Supervision
Name of Operation: HIS WATCHMEN CHILDCARE, INC. Facility ID: 11000823 Consultant: KARLA TERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/17/2024 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 5/17/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 272 Time In: 10:18 AM Time Out: 02:50 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 an annual compliance visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Jasmine Waters, Teacher. Kim Waters, Administrator was off-site and returned later. Kim Waters, Administrator was available during the visit. The program operates with a Four (4) Star Rated License effective 3/14/2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including first shift, meets enhance space, and meets enhanced ratios. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/23/2023. The last fire drill was practiced on 4/29/2024. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 3/29/2024. The last playground inspection was documented on 4/29/2024. The last fire inspection was approved on 8/9/2023. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 12/19/2023 with four (4) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response plan was reviewed on 5/8/2023. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Mother Goose Time. All medications were monitored and meet requirement. Medications in space #2 two (2) children with A&D ointment permission to administer medication form expired on 2/26/2024 and 2/27/2024. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was seventy-nine percent (79%) as of 5/14/2024. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the Business Corporation, His Watchmen Childcare Center Inc., is current/active as of 5/14/2024. During today’s visit, I observed the children engaged in gross motor play outdoors, routine restroom, lunch, and nap time. Space #1 children ages four- to five-year-old were engaged in digging, playing with ball, and cars. Space #2, children ages two- to three-year-old children were engaged in outdoor play with climber, cars, blocks, and cottage. While monitoring indoors, I observed three (3) permission to administer medication forms expired. Two (2) A & D Ointment expired on 2/26/24 and 2/27/24. Activity plans posted were dated 5/6-5/10. The teacher corrected this during the visit. Space #3, children ages three- to five-year-old children were engaged in gross motor play with trikes, waffle blocks, and duck duck goose. While monitoring indoors, I observed the storage closet that lead to the basement area was unlocked. When I opened the door, I observed two (2) gallons of Clorox bleach sitting on the floor, four (4) half gallons of soft soap hand soap, one (1) gallon of hand sanitizer, one (1) aerosol can of disinfectant spray, one (1) can of Febreze, one (1) Pine sol, and one (1) five (5) gallon bucket of paint. The teacher locked the closet door during the visit. Space #1, unlocked teacher supply filing cabinet in the second drawer down from the top, I observed three (3) aersol cans of Barbasol shaving cream, one (1) Banana Boat sunscreen, one (1) half gallon of soft soap hand soap. The teacher locked the cabinet during the visit. Space #4, a therapist was working one on one with a child. The space is currently not used by a group of children. Space #5, children ages one to two years old were engaged in gross motor play outdoors with cottage, toy phone, and slides. While monitoring indoors, I observed one (1) unlabeled bottle for a child located in the refrigerator, plastic wipe, plastic diaper, and plastic cup packaging stored below five (5) feet. Activity plans posted were dated 3/20-3/24. The teacher and administrator corrected this during the visit. Space #6, a therapist was working one on one with a child. The space is currently not used by a group of children. Space #7 is currently not in use. Space #8, 9, and 10 school-age children were not present during the visit. Lunch pancakes, potato cake, apples and milk. Staff and children’s files were monitored during the visit. I monitored one (1) existing staff file was monitored. The staff and training worksheet was received during today’s visit. Staff file concerns: staff member hired 4/3/2017 annual professional development plan and evaluation was not on file for review. I monitored six (6) children’s files and completed the Children’s Record form. Children’s file concerns: child enrolled on 1/8/2024 and date of birth 2/7/2023 did not have a signed safe sleep policy on file for review. The program does provide transportation. You stated that you do transport school age children five to twelve years old for afternoon school pick. I monitored two (2) Ford Passenger Vans one (1) black 2011, and one (1) white 2020 today. The 2020 white van has a valid registration card that expired on 11/30/2024 but the tag sticker expired 11/2023. When asked the administrator about the sticker, she was aware of the sticker not being on the tag due to it would not stay stuck on the tag. She has to take the new sticker to the tag office to get a new sticker. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space # 5 current activity plan was not posted. The plans posted were dated 3/20-3/24. The administrator posted the current activity plans during the visit. Space #2 current activity plans was not posted. The plans posted were dated 5/6-5/10. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 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. Space # 3 the storage closet that lead to the basement area was unlocked. When I opened the door, I observed two (2) gallons of Clorox bleach sitting on the floor, four (4) half gallons of soft soap hand soap, one (1) gallon of hand sanitizer, one (1) aerosol can of disinfectant spray, one (1) can of Febreze, one (1) Pine sol, and one (1) five (5) gallon bucket of paint. The teacher locked the closet door during the visit. Space #1, unlocked teacher supply filing cabinet in the second drawer down from the top, I observed three (3) aersol cans of Barbasol shaving cream, one (1) Banana Boat sunscreen, one (1) half gallon of soft soap hand soap. .2820(b) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. Space #2, three (3) permission to administer medication forms expired. Two (2) A & D Ointment expired on 2/26/24 and 2/27/24. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Space #5, plastic wipe packaging, plastic diaper packaging, plastic cup packaging were observed stored below five (5) feet and accessible to children. .0604(q) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. Space #5, child was enrolled on 1/8/2024 and date of birth was 2/7/2023. Safe sleep policy as not given and/or explained to the parents of the child on or before the first day the child attended the center. During file review, a signed safe sleep policy was not on file for review. When I asked the administrator, she stated she must have failed to complete that since the child was getting ready to turn twelve (12) months old. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Space #4 a therapist was working one on one with a child. Space #6 a therapist was working one on one with a child. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Staff member hired 4/3/2017 annual staff evaluation was not on file for review. The last completed evaluation was completed on 1/3/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Space #4 a therapist was working one on one with a child. Space #6 a therapist was working one on one with a child. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. Center EPR plan was not reviewed annually. The last documented review date was 5/8/2023. .0607(e) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. Space #5, one (1) bottle was observed not labeled with the child’s name and date in the refrigerator. .0902(d) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. Staff member hired 4/3/2027 annual professional development plan was not on file for review. The last completed professional development plan was completed on 1/3/2023. .1104 Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item # 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. 10A NCAC 09 .0508 ACTIVITY SCHEDULES AND PLANS (a) All centers shall have a current schedule and activity plan for each group of children posted for reference by parents and by caregivers. The schedule and activity plan may be combined in a single document. -Space # 5 current activity plan was not posted. The plans posted were dated 3/20-3/24. The administrator posted the current activity plans during the visit. Space #2 current activity plans was not posted. The plans posted were dated 5/6-5/10. Staff corrected this during the visit. I recommend posting the next weeks activity plans prior to leaving work on Fridays to ensure that on Monday’s your activity plans are posted. Item #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. 15A NCAC 18A .2820 STORAGE (b) 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 shall be kept in its original container or in another labeled container, used according to the manufacturer's instructions and stored in a locked storage room or cabinet when not in use. Locked storage rooms and cabinets shall include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices shall be kept out of the reach of a child and shall not be stored in the lock. Toxic substances shall be stored below or separate from medications and food. Any product not listed above, which is labeled "keep out of reach of children" without any other warnings, shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but is not required to be kept in locked storage. The product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. -Space # 3 the storage closet that lead to the basement area was unlocked. When I opened the door, I observed two (2) gallons of Clorox bleach sitting on the floor, four (4) half gallons of soft soap hand soap, one (1) gallon of hand sanitizer, one (1) aerosol can of disinfectant spray, one (1) can of Febreze, one (1) Pine sol, and one (1) five (5) gallon bucket of paint. The teacher locked the closet door during the visit. Space #1, unlocked teacher supply filing cabinet in the second drawer down from the top, I observed three (3) aerosol cans of Barbasol shaving cream, one (1) Banana Boat sunscreen, one (1) half gallon of soft soap hand soap. The teacher locked the cabinet during the visit. I recommend putting a neon colored sign on the door or cabinet to say “keep locked at all times,” as a reminder to ensure the door or cabinet is locked. Item #849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS The following provisions apply to the administration of medication in child care centers: (12) Any medication remaining after the course of treatment is completed, after authorization is withdrawn or after authorization has expired shall be returned to the child's parents. Any medication the parent fails to retrieve within 72 hours of completion of treatment, or withdrawal of authorization, shall be discarded. -Space #2, three (3) permission to administer medication forms expired. Two (2) A & D Ointment expired on 2/26/24 and 2/27/24. I recommend conducting a monthly medication check to ensure all medication expiration dates and permission to administer medication forms are still valid and in compliance. Item #858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. -Space #5, plastic wipe packaging, plastic diaper packaging, plastic cup packaging were observed stored below five (5) feet and accessible to children. The administrator and teacher moved these items to ensure that they were not accessible to children. I recommend conducting a daily check to ensure plastics are stored appropriately five (5) feet up or in a locked cabinet. Item #893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (c) A copy of the center's safe sleep policy shall be given and explained to the parents of an infant aged 12 months or younger on or before the first day the infant attends the center. The parent shall sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the policy. The acknowledgement shall contain: (1) the infant's name; (2) the date the infant first attended the center; (3) the date the center's safe sleep policy was given and explained to the parent; and (4) the date the parent signed the acknowledgement. The center shall retain the acknowledgement in the child's record as long as the child is enrolled at the center. -Space #5, child was enrolled on 1/8/2024 and date of birth was 2/7/2023. Safe sleep policy as not given and/or explained to the parents of the child on or before the first day the child attended the center. During file review, a signed safe sleep policy was not on file for review. When I asked the administrator, she stated she must have failed to complete that since the child was getting ready to turn twelve (12) months old. I recommend when enrolling children to look at the date of birth to determine whether the child is younger than twelve (12) months old. If younger than twelve (12) months ensure that you review the safe sleep policy with the child’s parent. Item #1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. § 110-90.2. Mandatory child care providers' criminal history checks. (b) Effective January 1, 1996, the Department shall ensure that, prior to employment and every three years thereafter, the criminal history of all child care providers is checked and a determination is made of the child care provider's fitness to have responsibility for the safety and well-being of children based on the criminal history. The Department shall ensure that all child care providers are checked for county, State, and federal criminal histories. (b1) The Department may prevent an individual from being a child care provider if the Department determines that the individual is a habitually excessive user of alcohol, illegally uses narcotic or other impairing drugs, or is mentally or emotionally impaired to an extent that may be injurious to children. -Space #4 a therapist was working one on one with a child. Space #6 a therapist was working one on one with a child. When I asked the administrator about the qualifying letter, she stated that they were new and did not have a copy of their background check on file for review. I recommend prior to a therapist working alone with a child ensure that you have a valid qualifying letter on file for review. Otherwise a staff member with a valid qualifying letter will need to remain in the room with the therapist and child. Item #1232 Each employee’s personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0514 OPERATIONAL AND PERSONNEL POLICIES (f) In addition to all records required in Rule .0302(d) of this Chapter, each employee's personnel file shall contain an annual staff evaluation and staff development plan. -Staff member hired 4/3/2017 annual staff evaluation was not on file for review. The last completed evaluation was completed on 1/3/2023. The administrator corrected during the visit. I recommend documenting on your calendar when each staff members evaluation is due to ensure they are completed annually. Item #1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review at the facility. § 110-90.2. Mandatory child care providers' criminal history checks. (b) Effective January 1, 1996, the Department shall ensure that, prior to employment and every three years thereafter, the criminal history of all child care providers is checked and a determination is made of the child care provider's fitness to have responsibility for the safety and well-being of children based on the criminal history. The Department shall ensure that all child care providers are checked for county, State, and federal criminal histories. (b1) The Department may prevent an individual from being a child care provider if the Department determines that the individual is a habitually excessive user of alcohol, illegally uses narcotic or other impairing drugs, or is mentally or emotionally impaired to an extent that may be injurious to children. (d) The Department shall notify in writing the child care provider, and the child care provider's employer, if any, or for nonlicensed child care homes the local purchasing agency, of the determination by the Department whether the child care provider is qualified to provide child care based on the child care provider's criminal history. In accordance with the law regulating the dissemination of the contents of the criminal history file furnished by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department shall not release nor disclose any portion of the child care provider's criminal history to the child care provider or the child care provider's employer or local purchasing agency. The Department shall also notify the child care provider of the procedure for completing or challenging the accuracy of the criminal history and the child care provider's right to contest the Department's determination in court. A child care provider who disagrees with the Department's decision may file a civil action in the district court of the county of residence of the child care provider within 60 days after receiving written notification of disqualification. Review of the Department’s determination disqualifying a child care provider shall be de novo. No jury trial is available for appeals to district court under this section. - Space #4 a therapist was working one on one with a child. Space #6 a therapist was working one on one with a child. When I asked the administrator about the qualifying letter, she stated that they were new and did not have a copy of their background check on file for review. I recommend prior to a therapist working alone with a child ensure that you have a valid qualifying letter on file for review. Otherwise a staff member with a valid qualifying letter will need to remain in the room with the therapist and child. Item #1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. 10A NCAC 09 .0607 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (e) The trained staff shall review the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan annually, or when information in the plan changes, to ensure all information is current. -Center EPR plan was not reviewed annually. The last documented review date was 5/8/2023. I recommend mark your calendar when the annual review date is due by so that you will be reminded to complete the review of the EPR plan. Item #1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. 10A NCAC 09 .0902 REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANTS (d) Each infant shall be served only bottles labeled with their individual name. -Space #5, one (1) bottle was observed not labeled with the child’s name and date in the refrigerator. I recommend when the children arrive first thing in the classroom to label the bottles with the child’s name and date. Item #1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. 10A NCAC 09 .1104 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN All center administrators and staff members shall complete a professional development plan within one year of employment and review the plan annually. The plan shall: (1) document the individual's professional development goals; (2) be appropriate for the ages of children in their care; (3) include the continuing education, coursework, or training needed to meet the individual’s planned goals; (4) be completed by the administrator and staff member in a collaborative manner; and (5) be maintained in their personnel file. -Staff member hired 4/3/2027 annual professional development plan was not on file for review. The last completed professional development plan was completed on 1/3/2023. The administrator corrected this during the visit. I recommend documenting on your calendar when each staff members professional development plan is due to ensure they are completed annually. Corrective Action Plan: 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. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 5/31/2024. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: karla.terry@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Karla Terry PO Box 552 Ellenboro, NC 28040 Please call me at 828-200-9952, or email [email protected], if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation: Today, we discussed the following: -Outside watch the rubber mats curling up and creating a trip hazard, and keep an eye out for active ant mounds. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .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.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Karla Terry, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Kim Waters, Administrator during the visit. A copy of the visit summary was left on-site with you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at [email protected] or 828-200-9952, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at [email protected]. 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 .0606 · Correction status not published