Little Learners Daycare

10A NCAC 09 .1714 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE LEARNERS DAYCARE Facility ID: 73000251 Consultant: ANITA GRAHAM Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 8/28/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 8/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 12:06 PM Time Out: 02:21 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to complete the Annual Compliance monitoring. This program has achieved and operates with a Four (4)-Star License which was issued on April 26, 2024. The last Annual Compliance monitoring was conducted on September 18, 2024. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by the provider, Ms. Shenique Bolton. I introduced myself and stated the purpose of my visit. Ms. Bolton welcomed me and assisted me during the visit. I observed four (4) preschool age children present at my arrival. The children were participating in routines, indoor free play, transitioning from lunch and resting. In provider interacted positively with the children. A full assessment of child care requirements was monitored during the visit. The license was posted, and restrictions maintained. The NC Summary of the Laws, Emergency Numbers and Procedures was posted, and the First Aid poster was available for viewing. The following violation was observed, cited, and technical assistance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 1856 The operator did not complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within the required timeframe and/or documentation of completion of the training was not on file. Documentation of completion was not available for review. .1714(b) The above violation must be corrected immediately and a compliance letter sent to my office stating how and when the item of noncompliance was addressed. The letter should reach my office by or before September 11, 2025. Please include the name and ID number of your facility, on your program letterhead. Please close the letter with your electronic signature. You may email the letter to me at anita.c.graham@dhhs.nc.gov. If the letter has not been received by my office by 5:00pm, on September 11, 2025, a return visit may be necessary to ensure compliance with childcare requirements. You were provided with an opportunity to ask questions regarding North Carolina Child Care requirements. We discussed the area of noncompliance and possible steps you may take to correct the violation. We discussed requirements for permit changes. We discussed the opportunity available to you to participate in Pathways to the Stars for an even higher quality rating for your Four-Star Daycare Home. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: In Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b)(c)(d), the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training must be completed within one year of the license. You have stated that you completed the first half of the training but have not completed the second part of the training. Please remember, once the full training is complete you must develop your facility’s entire plan to include all the required DCDEE information and upload it to the EPR Portal, within four months of completion of the training. This documentation must be available for Division Representative review. RESOURCES: For information about rule changes, visit the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and look under the “What’s New” Tab. Also, under the “SERVICES” tab look for “DCDEE Moodle”. From the Moodle home screen login using your NCID information and go to “My Courses”; and then click on the current (2025) modules. Health and Safety Trainings are offered on the DCDEE Moodle format. These training courses are free, and participants will receive training certificates when completing the training and a survey of the training. PREPARING FOR THE NC QRIS QUALITY RATING SYSTEM Should you decide to participate in Pathways to the Stars, North Carolina’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is being modernized to provide more flexible and equitable ways for programs to demonstrate quality. Beginning later this year, providers will be able to choose from three (3), star-rating pathways, they are: Program Assessment, Classroom & Instructional Quality, and Accreditation. This new approach allows programs to align their strengths with the pathway that best fits their operations. Now is the time to prepare. Programs should begin evaluating curriculum, and classroom interactions, staff qualifications including updating staff education in NC WORKS, for the purpose of determining the most suitable pathway for your program. Updates to staff qualification standards and assessment tools are expected, and while current star ratings remain valid for now, all new ratings will be issued under the revised QRIS system. Your program’s quality should reflect not only compliance, but also a strong commitment to best practices, child development, and continuous improvement. Providers are encouraged to take advantage of available technical assistance and training opportunities. There will be a provider meeting held on September 17, 2025, from 6:00-8:00PM. More information on the location of the meeting will be forthcoming. Please plan to attend for the purpose of hearing more about the new QRIS system. Thank you for your assistance during today’s visit. If I can be of further help to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I can be reached at anita.c.graham@dhhs.nc.gov or call me at 336-894-0609. 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 .1725 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE LEARNERS DAYCARE Facility ID: 73000251 Consultant: MARCIA HUMPHREY Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance during your routine unannounced visit. The provider, Ms. Shenique Bolton, was present and assisted me during the visit today. The visit summary was completed and reviewed with the provider during today's visit. Upon arrival I observed the children finishing up free time and preparing to wash their hands for lunch which consisted of beef rounds, corn, oranges, crackers and milk. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS Currently this family child care home operates with a four-star license issued April26, 2024, earning seven (7) points in Staff Education, two (2) points in Program Standards and one (1) Quality Point. INSPECTIONS *The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. *The last documented fire drill and outdoor inspection were conducted on March 3, 2025. *The shelter-in-place was last conducted on February 4, 2025. DESIGNATED CHILDREN’S SPACE In the children’s space, there are a variety of materials for the children to explore throughout the day. The bathroom is accessible to those that are potty trained. Activities take place in the child care space which was originally the living room area. *The outdoor play area is in the back yard and is fenced in. *The provider informed me of the following: -Medication is not being administered. -No infants are enrolled at this time. -No incident/accident reports have been completed. During this visit, a partial assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The items monitored were Supervision, Space Capacity, Discipline, License Posted, Permit Restrictions, Adequate & Approved space, Program Records, Staff Records, CPR, First Aid, ITS-SIDS, Criminal Background Checks, Storage of Hazardous Substances, and Storage of Medication. The following violation was cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 801 Bacteriological analysis indicating the water is free of bacteria had not been performed on a sample of water from each well used for the children's water supply every two years. Results were not kept on file in the home. The current well water test expired on 3/20/25. 10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)(1) In order to comply with NC Child Care Laws and Rules any violation cited must be corrected IMMEDIATELY. A Compliance letter must be sent by April 7, 2025. The letter must address each violation cited. Please send to my email address Marcia.Humphrey@dhhs.nc.gov and be sure to include the following: *Facility Name *Facility ID number *Each Item numbers TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE I discussed the completion of a new well water test. Ms. Bolton stated that she will get this updated (send me the paperwork) and moving forward I discussed with her as a reminder that it needs to be re-tested every two years. The following requirements will come due in the near future; please make arrangements to complete the items before the deadline: *The on-going training requirements will be monitored on the next annual compliance visit. *Update your EPR Plan (rmp.nc.gov/portal/) and Professional Development Plan before your next visit. AGENCY UPDATES: Child Care facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for lead every three years. For information you should contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org. Also, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch the pre-enrollment webinar, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina. Please check the Division of Child Development and Early Education website: ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov frequently and click the “what’s new” tab to stay informed of all updates available to you. Additional information can be found in the Raise NC newsletter emailed to you on March 21, 2024. If you have any additional questions or concerns I can be reached at (919) 259-5860 or by email at marcia.humphrey@dhhs.nc.gov. You can also reach my Licensing 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 .1720 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE LEARNERS DAYCARE Facility ID: 73000251 Consultant: BOON TROTT Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 9/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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. This family child care home was issued a temporary license on 10/25/2023 and earned a four-star rated license on 4/26/2024. Upon arrival, I was invited in by the provider, Shenique Bolton. I informed her the purpose of today’s visit. The provider's school age child and an older child were homme. School was closed today. I conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning areas. I observed the children playing with toys and materials easily accessible, and eating lunch in the primary child care space, living room. I reviewed the program records and staff and children’s files. I observed the following violations. Violation Number Comment Rule 1403 Prescription or over-the-counter medication and topical, non-medical ointment, repellant, lotion, cream, fluoridated toothpaste, or powder was administered to any child without the required information. "There were alcohol pads in the first aid kit. No written authorization from the parents were on file." 10A NCAC 09 .1720(c)(1&2) 2009 Copies of the required information for an additional caregiver was not on file in the home and/or made available for review. "Although there were some records available for review, the substitute caregiver, W. Cameron, did not have all records on file for review." .1729(a) The above violations must be corrected immediately. I must receive a compliance statement/ letter via email or mail by 10/2/2024. 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 My email address is boon.trott@dhhs.nc.gov, and the mailing address is PO Box 1374, Mebane, NC 27302. Technical Assistance >Use the File Checklist for Additional Caregivers and Substitutes I left you today as a guide and obtain the required records we discussed before the substitute returns to care for the children. File checklists and other provider documents and forms, as well as the child care rulebook, may be accessed at the Division’s website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. >Alcohol swabs are considered medication. As such, they cannot be placed in the first aid kit, unless you have the authorization to administer form on file from all parents. You may refer to the safety requirements in child care rule .1719. >Diaper changing routine was followed by the provider. We discussed the choice of sink for handwashing after the routine and a designated area for a diaper change. If you prefer to use the sink in the kitchen, disinfect the sink after washing hands after a diaper change. A designated area away from the play surface/area would pose less sanitary/health risks. >I observed a young infant child trying to sleep in the primary child care space amid the loud noise and screams from the older children. You have an option of placing the crib/playpen in a bedroom to provide quieter space for the infant child to sleep in. However, an infant child may be placed in the bedroom only while the child is asleep. The door to the room must remain open so you can hear the child and act quickly without delay. You must check the sleeping infant visually and listen to the child breathing. Record the sleep check. Read more regarding this in Child Care Rule .1711 (a)(4)(D). >For children under the age three, choking on food can occur easily. Cut solid food and canned fruit pieces into thin and narrow pieces to prevent choking. >The provider inquired about children’s record retention. All children's records except the medication permission slips as required in Rule .1720(b)(13), must be on file for at least one year from the date the child was no longer enrolled in the facility. This is child care rule 1721(f)(1). > Lead in water and asbestos testing is part of Rule changes, effective 1/1/2024: They include.1707(1) and.1725(a)(2); .2204(3). The test results should be completed and on file by January 1, 2025. You may read the rules in its entirety by going to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Go to the Provider tab and hover over it. In the drop-down box Click on Child Care Rules. Scroll down to the North Carolina Child Care Rules and Law section. Click on Chapter 9- Child Care Rules for the most current rules. Other Information Weighted blankets or vests: 1.Blankets of any type are prohibited for children aged 0 to 12 months, per .0606(a)(2) Safe Sleep Policy. The current child care rules specifically state no blankets or other items can be used/placed with a sleeping infant aged 12 months or younger. 2.Weighted blankets or vests can potentially restrict a child’s movement; therefore, they are prohibited for use unless a therapist requests and approves the use. A therapist can only approve the use for children 13 months or older. 3.If the use of a weighted blanket or vest is something a facility wants to consider using, you’d need to contact me prior to use to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. I reviewed today’s visit with Ms. Bolton and provided her with an opportunity to ask me questions regarding the visit and interpretation and implementation of child care requirements. Thank you for the visit and keeping your records well organized. You may reach me at boon.trott@dhhs.nc.gov or 336-706-2871 if you have any questions or concerns. 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