Individuals with a Provisional Qualification Letter will receive a Qualification Letter on the 45th day. Letters are generated in the Criminal Background Check portal. HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAININGS: Health and safety trainings are due every five (5) years. If any staff completed trainings in 2017, trainings will be due this year, 2022. I encourage staff to be intentional and start completing trainings. Health and safety trainings are now on MOODLE. There are a couple of ways for a student to access the health and safety training. • The enrollment process and completion of course materials tend to work best with a windows laptop or desktop using Firefox, but other devices and Google Chrome should also work. • From the Moodle home page, students need to log-in with their NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. • After log-in, the student should scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, the student should type in the short name “Year 2023 CCDF” and then click go. The student should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. • After completing the course search for “Year 2023 CCDF”, the student should be able to register for the course. • Once registered, the student will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Should a student encounter an issue, we are requesting they report the CCDF 2023 course issue (i.e. they are unable to complete the course evaluation or receive a training certificate), to the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center using the following link https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form/. Should the student need additional guidance with accessing the training, please refer them to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant, at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov or by telephone at 919-814-6365. N.C. Exemptions North Carolina law provides for two types of exemptions from required immunizations. They are medical and religious. Medical Exemption G.S.130A-156. Medical exemption. The Commission for Public Health shall adopt by rule medical contraindications to immunizations required by G.S. 130A-152. If a physician licensed to practice medicine in this State certifies that a required immunization is or may be detrimental to a person's health due to the presence of one of the contraindications adopted by the Commission, the person is not required to receive the specified immunization as long as the contraindication persists. The State Health Director may, upon request by a physician licensed to practice medicine in this State, grant a medical exemption to a required immunization for a contraindication not on the list adopted by the Commission. Medical exemptions can only be requested by a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina. If a physician determines the need to request a medical exemption from a required immunization for a patient and needs assistance, they should contact the North Carolina Immunization Branch at (919) 707-5550. * (08/03/2020)Revised Medical Exemption Statement and Physician’s Request for Medical Exemption Forms Memo * Medical Exemption (PDF, 170 KB) (DHHS 3987) Use this form for true contraindications, i.e. those recognized by the Commission for Public Health. * Physician’s Request for Medical Exemption (PDF, 136 KB) (DHHS 3995) Use this form for contraindications not recognized by the Commission for Public Health. Religious Exemption G.S.130A-157. Religious exemption If the bona fide religious beliefs of an adult or the parent, guardian or person in loco parentis of a child are contrary to the immunization requirements contained in this Part, the adult or the child shall be exempt from the requirements. Upon submission of a written statement of the bona fide religious beliefs and opposition to the immunization requirements, the person may attend the college, university, school or facility without presenting a certificate of immunization. There is no form for requesting religious exemptions in North Carolina. To claim a religious exemption, the parent or person requesting the exemption must write a statement of their religious objection to immunization, including the name and date of birth of the person for whom the exemption is being requested. This statement would then be provided to schools, child care programs, camps, etc. in place of an immunization record. If a family is requesting a religious exemption for more than one child, a separate statement should be prepared for each child. Statements of religious objection to immunization do not need to be notarized, signed by a religious leader, or prepared by an attorney. They do not need to be submitted to the state for review or approval. Personal Belief 10A NCAC 41A .0403 Non-Religious Personal Belief No Exemption: Except as provided in G.S. 130A-156 and G.S. 130A-157, and 10A NCAC 41A .0404 and .0405, no child shall be exempt from the requirements of 10A NCAC 41 .0401; there is no exception to these requirements for the case of a personal belief or philosophy of a parent or guardian not founded upon a religious belief. FLEXIBILITY IN POLICY AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: All flexibilities expired October 15, 2021, with the exception of the flexibilities related to the star rated license, sanitation, and fire inspections. PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTANT: I also encourage you to contact Kathy Vick, Child Care Health Consultant at 252-537-5621 (kvick@hwss.org). Ms. Vick can provide assistance regarding applicable health and safety practices as they relate to COVID-19, (Coronavirus). If you have questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-214-8454 or emily.hargrove@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809 or susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. RESOURCES: • The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care and new child care requirements, and how to create a DCDEE WORKS account can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ • North Carolina Risk Management Portal for EPR updates/review: https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/# • NC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center GETTING HELP WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS: The Healthy Social Behaviors in Child Care Centers Project (HSB) provides ideas to create a learning environment that can assist in preventing challenging behaviors. They provide free technical assistance, professional development, and they offer a variety of additional resources. For additional information on the Healthy Social Behaviors Project or to view a current listing of scheduled trainings, browse the NC Child Care Resource & Referral Council website. For information about Pyramid Model CEU-level trainings, contact the HSB Education Specialist, Liz Tuttle at etuttle@childcareresourcesinc.org. To obtain a Request for TA Services, contact your local Behavior Specialist or email the Statewide Project Manager, Smokie Brawley, at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org. 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