10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAPE FEAR ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000249 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 172 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 02:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued February 24, 2022, earning 4 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a Quality Point by meeting a Program Option. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3- 5 with a first shift capacity of 36, meets enhanced ratios minus one, and meets enhanced space. Pender County Schools operates this program. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 17, 2024. As of April 10, 2025, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. 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. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation – 03/26/2025 – 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 04/08/2025 – Approved for daytime care only All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are thirty-seven children enrolled and thirty-four children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Each classroom had spaces arranged into activity areas that include art, literacy, computers, listening, blocks, science, library, dramatic play, manipulative, music, and writing. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible and observed in each classroom. Preschool children in all spaces were observed outside playing in fenced play area. They were observed running, playing on climb structure, riding trikes, and playing in the sand. When they returned inside, they completed personal hygiene routines and prepared to go to the cafeteria for lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders or cheeseburgers, green beans, baby carrots, orange wedges, blueberry/strawberry fruit cup, and milk. After returning from lunch and children observed nap/rest time. Each child laid down on their covered mats with blankets, lights were dimmed in the classrooms and soft music played as caregivers sat with children and rubbed their backs or helped them with their blankets. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 3, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. There were four violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not current and not reviewed with staff whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan has staff listed that are no longer employed at this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, who was hired in August 2023, has not completed these required trainings. .1102(a) 1958 Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter. This information could not be verified for L.Poloway. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations 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 as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Qualification Letter - A valid qualification letter should be on file and available for review at the facility for all staff prior to employment. Staff include all substitutes and bus drivers. Long Term Substitute, Lisa Poloway, did not have a qualification letter on file, however, I was able to verify qualification letter in ABCMS system. Qualification letters should be on file and available for review from day one of staff starting work. Health & Safety Training – All staff members except one, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. This information is not complete and on file for Jessica Smith, who has been employed since August 2023. Ms. Smith stated she has not completed all the required trainings. Ensure the required information for these trainings are maintained on file for all staff members. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must be completed by all employees within 90 days of employment, no exceptions – this information must be available for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. Health questionnaire should be completed annually with verification of completion available for review. This information was not available for one staff member, L. Poloway, at your facility. The EMC plan does not contain current information. Staff members are listed to take care of duties that are no longer employed at the facility. This information needs to be updated immediately and revisions shared with all staff. Administrative Action Discussion A courtesy telephone call was made to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, on March 31, 2025. During the call I told you to expect the notice of Administrative Action to be delivered via certified mail in the coming days. I explained the Basis for Action and invited you to call me once you received the administrative action and had a chance to review. You stated you could read it and would contact me if you had any questions. The administrative action is based on a violation of supervision. On March 11, 2025, a Child Care Consultant from the Division of Child Development and Early Education visited Cape Fear Elementary School Preschool, regarding alleged violation of child care requirements related to supervision. The allegation regarding supervision was substantiated - a five-year-old child, who was asleep, was left alone in a classroom. A Final Notice of Administrative Action in the form of a Written Reprimand was dated and issued to Cape Fear Elementary School, on March 26, 2025. The Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and Corrective Action Plan must be posted in a location visible to parents and visitors for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education stating that the Corrective Action Plan has been completed. Ms. Poulin confirmed receipt of the Notice of Administrative Action on April 7, 2025 and stated you and staff have read it. You stated you understood the requirements and did not have any questions at this time. Today, I observed the Administrative Action and Cover Letter posted on the information board near the entrance visible to parents as required. Other Information: CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs must be completed – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminders CPR and FA expires for Shanna Henry on May 31, 2025. CPR/FA must be renewed on or before the date that it expires. All children should be signed in and out daily and sign in/out sheets must be maintained for accuracy at all times. If you have 13 children present, 13 children should be signed in and out daily. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAPE FEAR ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000249 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 172 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 02:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued February 24, 2022, earning 4 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a Quality Point by meeting a Program Option. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3- 5 with a first shift capacity of 36, meets enhanced ratios minus one, and meets enhanced space. Pender County Schools operates this program. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 17, 2024. As of April 10, 2025, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. 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. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation – 03/26/2025 – 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 04/08/2025 – Approved for daytime care only All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are thirty-seven children enrolled and thirty-four children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Each classroom had spaces arranged into activity areas that include art, literacy, computers, listening, blocks, science, library, dramatic play, manipulative, music, and writing. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible and observed in each classroom. Preschool children in all spaces were observed outside playing in fenced play area. They were observed running, playing on climb structure, riding trikes, and playing in the sand. When they returned inside, they completed personal hygiene routines and prepared to go to the cafeteria for lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders or cheeseburgers, green beans, baby carrots, orange wedges, blueberry/strawberry fruit cup, and milk. After returning from lunch and children observed nap/rest time. Each child laid down on their covered mats with blankets, lights were dimmed in the classrooms and soft music played as caregivers sat with children and rubbed their backs or helped them with their blankets. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 3, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. There were four violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not current and not reviewed with staff whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan has staff listed that are no longer employed at this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, who was hired in August 2023, has not completed these required trainings. .1102(a) 1958 Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter. This information could not be verified for L.Poloway. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations 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 as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Qualification Letter - A valid qualification letter should be on file and available for review at the facility for all staff prior to employment. Staff include all substitutes and bus drivers. Long Term Substitute, Lisa Poloway, did not have a qualification letter on file, however, I was able to verify qualification letter in ABCMS system. Qualification letters should be on file and available for review from day one of staff starting work. Health & Safety Training – All staff members except one, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. This information is not complete and on file for Jessica Smith, who has been employed since August 2023. Ms. Smith stated she has not completed all the required trainings. Ensure the required information for these trainings are maintained on file for all staff members. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must be completed by all employees within 90 days of employment, no exceptions – this information must be available for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. Health questionnaire should be completed annually with verification of completion available for review. This information was not available for one staff member, L. Poloway, at your facility. The EMC plan does not contain current information. Staff members are listed to take care of duties that are no longer employed at the facility. This information needs to be updated immediately and revisions shared with all staff. Administrative Action Discussion A courtesy telephone call was made to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, on March 31, 2025. During the call I told you to expect the notice of Administrative Action to be delivered via certified mail in the coming days. I explained the Basis for Action and invited you to call me once you received the administrative action and had a chance to review. You stated you could read it and would contact me if you had any questions. The administrative action is based on a violation of supervision. On March 11, 2025, a Child Care Consultant from the Division of Child Development and Early Education visited Cape Fear Elementary School Preschool, regarding alleged violation of child care requirements related to supervision. The allegation regarding supervision was substantiated - a five-year-old child, who was asleep, was left alone in a classroom. A Final Notice of Administrative Action in the form of a Written Reprimand was dated and issued to Cape Fear Elementary School, on March 26, 2025. The Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and Corrective Action Plan must be posted in a location visible to parents and visitors for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education stating that the Corrective Action Plan has been completed. Ms. Poulin confirmed receipt of the Notice of Administrative Action on April 7, 2025 and stated you and staff have read it. You stated you understood the requirements and did not have any questions at this time. Today, I observed the Administrative Action and Cover Letter posted on the information board near the entrance visible to parents as required. Other Information: CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs must be completed – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminders CPR and FA expires for Shanna Henry on May 31, 2025. CPR/FA must be renewed on or before the date that it expires. All children should be signed in and out daily and sign in/out sheets must be maintained for accuracy at all times. If you have 13 children present, 13 children should be signed in and out daily. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAPE FEAR ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000249 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 172 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 02:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued February 24, 2022, earning 4 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a Quality Point by meeting a Program Option. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3- 5 with a first shift capacity of 36, meets enhanced ratios minus one, and meets enhanced space. Pender County Schools operates this program. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 17, 2024. As of April 10, 2025, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. 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. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation – 03/26/2025 – 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 04/08/2025 – Approved for daytime care only All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are thirty-seven children enrolled and thirty-four children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Each classroom had spaces arranged into activity areas that include art, literacy, computers, listening, blocks, science, library, dramatic play, manipulative, music, and writing. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible and observed in each classroom. Preschool children in all spaces were observed outside playing in fenced play area. They were observed running, playing on climb structure, riding trikes, and playing in the sand. When they returned inside, they completed personal hygiene routines and prepared to go to the cafeteria for lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders or cheeseburgers, green beans, baby carrots, orange wedges, blueberry/strawberry fruit cup, and milk. After returning from lunch and children observed nap/rest time. Each child laid down on their covered mats with blankets, lights were dimmed in the classrooms and soft music played as caregivers sat with children and rubbed their backs or helped them with their blankets. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 3, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. There were four violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not current and not reviewed with staff whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan has staff listed that are no longer employed at this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, who was hired in August 2023, has not completed these required trainings. .1102(a) 1958 Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter. This information could not be verified for L.Poloway. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations 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 as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Qualification Letter - A valid qualification letter should be on file and available for review at the facility for all staff prior to employment. Staff include all substitutes and bus drivers. Long Term Substitute, Lisa Poloway, did not have a qualification letter on file, however, I was able to verify qualification letter in ABCMS system. Qualification letters should be on file and available for review from day one of staff starting work. Health & Safety Training – All staff members except one, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. This information is not complete and on file for Jessica Smith, who has been employed since August 2023. Ms. Smith stated she has not completed all the required trainings. Ensure the required information for these trainings are maintained on file for all staff members. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must be completed by all employees within 90 days of employment, no exceptions – this information must be available for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. Health questionnaire should be completed annually with verification of completion available for review. This information was not available for one staff member, L. Poloway, at your facility. The EMC plan does not contain current information. Staff members are listed to take care of duties that are no longer employed at the facility. This information needs to be updated immediately and revisions shared with all staff. Administrative Action Discussion A courtesy telephone call was made to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, on March 31, 2025. During the call I told you to expect the notice of Administrative Action to be delivered via certified mail in the coming days. I explained the Basis for Action and invited you to call me once you received the administrative action and had a chance to review. You stated you could read it and would contact me if you had any questions. The administrative action is based on a violation of supervision. On March 11, 2025, a Child Care Consultant from the Division of Child Development and Early Education visited Cape Fear Elementary School Preschool, regarding alleged violation of child care requirements related to supervision. The allegation regarding supervision was substantiated - a five-year-old child, who was asleep, was left alone in a classroom. A Final Notice of Administrative Action in the form of a Written Reprimand was dated and issued to Cape Fear Elementary School, on March 26, 2025. The Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and Corrective Action Plan must be posted in a location visible to parents and visitors for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education stating that the Corrective Action Plan has been completed. Ms. Poulin confirmed receipt of the Notice of Administrative Action on April 7, 2025 and stated you and staff have read it. You stated you understood the requirements and did not have any questions at this time. Today, I observed the Administrative Action and Cover Letter posted on the information board near the entrance visible to parents as required. Other Information: CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs must be completed – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminders CPR and FA expires for Shanna Henry on May 31, 2025. CPR/FA must be renewed on or before the date that it expires. All children should be signed in and out daily and sign in/out sheets must be maintained for accuracy at all times. If you have 13 children present, 13 children should be signed in and out daily. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAPE FEAR ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000249 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 172 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 02:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued February 24, 2022, earning 4 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a Quality Point by meeting a Program Option. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3- 5 with a first shift capacity of 36, meets enhanced ratios minus one, and meets enhanced space. Pender County Schools operates this program. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 17, 2024. As of April 10, 2025, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. 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. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation – 03/26/2025 – 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 04/08/2025 – Approved for daytime care only All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are thirty-seven children enrolled and thirty-four children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Each classroom had spaces arranged into activity areas that include art, literacy, computers, listening, blocks, science, library, dramatic play, manipulative, music, and writing. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible and observed in each classroom. Preschool children in all spaces were observed outside playing in fenced play area. They were observed running, playing on climb structure, riding trikes, and playing in the sand. When they returned inside, they completed personal hygiene routines and prepared to go to the cafeteria for lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders or cheeseburgers, green beans, baby carrots, orange wedges, blueberry/strawberry fruit cup, and milk. After returning from lunch and children observed nap/rest time. Each child laid down on their covered mats with blankets, lights were dimmed in the classrooms and soft music played as caregivers sat with children and rubbed their backs or helped them with their blankets. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 3, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. There were four violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not current and not reviewed with staff whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan has staff listed that are no longer employed at this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, who was hired in August 2023, has not completed these required trainings. .1102(a) 1958 Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter. This information could not be verified for L.Poloway. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations 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 as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Qualification Letter - A valid qualification letter should be on file and available for review at the facility for all staff prior to employment. Staff include all substitutes and bus drivers. Long Term Substitute, Lisa Poloway, did not have a qualification letter on file, however, I was able to verify qualification letter in ABCMS system. Qualification letters should be on file and available for review from day one of staff starting work. Health & Safety Training – All staff members except one, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. This information is not complete and on file for Jessica Smith, who has been employed since August 2023. Ms. Smith stated she has not completed all the required trainings. Ensure the required information for these trainings are maintained on file for all staff members. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must be completed by all employees within 90 days of employment, no exceptions – this information must be available for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. Health questionnaire should be completed annually with verification of completion available for review. This information was not available for one staff member, L. Poloway, at your facility. The EMC plan does not contain current information. Staff members are listed to take care of duties that are no longer employed at the facility. This information needs to be updated immediately and revisions shared with all staff. Administrative Action Discussion A courtesy telephone call was made to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, on March 31, 2025. During the call I told you to expect the notice of Administrative Action to be delivered via certified mail in the coming days. I explained the Basis for Action and invited you to call me once you received the administrative action and had a chance to review. You stated you could read it and would contact me if you had any questions. The administrative action is based on a violation of supervision. On March 11, 2025, a Child Care Consultant from the Division of Child Development and Early Education visited Cape Fear Elementary School Preschool, regarding alleged violation of child care requirements related to supervision. The allegation regarding supervision was substantiated - a five-year-old child, who was asleep, was left alone in a classroom. A Final Notice of Administrative Action in the form of a Written Reprimand was dated and issued to Cape Fear Elementary School, on March 26, 2025. The Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and Corrective Action Plan must be posted in a location visible to parents and visitors for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education stating that the Corrective Action Plan has been completed. Ms. Poulin confirmed receipt of the Notice of Administrative Action on April 7, 2025 and stated you and staff have read it. You stated you understood the requirements and did not have any questions at this time. Today, I observed the Administrative Action and Cover Letter posted on the information board near the entrance visible to parents as required. Other Information: CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs must be completed – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminders CPR and FA expires for Shanna Henry on May 31, 2025. CPR/FA must be renewed on or before the date that it expires. All children should be signed in and out daily and sign in/out sheets must be maintained for accuracy at all times. If you have 13 children present, 13 children should be signed in and out daily. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAPE FEAR ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000249 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 172 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 02:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued February 24, 2022, earning 4 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a Quality Point by meeting a Program Option. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3- 5 with a first shift capacity of 36, meets enhanced ratios minus one, and meets enhanced space. Pender County Schools operates this program. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 17, 2024. As of April 10, 2025, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. 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. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation – 03/26/2025 – 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 04/08/2025 – Approved for daytime care only All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are thirty-seven children enrolled and thirty-four children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Each classroom had spaces arranged into activity areas that include art, literacy, computers, listening, blocks, science, library, dramatic play, manipulative, music, and writing. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible and observed in each classroom. Preschool children in all spaces were observed outside playing in fenced play area. They were observed running, playing on climb structure, riding trikes, and playing in the sand. When they returned inside, they completed personal hygiene routines and prepared to go to the cafeteria for lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders or cheeseburgers, green beans, baby carrots, orange wedges, blueberry/strawberry fruit cup, and milk. After returning from lunch and children observed nap/rest time. Each child laid down on their covered mats with blankets, lights were dimmed in the classrooms and soft music played as caregivers sat with children and rubbed their backs or helped them with their blankets. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 3, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. There were four violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not current and not reviewed with staff whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan has staff listed that are no longer employed at this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, who was hired in August 2023, has not completed these required trainings. .1102(a) 1958 Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter. This information could not be verified for L.Poloway. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations 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 as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Qualification Letter - A valid qualification letter should be on file and available for review at the facility for all staff prior to employment. Staff include all substitutes and bus drivers. Long Term Substitute, Lisa Poloway, did not have a qualification letter on file, however, I was able to verify qualification letter in ABCMS system. Qualification letters should be on file and available for review from day one of staff starting work. Health & Safety Training – All staff members except one, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. This information is not complete and on file for Jessica Smith, who has been employed since August 2023. Ms. Smith stated she has not completed all the required trainings. Ensure the required information for these trainings are maintained on file for all staff members. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must be completed by all employees within 90 days of employment, no exceptions – this information must be available for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. Health questionnaire should be completed annually with verification of completion available for review. This information was not available for one staff member, L. Poloway, at your facility. The EMC plan does not contain current information. Staff members are listed to take care of duties that are no longer employed at the facility. This information needs to be updated immediately and revisions shared with all staff. Administrative Action Discussion A courtesy telephone call was made to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, on March 31, 2025. During the call I told you to expect the notice of Administrative Action to be delivered via certified mail in the coming days. I explained the Basis for Action and invited you to call me once you received the administrative action and had a chance to review. You stated you could read it and would contact me if you had any questions. The administrative action is based on a violation of supervision. On March 11, 2025, a Child Care Consultant from the Division of Child Development and Early Education visited Cape Fear Elementary School Preschool, regarding alleged violation of child care requirements related to supervision. The allegation regarding supervision was substantiated - a five-year-old child, who was asleep, was left alone in a classroom. A Final Notice of Administrative Action in the form of a Written Reprimand was dated and issued to Cape Fear Elementary School, on March 26, 2025. The Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and Corrective Action Plan must be posted in a location visible to parents and visitors for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education stating that the Corrective Action Plan has been completed. Ms. Poulin confirmed receipt of the Notice of Administrative Action on April 7, 2025 and stated you and staff have read it. You stated you understood the requirements and did not have any questions at this time. Today, I observed the Administrative Action and Cover Letter posted on the information board near the entrance visible to parents as required. Other Information: CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs must be completed – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminders CPR and FA expires for Shanna Henry on May 31, 2025. CPR/FA must be renewed on or before the date that it expires. All children should be signed in and out daily and sign in/out sheets must be maintained for accuracy at all times. If you have 13 children present, 13 children should be signed in and out daily. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAPE FEAR ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000249 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 172 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 02:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued February 24, 2022, earning 4 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and a Quality Point by meeting a Program Option. Restrictions on the permit include: an age range of 3- 5 with a first shift capacity of 36, meets enhanced ratios minus one, and meets enhanced space. Pender County Schools operates this program. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 17, 2024. As of April 10, 2025, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. 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. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation – 03/26/2025 – 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 04/08/2025 – Approved for daytime care only All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are three classrooms operating. There are thirty-seven children enrolled and thirty-four children ages 3-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Each classroom had spaces arranged into activity areas that include art, literacy, computers, listening, blocks, science, library, dramatic play, manipulative, music, and writing. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible and observed in each classroom. Preschool children in all spaces were observed outside playing in fenced play area. They were observed running, playing on climb structure, riding trikes, and playing in the sand. When they returned inside, they completed personal hygiene routines and prepared to go to the cafeteria for lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders or cheeseburgers, green beans, baby carrots, orange wedges, blueberry/strawberry fruit cup, and milk. After returning from lunch and children observed nap/rest time. Each child laid down on their covered mats with blankets, lights were dimmed in the classrooms and soft music played as caregivers sat with children and rubbed their backs or helped them with their blankets. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:20am to 1:50pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Stacie Poulin, Preschool Program Executive Director for Pender County Schools, during an on-site visit October 3, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. There were four violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 862 The EMC plan was not current and not reviewed with staff whenever the plan was revised. The EMC plan has staff listed that are no longer employed at this facility. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, who was hired in August 2023, has not completed these required trainings. .1102(a) 1958 Substitute providers and volunteers did not have a health questionnaire on or before the first day of work and annually thereafter. This information could not be verified for L.Poloway. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations 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 as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Qualification Letter - A valid qualification letter should be on file and available for review at the facility for all staff prior to employment. Staff include all substitutes and bus drivers. Long Term Substitute, Lisa Poloway, did not have a qualification letter on file, however, I was able to verify qualification letter in ABCMS system. Qualification letters should be on file and available for review from day one of staff starting work. Health & Safety Training – All staff members except one, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. This information is not complete and on file for Jessica Smith, who has been employed since August 2023. Ms. Smith stated she has not completed all the required trainings. Ensure the required information for these trainings are maintained on file for all staff members. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must be completed by all employees within 90 days of employment, no exceptions – this information must be available for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. Health questionnaire should be completed annually with verification of completion available for review. This information was not available for one staff member, L. Poloway, at your facility. The EMC plan does not contain current information. Staff members are listed to take care of duties that are no longer employed at the facility. This information needs to be updated immediately and revisions shared with all staff. Administrative Action Discussion A courtesy telephone call was made to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, on March 31, 2025. During the call I told you to expect the notice of Administrative Action to be delivered via certified mail in the coming days. I explained the Basis for Action and invited you to call me once you received the administrative action and had a chance to review. You stated you could read it and would contact me if you had any questions. The administrative action is based on a violation of supervision. On March 11, 2025, a Child Care Consultant from the Division of Child Development and Early Education visited Cape Fear Elementary School Preschool, regarding alleged violation of child care requirements related to supervision. The allegation regarding supervision was substantiated - a five-year-old child, who was asleep, was left alone in a classroom. A Final Notice of Administrative Action in the form of a Written Reprimand was dated and issued to Cape Fear Elementary School, on March 26, 2025. The Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and Corrective Action Plan must be posted in a location visible to parents and visitors for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education stating that the Corrective Action Plan has been completed. Ms. Poulin confirmed receipt of the Notice of Administrative Action on April 7, 2025 and stated you and staff have read it. You stated you understood the requirements and did not have any questions at this time. Today, I observed the Administrative Action and Cover Letter posted on the information board near the entrance visible to parents as required. Other Information: CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs must be completed – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Reminders CPR and FA expires for Shanna Henry on May 31, 2025. CPR/FA must be renewed on or before the date that it expires. All children should be signed in and out daily and sign in/out sheets must be maintained for accuracy at all times. If you have 13 children present, 13 children should be signed in and out daily. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool program - per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAPE FEAR ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000249 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0325-018L Visit Date: 3/11/2025 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 3/11/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. All areas, indoors and outdoors, used by the children were observed. There are three classrooms operating at this location. Staff/child ratios for all spaces were monitored and found to be in compliance. There were thirty six enrolled and thirty one, ages 3-5, were present. Daily schedules, current activity plans, and accurate attendance sheets were observed in each classroom. NC PreK students in spaces 176, 180, and 182 were observed outside playing in fenced area. Students were observed running, playing on climb structure, riding trikes, and playing in the sand. When they returned inside, they completed personal hygiene routines, went to the carpet area, and participated in group activity learning about letters, words, and sounds of the letters and words. Children also had lunch in the cafeteria. Lunch consisted of cheese quesadilla or ham sandwich, black beans with salsa, cucumber slices, orange craisins, strawberries, and milk. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. The allegation of this report was discussed with NC Pre-K teachers in all spaces. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. The teacher and substitutes who were involved in the incident are no longer working with the NC Pre-K program for Pender County. This complaint referred to the NC Pre-K classroom space #182 Space # 182 – 2 Staff: 12 children (ages 3, 4, and 5) Allegation - There is a concern that a child was not adequately supervised. During today’s visit, the NC Pre-K students in all spaces were adequately supervised. However, teachers did recall an incident that occurred on February 27, 2025, involving a five -year-old child being left alone in the classroom. Written statements regarding this incident were received from former Instructional Assistant Valery Brown and former substitute teacher, Wanda Thorpe, who were the teachers in space #182 when incident occurred. The incident occurred on February 27, 2025, at the end of the day between 135pm-150pm as the children were waking up from rest, getting their belongings together and lining up to be dismissed for the day. All staff stated a 5-year-old boy was asleep in the block center and was not woken up for dismissal. According to the written statement received from Stacie Poulin, Executive Director for Pender County School Preschool Program, after preparing the students for dismissal, Ms. Brown and Ms. Thorpe did not follow the procedure of counting children and doing a walkthrough of the classroom to ensure all children were accounted for before leaving the classroom. According to video footage, the five-year-old boy slept for an additional 12 minutes, and when he woke up and realized the class was gone, he put away his mat, got his backpack and jacket, walked out the back door, knocked on the main building door and was brought to the front office by an employee of the school. The NC Pre-K program is in a modular unit behind the school; the area from the back door to the main building door is enclosed within the same fenced area. An office employee called the cellular phone that is kept on the bus. Trisha Darnell, Bus Monitor (substitute), answered and put it on speaker phone for Ms. Brown, Bus Driver, to hear that the five-year-old boy was at the school with the Principal, Rhonda Smith, and not on the bus. It was at this point that Ms. Brown and Ms. Darnell realized that a child they were responsible for was not accounted for. Also, Ms. Darnell had marked the five-year-old boy present on the roster as boarding the bus, which was incorrect; this information was corrected after being notified that the five-year-old boy was still at the school. Staff members stated “normal practice” is one staff member is located at the front of the line and counts the children as they line up and the second staff member remains in the back of the line and counts the children as they exit the classroom to ensure all children are accounted for. Staff also stated that they count, recount, use name to face recognition, and visually check classroom on a regular basis several times a day. I have discussed with Ms. Poulin the importance of properly training new employees, including substitutes, prior to them assuming responsibilities they may be unfamiliar with and to not assume a new employee knows what to do. Properly training new employees during orientation is beneficial to the children, employee, and facility. The file checklist for substitutes was emailed to Ms. Poulin during today’s visit to ensure accurate files are maintained for all substitutes who work with NC Pre-K students. Based on observations. information received, and my investigation, this allegation is substantiated. All children must be adequately supervised at all times. Supervision is basic to the safety and prevention of injury while children are in child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. Today we discussed what adequate supervision should look like. It entails staff moving about the indoor and outdoor areas – being able to always hear and see the children and render immediate assistance, always being aware of children’s activities, and positioning themselves in such a way to maximize their ability to see and hear preschool children at all times. Children must never be left unattended even if just for a few minutes. It is imperative that caregivers always supervise children, not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Children like to test their skills and abilities. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. The records for substitute staff, W.Thorpe and T.Darnell were reviewed today. Also, the record for substitute, V. Jordan, was reviewed; she was working today in space #182. As a result of the incident that occurred on February 27, 2025, Ms. Brown has resigned from her position and the two substitutes who were involved with the incident are no longer allowed to substitute for NC Pre-K programs in Pender County. Facility’s policy and procedures were revised and reviewed with NC PreK staff at this facility on March 10, 2025. A meeting to review this information will all NC Pre-K staff is scheduled for today at 1pm. The policy review will include maintaining accurate attendance sheets (classroom and on the bus, and the process of counting/recounting children and making sure all children are accounted for before moving to the next destination. Facility’s policy currently includes what staff members should do when no children are visibly present before leaving the classrooms such as check bathrooms, complete a walkthrough of entire classroom, etc. After this policy has been reviewed with all NC Pre-K staff, staff members will sign an acknowledgment form for verification purposes. Facility also has a transition checklist and dry erase chart indicating how many children are present that is kept current and posted on enter/exit doors for each classroom. Since this incident occurred, facility created two reminders regarding protocols – a STOP sign for enter/exit doors of classrooms that reminds staff to check the chart, count the children, walk the entire room, count again, and confirm with each other that they have the same number of children present and accounted for – the number should also match the chart that indicates the number of child present for that day. The second reminder is a STOP sign for the bus – one posted at the driver’s seat and one on the clipboard for the bus monitor – that reminds staff to count the children as they board the bus and take accurate attendance prior to departing the school. A copy of all this information, including revised policies and procedures, was received and reviewed today. There was one violation documented; violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A five-year-old child, who was asleep in the block center, was left alone in a classroom (space #182)as all the staff and children left for the day. .1801(a)(1-5) 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. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before March 18, 20252, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A violation of this nature directly impacts the safety of the children while in your care. It is critical that child care licensing requirements are being met to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for all staff to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not 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. Due to the nature of the violation cited during this visit, an unannounced follow up visit will be conducted to ensure violation is corrected and compliance is maintained. The allegation was substantiated, and an administrative action may be issued. Reminders Staff should set up the environment so that they can supervise children and be accessible at all times. When activities are grouped together and furniture is at waist height or shorter, adults are always able to see and hear children. Small spaces should be kept clutter-free and big spaces set up so that children have clear play spaces that can be easily observed. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to Ms. Poulin – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.