Halifax Academy Preschool

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HALIFAX ACADEMY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 42000080 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. This facility currently operates with a Three-Star License, issued May 15, 2018. The last sanitation inspection was completed on November 5, 2024, earning a superior classification and four (4) demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on July 28, 2025. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 16,2025. P. Browder, Administrator/Lead Teacher, was present and available to assist. Twenty (20) children were present during the visit, ranging from ages four (4) to five (5). The children were observed in teacher directed activities. Staff interacted with children in a positive manner. 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. I used a checklist as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable childcare requirements pertinent to your program. A computer generated visit summary was reviewed and left with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of childcare requirements were documented today. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. There was no record of the shelter in place/lockdown drill being completed. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 November13, 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 COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today's visit, this facility has maintained an 18-month compliance score of 97%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/ CONSULTATION A shelter in place drill/lockdown drill had not been completed for the facility for the current school year. REMINDERS • The facility’s sanitation inspection will expire on 11/5/2025. I encourage you to contact your local environmental health specialist to schedule an inspection before the expiration of the current inspection. 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 childcare forms, resources related to childcare, and new childcare 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 • Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 • 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

10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: HALIFAX ACADEMY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 42000080 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/16/2025 Age: From 4 To 6 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. This facility currently operates with a Three-Star License, issued May 15, 2018. The last sanitation inspection was completed on November 5, 2024, earning a superior classification and four (4) demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on July 25, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 2, 2024. P. Browder, Administrator, was present and available to assist. Twenty-six ( 26) children were present during the visit, ranging from ages four (4) to six (6). The children were observed in teacher directed activities, and outdoor play. Staff interacted with children in a positive manner. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. Ten percent (10%) of staff records and ten percent (10%) of children’s records and all program records were reviewed today. All children’s records and program records were found to be in compliance. Three (3) violations for staff recordkeeping was documented. The outdoor play area was also monitored and found to be in compliance. Any violations observed were discussed with you and documented on the computer-generated visit summary left with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations were documented today. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. There was no documentation of annual EMC plan review with all staff. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There was no staff record for review for substitute staff member, C. Pagoglia. There was no documentation of any required child care documents or trainings on file. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. There was no documentation of annual EPR plan review with all staff. .0607(e) 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 April 30, 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 There was no staff record for review for substitute staff member, C. Pagoglia. I explained to you that she cannot be in the presence of the children in care without a Criminal background check and would need to leave and not return after today. There was no documentation of any required child care documents or trainings on file for Ms. Pagoglia. There was no documentation of annual review of the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPR) nor the Emergency Medical Plan (EMC) on record, for any of the staff. 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. 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. 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. 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 • Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 • 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: HALIFAX ACADEMY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 42000080 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/16/2025 Age: From 4 To 6 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. This facility currently operates with a Three-Star License, issued May 15, 2018. The last sanitation inspection was completed on November 5, 2024, earning a superior classification and four (4) demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on July 25, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 2, 2024. P. Browder, Administrator, was present and available to assist. Twenty-six ( 26) children were present during the visit, ranging from ages four (4) to six (6). The children were observed in teacher directed activities, and outdoor play. Staff interacted with children in a positive manner. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. Ten percent (10%) of staff records and ten percent (10%) of children’s records and all program records were reviewed today. All children’s records and program records were found to be in compliance. Three (3) violations for staff recordkeeping was documented. The outdoor play area was also monitored and found to be in compliance. Any violations observed were discussed with you and documented on the computer-generated visit summary left with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations were documented today. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. There was no documentation of annual EMC plan review with all staff. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There was no staff record for review for substitute staff member, C. Pagoglia. There was no documentation of any required child care documents or trainings on file. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. There was no documentation of annual EPR plan review with all staff. .0607(e) 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 April 30, 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 There was no staff record for review for substitute staff member, C. Pagoglia. I explained to you that she cannot be in the presence of the children in care without a Criminal background check and would need to leave and not return after today. There was no documentation of any required child care documents or trainings on file for Ms. Pagoglia. There was no documentation of annual review of the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPR) nor the Emergency Medical Plan (EMC) on record, for any of the staff. 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. 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. 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. 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 • Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 • 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: HALIFAX ACADEMY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 42000080 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/16/2025 Age: From 4 To 6 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. This facility currently operates with a Three-Star License, issued May 15, 2018. The last sanitation inspection was completed on November 5, 2024, earning a superior classification and four (4) demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on July 25, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 2, 2024. P. Browder, Administrator, was present and available to assist. Twenty-six ( 26) children were present during the visit, ranging from ages four (4) to six (6). The children were observed in teacher directed activities, and outdoor play. Staff interacted with children in a positive manner. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. Ten percent (10%) of staff records and ten percent (10%) of children’s records and all program records were reviewed today. All children’s records and program records were found to be in compliance. Three (3) violations for staff recordkeeping was documented. The outdoor play area was also monitored and found to be in compliance. Any violations observed were discussed with you and documented on the computer-generated visit summary left with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations were documented today. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. There was no documentation of annual EMC plan review with all staff. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There was no staff record for review for substitute staff member, C. Pagoglia. There was no documentation of any required child care documents or trainings on file. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. There was no documentation of annual EPR plan review with all staff. .0607(e) 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 April 30, 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 There was no staff record for review for substitute staff member, C. Pagoglia. I explained to you that she cannot be in the presence of the children in care without a Criminal background check and would need to leave and not return after today. There was no documentation of any required child care documents or trainings on file for Ms. Pagoglia. There was no documentation of annual review of the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPR) nor the Emergency Medical Plan (EMC) on record, for any of the staff. 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. 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. 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. 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 • Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 • 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: HALIFAX ACADEMY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 42000080 Consultant: MARQUITTA HOLLOMAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/16/2025 Age: From 4 To 6 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s Annual Compliance visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. This facility currently operates with a Three-Star License, issued May 15, 2018. The last sanitation inspection was completed on November 5, 2024, earning a superior classification and four (4) demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on July 25, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 2, 2024. P. Browder, Administrator, was present and available to assist. Twenty-six ( 26) children were present during the visit, ranging from ages four (4) to six (6). The children were observed in teacher directed activities, and outdoor play. Staff interacted with children in a positive manner. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. Ten percent (10%) of staff records and ten percent (10%) of children’s records and all program records were reviewed today. All children’s records and program records were found to be in compliance. Three (3) violations for staff recordkeeping was documented. The outdoor play area was also monitored and found to be in compliance. Any violations observed were discussed with you and documented on the computer-generated visit summary left with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations were documented today. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. There was no documentation of annual EMC plan review with all staff. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There was no staff record for review for substitute staff member, C. Pagoglia. There was no documentation of any required child care documents or trainings on file. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. There was no documentation of annual EPR plan review with all staff. .0607(e) 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 April 30, 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 There was no staff record for review for substitute staff member, C. Pagoglia. I explained to you that she cannot be in the presence of the children in care without a Criminal background check and would need to leave and not return after today. There was no documentation of any required child care documents or trainings on file for Ms. Pagoglia. There was no documentation of annual review of the facility’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPR) nor the Emergency Medical Plan (EMC) on record, for any of the staff. 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. 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. 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. 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 • Halifax-Warren Smart Start www.hwss.org (252) 537-5621 • 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