Lester'S Toddler Center

10A NCAC 09 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: LESTER'S TODDLER CENTER Facility ID: 73000127 Consultant: ANITA GRAHAM Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2026 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 6/18/2026 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct the annual compliance monitoring for this Four (4) Star child care facility. The license was issued on March 12, 2026. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 2, 2025. Upon arrival I observed a sign on the building stating that the facility was closed today. There were no children present. Soon after my arrival, Ms. Kim Lester, the administrator, arrived, I stated the purpose of my presence, she invited me in and assisted me during the visit. We conducted a walk-through of the learning spaces. The last Fire Inspection was conducted on July 3, 2025. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on December 17, 2025. The facility was classified with a 'Superior' rating. Today, I monitored required posting including permit. I monitored program records, all new children’s records, and staff files. Supervision, staff/child ratio were not observed today, due to the facility being closed today. The following violation was observed, cited, and technical assistance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. **One classroom had children enrolled ranging in age from one (1)-three (3) years old.** 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) The above violations must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter shall be drafted, stating how, and when each of the items of noncompliance have been corrected. Please address each of the items of noncompliance in your corrective action plan. The letter should reach my office by July 2, 2026. You may email the letter to anita.c.graham@dhhs.nc.gov. If your letter does not reach my office by or before July 2, 2026, a return visit may be necessary to ensure compliance with childcare requirements. Additional violations may be cited during that follow-up visit. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Please be advised that children under two cannot be enrolled in classroom with children who are three-years old. Please make a plan to make the necessary adjustment to meet age-appropriate placement. RESOURCES: -The Health and Safety Trainings are now being offered on the DCDEE website https: Look for the ‘DCDEE Moodle’ tab under the ‘Services’ tab on the website. Health and Safety Trainings should be renewed every five (5) years and may be used as in-service training hours. Thank you for your assistance during today’s visit. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 336-894-0609 or e-mail me at anita.c.graham@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my Supervisor, Kaye Adkins at kaye.adkins@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LESTER'S TODDLER CENTER Facility ID: 73000127 Consultant: ANITA GRAHAM Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/2/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 7/2/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 208 Time In: 10:07 AM Time Out: 01:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct the annual compliance monitoring for this Four (4) Star child care facility. The license was issued on March 12, 2020. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 17, 2024. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by Kim Lester, interim administrator. I introduced myself and stated the purpose of my visit. I conducted an unaccompanied walk-through of the inside and outside learning spaces, as Ms. Lester was serving in a classroom for a portion of the visit. Once accommodations were made to serve the classrooms, Ms. Lester assisted me for the remainder of the monitoring. The children were observed participating in a teacher directed activity, indoor free play, routines, having lunch, and resting. The last Fire Inspection was conducted on July 3, 2024. The provider contacted the inspections office today to request inspection, prior to expiration. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on June 18, 2025. The facility was classified with a 'Superior' rating. A full assessment of childcare requirements was monitored this date. The permit was posted and restrictions maintained. I monitored supervision, staff/child ratio, and adequate approved space. I reviewed program records, a sampling of children's records, program requirements and staff files. The following violations were observed, cited, and technical assistance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The kitchen was observed unlocked and the lock was not in workable condition. Clorox was also observed on a counter in the kitchen and not in locked storage. .2820(b) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff member's criminal letter was observed expired since June 25, 2025. The staff member may return to work once a valid qualifying letter is secured. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) The the above violations must be corrected immediately, and a corrective action letter shall be drafted, stating how, and when each of the items of noncompliance have been corrected. Please address each of the items of noncompliance in your corrective action plan. The letter should reach my office by July 16, 2025. You may email the letter to anita.c.graham@dhhs.nc.gov. If your letter does not reach my office by or before July 16, a return visit may be necessary to ensure compliance with childcare requirements. Additional violations may be cited during that follow up visit. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Please be advised that hazardous materials with two or more warnings shall be maintained in locked storage when not in use. The door to the kitchen was observed unlocked and was unable to be locked because of the malfunctioning locking system. Due to possible hazards in the kitchen space, the lock must be repaired or replaced and shall remain locked at all times. A staff member, V. Torain has an expired criminal background letter which is dated June 25, 2025. The staff member may return to care for children once a valid qualifying letter has been obtained. Please be advised that staff must have a valid qualifying letter in order to care for children enrolled in your program. Staff may submit paperwork for an updated criminal background check, up to six months prior to expiration. With the warmer weather already reaching record highs, please review the following information regarding safety: 1.Safety Checks & Maintenance Inspect equipment: Check for loose bolts, rust, splinters, or cracks on play structures, swings, and slides. -Surface check: Ensure mulch, rubber mats, or sand are evenly spread and thick enough to cushion falls. Fence & gate: Inspect for damage or sharp edges and make sure gates latch securely. Pest control: Check for bees/wasp nests, ant hills, or signs of other pests. 2. Sun Protection Shade structures: Install or check canopies, sails, or umbrellas over play areas and seating. Natural shade: Trim trees for safety but keep them healthy to provide extra sun coverage. Sunscreen policy: Have a plan for applying sunscreen (with parent permission) and ensure staff follows it. 3. Hydration Station Water access: Ensure water is available with disposable cups. Encourage water breaks: Schedule regular hydration times during play. 4. Outdoor Activities & Toys Summer-appropriate toys: Add water tables, sand toys, sports equipment, or ride-ons. Rotate toys: Keep the environment fresh and engaging by rotating outdoor toys. Nature-based play: Include items like gardening tools, pots, or sensory bins with natural materials. 5. Cleanliness Sanitize outdoor toys regularly, especially anything children put in their mouths. Tidy up landscaping: Remove any debris, broken branches, or trash. 6. Safety from Heat Playtime schedule: Shift outdoor play to cooler times (morning or late afternoon). Cooling activities: Plan for cooling breaks with misting bottles, or popsicle breaks. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion in children and staff (lethargy, excessive sweating, etc.). 7. Communication Notify parents about changes in outdoor routines, sunscreen application, and clothing suggestions (hats, water shoes, etc.). ADDITIONAL Notes: You have stated that since January, 2025, you have been serving as the interim director and will be taking on the responsibility as Administrator/Director. During the visit today we accessed the Pre-Service Requirements for Administrator form. You will complete with the proper signatures and scan to me as soon as possible. RESOURCES: -The Health and Safety Trainings are now being offered on the DCDEE website https: Look for the ‘DCDEE Moodle’ tab under the ‘Services’ tab on the website. Health and Safety Trainings should be renewed every five (5) years and may be used as in-service training hours. Institute of Child Development Professional allows opportunity for staff to request an education assessment, for the purpose of being evaluated for Early Education professional levels. Use the following link to to find out more. https://ncicdp.org/eec/#eec or https://ncicdp.org/eec/#eec-home. Thank you for your assistance during today’s visit. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 336-894-0609 or e-mail me at anita.c.graham@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my Supervisor, Kaye Adkins at kaye.adkins@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LESTER'S TODDLER CENTER Facility ID: 73000127 Consultant: BOON TROTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/31/2024 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 10/31/2024 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 10:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s announced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements during a Routine Unannounced Visit. This program is currently operating with four star rated license, meeting enhanced ratios and space. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the owner/director, Peggy Lester. She was working in the kitchen. I informed Ms. Lester of the purpose of my visit. I observed the children playing with the toys and materials easily accessible to them and cleaning up to go outside. There were no new staff whose files I needed to review. CPR and First Aid Training was up to date for the staff. Criminal background check for all staff was up to date. I observed one violation. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. "One section of the playground fence had some burning occurred at ground level It created 5-6 inches of gap underneath the fence for animals to pass through, for about one foot length of the fence." 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) The above violation must be corrected immediately. I must receive a compliance statement/ letter by email or mail by 11/13/2024. In the letter, include the following information: 1. Your facility ID# and Name 2. Visit date 3. Violation item number(s) 4. How and when the violation was corrected (Be specific) 5. Your signature/name and position My email address is boon.trott@dhhs.nc.gov, and the mailing address is PO Box 1374, Mebane, NC 27302. Technical assistance >I discussed options for Ms. Lester to utilize on how to close the gap between the ground and the bottom of the fence. Closing the gap can prevent animals from gaining easy access to the playground carrying germs/disease. >Since you have screened windows, I recommend opening the windows to circulate fresh air through out the year but especially this time of the year when the temperature outside is comfortable. When there is no fresh air circulating and the air in the classroom is stagnant, germs can grow and spread among children faster. Reminder It’s time to conduct a fire drill. When conducting drills, alternate between morning and afternoon, including nap time. This practice will prepare children and your staff better as how to respond to fire no matter when it happens. In the last 9 months, all but one fire drill was conducted in the morning. I provided Ms. Lester an opportunity to ask questions regarding today’s visit and interpretation and the implementation of childcare requirements applicable to the facility. If you have any questions or concerns, you may reach me at 336-706-2871 or email me at boon.trott@dhhs.nc.gov. My mailing address is P.O. Box 1374, Mebane, NC 27302. The contact information for my supervisor, Kaye Adkins, is 336-580-2527 or kaye.adkins@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LESTER'S TODDLER CENTER Facility ID: 73000127 Consultant: BOON TROTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/27/2023 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 7/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance Visit. I was invited in by the owner’s daughter. I informed the owner/director, Peggy Lester, of the purpose of my visit. This program is operating with a four star rated license, meeting enhanced ratios and space. The operator completed the last fire inspection on 6/5/2023 and the last sanitation inspection on 6/20/2023. I conducted a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor of the facility. Ms. Lester accompanied me. I observed the children playing freely with the toys and materials available in the activity areas, playing in the outdoor learning environment, and eating lunch. The children ate in space 4. Ms. Lester assisted and gathered the documents and files I needed to review. I observed the following violations today. I reviewed the items with Ms. Lester and provided technical assistance. Violation Number Comment Rule 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There was a bottle of sanitizer spray accessible to the children in the hallway bathroom which is used by the children in space 3. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The playground fence has sunken in some areas and the height was less than four feet on the left side and the back side of the playground. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 861 Prohibited Styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In space 1, where two year old children were present, there was a container of rubber foam shapes accessible to the children on a low shelf. This was corrected when I brought it to the caregiver's attention. This is a repeat violation. .0604(q) The above violations must be corrected immediately. I must receive a compliance statement/ letter by 8/10/2023 for the items pending correction by email or mail. Include in the letter the following information: 1. Your facility name and ID# 2. Visit date 3. Violation item number 4. How and when the violation was corrected (Be specific) 5. Your name and position My email address is boon.trott@dhhs.nc.gov, and the mailing address is PO Box 1374, Mebane, NC 27302. Falsification: If the compliance letter/statement states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information and an Administrative Action may be issued. Compliance: Child care providers are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain compliance history score of at least 75% for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in an issuance of provisional license or other administrative action. Technical Assistance I discussed the following items with Ms. Lester and provided technical assistance: >Choking hazards for children under the age of 3. >The playground gate and the fence. There should not be any gap large enough for animals to gain access under the playground gate and fence. All fence height must be 4 feet at the minimum. >Provide a shelf or a hook to place the sanitizer spray out of reach of children in the hallway bathroom, at least 5 feet off the floor. >If you are using Zono sanitizing solution it is okay to use on surfaces but should not be used on food and mouthed toys. > Health and Safety Training are to be renewed every 5 years. You may access the training on the Division’s website, https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. >The NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: A new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential that can be taken on Moodle. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the Exam earn the new NC Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. If you have any questions about the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam, please contact DCDEE.Equivalency.Exam@dhhs.nc.gov. >Rated license assessment process was discussed. If applicable, submit any new education information or changes in WORKS in a timely manner. When hiring, try to maintain the same education level or higher for the staff member you are replacing. > Visit NCRLAP.org to access the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) training videos, frequently asked questions, additional notes, and more. For technical assistance pertaining to the ERS assessment, reach out to the Partnership or CCSA for technical assistance. > It is the child care operator’s responsibility to be familiar and up to date on the most current child are rules. Child Care Rulebook as well as the Provider Forms and Documents can be accessed by going to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. For child care Rules, go to the Provider tab and hover over it. In the drop-down box Click on Child Care Rules. Scroll down to North Carolina Child Care Rules and Law section. Click on Chapter 9- Child Care Rules. > Fire inspection report- Child Care Rule .0304 (a) states: Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. >Criminal Background Check is to be renewed every 5 years. If you have questions about the background check process, please call (919) 814-6401 or email DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. At the end of the visit, I provided Ms. Lester an opportunity to ask questions regarding today’s visit and interpretation and the implementation of child care requirements applicable to the facility. If you have any questions or concerns, you may reach me at 336-706-2871 or email me at boon.trott@dhhs.nc.gov. My mailing address is P.O. Box 1374, Mebane, NC 27302. 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: LESTER'S TODDLER CENTER Facility ID: 73000127 Consultant: BOON TROTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/27/2023 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 7/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance Visit. I was invited in by the owner’s daughter. I informed the owner/director, Peggy Lester, of the purpose of my visit. This program is operating with a four star rated license, meeting enhanced ratios and space. The operator completed the last fire inspection on 6/5/2023 and the last sanitation inspection on 6/20/2023. I conducted a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor of the facility. Ms. Lester accompanied me. I observed the children playing freely with the toys and materials available in the activity areas, playing in the outdoor learning environment, and eating lunch. The children ate in space 4. Ms. Lester assisted and gathered the documents and files I needed to review. I observed the following violations today. I reviewed the items with Ms. Lester and provided technical assistance. Violation Number Comment Rule 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There was a bottle of sanitizer spray accessible to the children in the hallway bathroom which is used by the children in space 3. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The playground fence has sunken in some areas and the height was less than four feet on the left side and the back side of the playground. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 861 Prohibited Styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In space 1, where two year old children were present, there was a container of rubber foam shapes accessible to the children on a low shelf. This was corrected when I brought it to the caregiver's attention. This is a repeat violation. .0604(q) The above violations must be corrected immediately. I must receive a compliance statement/ letter by 8/10/2023 for the items pending correction by email or mail. Include in the letter the following information: 1. Your facility name and ID# 2. Visit date 3. Violation item number 4. How and when the violation was corrected (Be specific) 5. Your name and position My email address is boon.trott@dhhs.nc.gov, and the mailing address is PO Box 1374, Mebane, NC 27302. Falsification: If the compliance letter/statement states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information and an Administrative Action may be issued. Compliance: Child care providers are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain compliance history score of at least 75% for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in an issuance of provisional license or other administrative action. Technical Assistance I discussed the following items with Ms. Lester and provided technical assistance: >Choking hazards for children under the age of 3. >The playground gate and the fence. There should not be any gap large enough for animals to gain access under the playground gate and fence. All fence height must be 4 feet at the minimum. >Provide a shelf or a hook to place the sanitizer spray out of reach of children in the hallway bathroom, at least 5 feet off the floor. >If you are using Zono sanitizing solution it is okay to use on surfaces but should not be used on food and mouthed toys. > Health and Safety Training are to be renewed every 5 years. You may access the training on the Division’s website, https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. >The NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: A new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential that can be taken on Moodle. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the Exam earn the new NC Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. If you have any questions about the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam, please contact DCDEE.Equivalency.Exam@dhhs.nc.gov. >Rated license assessment process was discussed. If applicable, submit any new education information or changes in WORKS in a timely manner. When hiring, try to maintain the same education level or higher for the staff member you are replacing. > Visit NCRLAP.org to access the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) training videos, frequently asked questions, additional notes, and more. For technical assistance pertaining to the ERS assessment, reach out to the Partnership or CCSA for technical assistance. > It is the child care operator’s responsibility to be familiar and up to date on the most current child are rules. Child Care Rulebook as well as the Provider Forms and Documents can be accessed by going to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. For child care Rules, go to the Provider tab and hover over it. In the drop-down box Click on Child Care Rules. Scroll down to North Carolina Child Care Rules and Law section. Click on Chapter 9- Child Care Rules. > Fire inspection report- Child Care Rule .0304 (a) states: Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. >Criminal Background Check is to be renewed every 5 years. If you have questions about the background check process, please call (919) 814-6401 or email DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. At the end of the visit, I provided Ms. Lester an opportunity to ask questions regarding today’s visit and interpretation and the implementation of child care requirements applicable to the facility. If you have any questions or concerns, you may reach me at 336-706-2871 or email me at boon.trott@dhhs.nc.gov. My mailing address is P.O. Box 1374, Mebane, NC 27302. 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