Estelle'S Childcare

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/7/2026 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 7/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual rated license compliance visit. Roberta Hamer, administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 & 1/2 years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 5, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 14, 2025 earning a superior rating. That last fire inspection was conducted on November 13, 2025. The facility’s compliance history was ninety-six (96) percent as of July 6, 2026, and was reviewed with Mrs. Hamer. The North Carolina Secretary of State’s website was reviewed during the visit and Estelle’s Childcare, Inc., was listed as current-active. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled were observed in free play in the centers, outdoor play, participating in teacher directed activities and personal care routines. Teachers were interacting with the children and attending to their needs. Infants present were observed during tummy time and free play with the teachers interacting and responding positively to their needs. Lunch was observed and consisted of chicken nuggets, green beans, sliced peaches, wheat bread and milk. The following violations were observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. Authorization for Cortisone cream for A. Serrato expired on 6/23/2026 and the medication was still in the class lock box. .0803(12) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. T. Brown, K. Tuck, D. Tuck and K. Marsh are new staff that were not added to the portal withing five business days of their hire dates. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. K. Marsh was hire on 1/2/2026 and did not have the training on file as of today's visit. .1102(g) 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. On or before July 22, 2026, 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, NC DCDEE Attn: Turkeshia McCormick, 2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2200, or if you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance was offered on the importance of ensuring that all forms are completed, updated and on file prior to placing medications in their original containers into locked cabinets in the center. Routinely check medications along with permission to administer forms to ensure that they are not expired. Technical assistance was also offered on updating the ABCMS portal within five (5) business days when new staff are employed or staff have been terminated. Create a system to follow during orientation with new staff that includes updating the portal. Also try creating a checklist or reminder system once staff are no longer employed with the facility. QRIS Pathways to the Stars- During today’s visit, I reviewed the following : • Application for a Rated License Assessment • Family and Community Engagement Standards for Child Care Center with 3-4 additional options selected depending on the star level • Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan • Staff Information and Education Worksheet I verified the following during today’s visit: • The program is meeting enhanced staff/child ratios • The program is meeting enhanced space • The program is using an approved curriculum-Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies • The program will conduct annual assessments on the children using an approved assessment tool. • The program provides coaching/training options for administrators and lead teachers. The administrator was reminded to ensure that all staff have updated WORKS letters on file including new staff. Once the facility is ready to proceed with QRIS Pathway #2, Mrs. Hamer will contact me to schedule a visit. As a reminder, your sanitation inspection will be delinquent after July 14, 2026, if you do not receive a new one before then. Please contact your local health inspector and ensure that you are on their schedule or that they are aware of your need for a new inspection. If you have any questions, please contact me at Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or at (910) 708-0895. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Janet Edwards at janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at (910) 709-4160. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/7/2026 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 7/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual rated license compliance visit. Roberta Hamer, administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 & 1/2 years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 5, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 14, 2025 earning a superior rating. That last fire inspection was conducted on November 13, 2025. The facility’s compliance history was ninety-six (96) percent as of July 6, 2026, and was reviewed with Mrs. Hamer. The North Carolina Secretary of State’s website was reviewed during the visit and Estelle’s Childcare, Inc., was listed as current-active. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled were observed in free play in the centers, outdoor play, participating in teacher directed activities and personal care routines. Teachers were interacting with the children and attending to their needs. Infants present were observed during tummy time and free play with the teachers interacting and responding positively to their needs. Lunch was observed and consisted of chicken nuggets, green beans, sliced peaches, wheat bread and milk. The following violations were observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. Authorization for Cortisone cream for A. Serrato expired on 6/23/2026 and the medication was still in the class lock box. .0803(12) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. T. Brown, K. Tuck, D. Tuck and K. Marsh are new staff that were not added to the portal withing five business days of their hire dates. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. K. Marsh was hire on 1/2/2026 and did not have the training on file as of today's visit. .1102(g) 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. On or before July 22, 2026, 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, NC DCDEE Attn: Turkeshia McCormick, 2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2200, or if you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance was offered on the importance of ensuring that all forms are completed, updated and on file prior to placing medications in their original containers into locked cabinets in the center. Routinely check medications along with permission to administer forms to ensure that they are not expired. Technical assistance was also offered on updating the ABCMS portal within five (5) business days when new staff are employed or staff have been terminated. Create a system to follow during orientation with new staff that includes updating the portal. Also try creating a checklist or reminder system once staff are no longer employed with the facility. QRIS Pathways to the Stars- During today’s visit, I reviewed the following : • Application for a Rated License Assessment • Family and Community Engagement Standards for Child Care Center with 3-4 additional options selected depending on the star level • Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan • Staff Information and Education Worksheet I verified the following during today’s visit: • The program is meeting enhanced staff/child ratios • The program is meeting enhanced space • The program is using an approved curriculum-Creative Curriculum/Teaching Strategies • The program will conduct annual assessments on the children using an approved assessment tool. • The program provides coaching/training options for administrators and lead teachers. The administrator was reminded to ensure that all staff have updated WORKS letters on file including new staff. Once the facility is ready to proceed with QRIS Pathway #2, Mrs. Hamer will contact me to schedule a visit. As a reminder, your sanitation inspection will be delinquent after July 14, 2026, if you do not receive a new one before then. Please contact your local health inspector and ensure that you are on their schedule or that they are aware of your need for a new inspection. If you have any questions, please contact me at Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or at (910) 708-0895. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Janet Edwards at janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at (910) 709-4160. 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 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Roberta Hamer, onsite administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 & 1/2 years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 5, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 14, 2025, earning a superior rating. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 14, 2025. The program compliance history was ninety-five (95) percent as of 2/18/2026 and was reviewed with the administrator. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed during the visit and Estelle’s Childcare, INC. was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in teacher directed activities, free play in activity areas, personal care routines such as handwashing and toileting, transitions and outdoor play. Infants were observed during free play and nap. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. No new employees have been employed since my last visit. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Lunch consisted fish sticks, coleslaw, baked beans, wheat bread and milk. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. An infant was asleep in a swing in the space used by the infants. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 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. Technical assistance was offered on ensuring staff are following the center’s safe sleep policy. Infants should not be allowed to sleep in bouncy seats or swings. All infants under the age of one must be laid down to sleep in their respective cribs and visually checked every fifteen (15) minutes and it must be properly documented on their individual sleep charts. During this visit we discussed the QRIS Modernization Pathways to the Stars. Mrs. Wellons has decided to follow the option #2 Program Assessment for Child Care Centers and Centers Located in a Residence (CLIAR). This pathway includes the following: • Enhanced Ratio(required) and/or Enhanced Space (optional) • 50% of all Lead Teachers and 50% other educators meet 5 Star Education Standards • Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices AND 2-4 additional choices (depending on the star rating level) • CQI Plan for Facility and Individuals • Approved curriculum and assessments (if applicable to the star rating level), and coaching/training options for administrators and lead teachers (if applicable to the star rating level). • Mrs. Hamer and her staff will also begin working on the self-assessment study and develop goals to work towards. Mrs. Hamer will also work on the CQI plan for both the center and staff and documenting family and community engagement standard practices that the facility already practice. Both she and the staff were given information and website links to the QRIS modernization page as well as NCRLAP to further assist with this current process. If you have any questions please contact me. The following are those links listed above: https://ncrlap.org/ https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Mrs. Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor at janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov or (910) 709-4160 if you have questions. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Roberta Hamer, onsite administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 & 1/2 years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 5, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 14, 2025, earning a superior rating. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 14, 2025. The program compliance history was ninety-five (95) percent as of 2/18/2026 and was reviewed with the administrator. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed during the visit and Estelle’s Childcare, INC. was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in teacher directed activities, free play in activity areas, personal care routines such as handwashing and toileting, transitions and outdoor play. Infants were observed during free play and nap. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. No new employees have been employed since my last visit. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Lunch consisted fish sticks, coleslaw, baked beans, wheat bread and milk. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. An infant was asleep in a swing in the space used by the infants. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 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. Technical assistance was offered on ensuring staff are following the center’s safe sleep policy. Infants should not be allowed to sleep in bouncy seats or swings. All infants under the age of one must be laid down to sleep in their respective cribs and visually checked every fifteen (15) minutes and it must be properly documented on their individual sleep charts. During this visit we discussed the QRIS Modernization Pathways to the Stars. Mrs. Wellons has decided to follow the option #2 Program Assessment for Child Care Centers and Centers Located in a Residence (CLIAR). This pathway includes the following: • Enhanced Ratio(required) and/or Enhanced Space (optional) • 50% of all Lead Teachers and 50% other educators meet 5 Star Education Standards • Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices AND 2-4 additional choices (depending on the star rating level) • CQI Plan for Facility and Individuals • Approved curriculum and assessments (if applicable to the star rating level), and coaching/training options for administrators and lead teachers (if applicable to the star rating level). • Mrs. Hamer and her staff will also begin working on the self-assessment study and develop goals to work towards. Mrs. Hamer will also work on the CQI plan for both the center and staff and documenting family and community engagement standard practices that the facility already practice. Both she and the staff were given information and website links to the QRIS modernization page as well as NCRLAP to further assist with this current process. If you have any questions please contact me. The following are those links listed above: https://ncrlap.org/ https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Mrs. Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor at janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov or (910) 709-4160 if you have questions. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-104L Visit Date: 9/25/2025 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 9/25/2025 Age: From 1 To 12 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 04:55 PM Time Out: 06:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns that there are violations of child care requirements regarding discipline and developmentally appropriate activities. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, and the outdoor environment were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Fire drills, medication administration, and storage of hazardous products were also monitored. No new staff have been hired since my last visit. Additionally, I observed the indoor spaces used by the children. Due to active precipitation, I could not monitor the outdoor space. I observed the teachers and children in the space used by the preschoolers during music and story time. No infants were present during the visit. A one year old was present and was observed during story time. Based on the information provided regarding concerns of the use of discipline, a child over the age of two was placed in a highchair to keep them from stepping on the infants during departure time. I interviewed three caregivers regarding the alleged inappropriate use of discipline. Staff A and Staff B both stated that they typically leave between 5:00pm-5:30pm depending on how many children are still at the center and that during that time they are with the older children in the space used by the preschool class. They both stated that on a typical day, the children in that space are outside playing until it is time to come in to use the restroom which is around 5. They both also stated that during that time they play music and read stories. They stated that when they are present there are no children younger than four in that space. Staff A stated that when the both of them leave for the day, they take the remaining children to Staff C in the unused space in front of the office as long as the ratios are met. Staff C stated that they have not witnessed or placed any child in a highchair during the last part of the day before families arrive. Based on the information provided regarding concerns of development appropriate activities, infants were in car seats waiting for their parents to arrive. Staff C stated that typically during the last 15-30 minutes of the day, they will have about three children left and that they will take them to the space in front of the office. Staff C stated that there has been a time when they have had an infant that was waiting for departure and they placed them in a car seat for about 15 minutes until the child’s parent arrived. I reviewed attendance for the sleep charts for the month of September, attendance as well as one staff file to monitor ITS-SIDS certification. Based on the above information the allegation regarding discipline was unsubstantiated. Based on the above information the allegation regarding developmentally appropriate activities was substantiated. The following violation was observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 447 For children under two years of age, time and space for sleeping, eating, toileting, diaper changing, and playing was not provided according to child's needs. A nine month old was placed in a car seat for the last 15 minutes of the day. .0511 (a) 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 documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 9, 2025 I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick P.O. Box 411 Lillington, NC 27546 Turkeshia.McCormick@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance was offered on developmentally appropriate activities for infants. While already having infants in car seats may be sometimes considered to be helpful for parents who arrive to pick up their children for departure, it is not a developmentally appropriate activity. You can spend the last portion of the day with children that age reading books, listening to music, giving tummy time to help build physical strength or singing, talking or exploring classroom materials. When we have the child in a car seat waiting and their belongings all ready to go and waiting, it can sometimes send a unwelcome message to the families. We want to be able to use every part of the day giving all children in our care an opportunity for creative play and experiences. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to monitor compliance with child care requirements. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Paul Lindsey. It is noted that the administrator, Roberta Jackson, was not present during the visit and Mr. Lindsey was the point of contact for the last portion of the day. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, at (919) 308-0895 or Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc,or Janet Edwards, Child Care Licensing Supervisor at janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0325-346L Visit Date: 4/1/2025 Number Present: 37 Completed Date: 4/1/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follow: There are concerns of violations of child care requirements. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, and the outdoor environment were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Fire drills, medication administration, and storage of hazardous products were also monitored. One new staff member has been hired since my last annual compliance visit and that file was reviewed and two violations were cited. I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children. Today’s menu consisted of ribs, cabbage, rice, peaches and milk. Based on information provided on March 25, 2025, there are concerns of violations of child care requirements. I interviewed Roberta Hamer, the Administrator, and two teachers regarding allegations during today’s visit. Mrs. Hamer stated that in the mornings the children from the infant and toddler spaces are grouped together with one teacher from the infant class until about 7:15 or 7:30. She stated that it starts out with about two children and when the number of children reaches five, then the teacher for the infants will take to the infants to their class and either the administrator or another staff member will stay with the remaining children if the teacher for the toddlers hasn’t arrived yet. Teacher A from the space used by the infants stated that when she begins her day at 6:30 each morning, there are typically two children from her class present and about two to three children from the toddler class present. She stated that the infant and toddler classes are usually combined each morning from 6:30 until about 7:15 to 7:30 depending on if another teacher has arrived or if the administrator takes over supervision of the toddlers. She stated that at that time, she takes the infants present, back to their class. Teacher B from the space used by the toddlers stated that there are about two children from her class present with two to three children from the infant class when she arrives each morning at around 7:15 or 7:30. The children present in the space from 6:30 to 7:30 each morning range in ages from 0-2. The teachers for the younger and older preschool children stay in their respective classes and are within ratio until the other staff arrive for the day. Teacher A stated that tummy time is offered each day through the day in the soft/cozy area. She stated that the nonmobile infants are placed on their stomachs and that toys such as soft books, manipulatives and other age-appropriate materials are brought to the child. She also stated that they use Alexa to play music called Toddler Time in the mornings during music and movement and also when they need to get the attention of all the children to calm the class down. She also stated that if nonmobile children are placed in bouncy seats or Boppy Pillows, they are rotated to a new activity within twenty minutes. During the visit I was able to observe the children in the spaces used by the infants, toddlers and preschoolers during mealtimes. I was also able to observe a proper diaper change and handwashing routines. Sign in and sign out sheets for each class for March 2025 were also reviewed. I also monitored each file for all of the children enrolled in the space used by the infants. Based on the interviews and observations, the allegations of child care requirements were unsubstantiated. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. T. Turner whose date of employment began on 2/6/2025 had not received orientation at the time of the visit. .1101(a) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. T. Turner who began employment on 2/6/2025 did not have a signed statement on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 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. On or before April 15, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 411, Lillington NC 27546. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance was offered on creating a system for staff that allows them to periodically check required documentation to ensure that the dates are valid and that all necessary information is included. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Roberta Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895 if you have questions. 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/26/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 8/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Roberta Hamer, onsite administrator, assisted me with the visit. I spoke with the administrator/owner, Estelle Lindsey via the telephone during the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 & 1/2 years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 26, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 10, 2024 earning a superior rating. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 20, 2023. The program compliance history was ninety-three (90) percent as of 8/25/2024. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled were observed in free play in the centers, outdoor play, participating in teacher directed activities and eating lunch. Infants were observed participating in free play, personal care routines and eating. Lunch was observed and consisted of chicken tenders, baked beans, rolls and milk. The following violations were observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Medication authorization for three infants was did not have the correct dosage amount. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Medical records for I. Donaldson and N. Smith were not on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. On or before September 10, 2024, (extra day given due to the holiday) 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 411, Lillington NC 27546. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance was also offered on playing music during free play or other group activities without an intended purpose. Sometimes when music is played in the background as a filler, it can take away the opportunity for meaningful conversations and interactions to take place. At other times it can cause the noise level in the classroom to be higher than normal because individuals have to speak over the music in order to be heard. Try limiting times when music is played to music/movement time, as a transitional prompt or during rest periods. Technical assistance was also offered on reviewing both staff and children’s records to ensure that all required documentation is on complete and on file. Try reviewing these files periodically to keep up with deadlines for trainings and any other pertinent information. We discussed the ERS process. Your facility has already completed the assessments. Once all of your staff have the required information uploaded into NC WORKS and have the letters on file, contact me to schedule your rated license visit. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Roberta Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor, 910-709-4160, janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/26/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 8/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Roberta Hamer, onsite administrator, assisted me with the visit. I spoke with the administrator/owner, Estelle Lindsey via the telephone during the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 & 1/2 years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 26, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 10, 2024 earning a superior rating. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 20, 2023. The program compliance history was ninety-three (90) percent as of 8/25/2024. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled were observed in free play in the centers, outdoor play, participating in teacher directed activities and eating lunch. Infants were observed participating in free play, personal care routines and eating. Lunch was observed and consisted of chicken tenders, baked beans, rolls and milk. The following violations were observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Medication authorization for three infants was did not have the correct dosage amount. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Medical records for I. Donaldson and N. Smith were not on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. On or before September 10, 2024, (extra day given due to the holiday) 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 411, Lillington NC 27546. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance was also offered on playing music during free play or other group activities without an intended purpose. Sometimes when music is played in the background as a filler, it can take away the opportunity for meaningful conversations and interactions to take place. At other times it can cause the noise level in the classroom to be higher than normal because individuals have to speak over the music in order to be heard. Try limiting times when music is played to music/movement time, as a transitional prompt or during rest periods. Technical assistance was also offered on reviewing both staff and children’s records to ensure that all required documentation is on complete and on file. Try reviewing these files periodically to keep up with deadlines for trainings and any other pertinent information. We discussed the ERS process. Your facility has already completed the assessments. Once all of your staff have the required information uploaded into NC WORKS and have the letters on file, contact me to schedule your rated license visit. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Roberta Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor, 910-709-4160, janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/26/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 8/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Roberta Hamer, onsite administrator, assisted me with the visit. I spoke with the administrator/owner, Estelle Lindsey via the telephone during the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 & 1/2 years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 26, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 10, 2024 earning a superior rating. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 20, 2023. The program compliance history was ninety-three (90) percent as of 8/25/2024. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled were observed in free play in the centers, outdoor play, participating in teacher directed activities and eating lunch. Infants were observed participating in free play, personal care routines and eating. Lunch was observed and consisted of chicken tenders, baked beans, rolls and milk. The following violations were observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Medication authorization for three infants was did not have the correct dosage amount. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Medical records for I. Donaldson and N. Smith were not on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. On or before September 10, 2024, (extra day given due to the holiday) 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 411, Lillington NC 27546. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance was also offered on playing music during free play or other group activities without an intended purpose. Sometimes when music is played in the background as a filler, it can take away the opportunity for meaningful conversations and interactions to take place. At other times it can cause the noise level in the classroom to be higher than normal because individuals have to speak over the music in order to be heard. Try limiting times when music is played to music/movement time, as a transitional prompt or during rest periods. Technical assistance was also offered on reviewing both staff and children’s records to ensure that all required documentation is on complete and on file. Try reviewing these files periodically to keep up with deadlines for trainings and any other pertinent information. We discussed the ERS process. Your facility has already completed the assessments. Once all of your staff have the required information uploaded into NC WORKS and have the letters on file, contact me to schedule your rated license visit. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Roberta Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor, 910-709-4160, janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/18/2024 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 4/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:20 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 1/2; years in classrooms with direct exits only. The center's compliance history was ninety-two (92%) percent as of 4/17/2024 and was reviewed with Mrs. Roberta Hamer, who assisted me with the visit. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on April 18, 2024, Estelle’s Child Care, Inc. was listed as current-active. The license was posted and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines such as handwashing and diapering and toileting. Infants in care were observed in tummy time and interacting with staff. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. One new staff member had been employed since my last visit. That staff member’s file was reviewed, and no violations were found. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Fire and sanitation inspections are current. Lunch consisted of meatballs, celery, carrots, french fries and milk. The following violation was observed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon my arrival, there was one 1 year old and eleven 2 year old's in the space used by the toddlers with one teacher. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 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 on or before May 2, 2024, 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 411, Lillington NC 27546. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Please note that because a violation was given regarding staff/child ratio, an unannounced follow-up visit will occur within the next two weeks. Technical assistance was also offered on providing staff other ways to call for assistance when needed. Two-way radios can be a good way for staff to communicate and ask for help when it is not feasible for them to leave the classrooms. In order to maintain staff/child ratios at all times, it is recommended that staff use the group system when performing tasks such as toileting and handwashing and transitioning for outdoor time. When staff take only one child to the restroom outside of the classroom, ensure that the staff in the class is in ratio for the youngest child in that group using the staff/child ratio sheet posted in each class. If it is possible one teacher may take at least half of the children present or at least the number of children that would leave the teacher in that space with the remaining children in ratio. An example of grouping can be if there are twelve two and three year old children enrolled with two staff, one staff member can take six children (group A) for routines and transitions and the other teacher can take the remaining six children (group B). When using this method be sure to include activities such as books or singing songs or games to reduce the amount of time there are waiting in line or waiting in general. As a reminder, T. McLeod will need to complete ITS-SIDS prior to working the space used by the infants. We discussed requesting Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessments in an effort to maintain the program's star rating. Resources such as Child Care Resource and Referral and Smart Start can be valuable when preparing for the ERS. “All about ECERS-R” and the NCRLAP website (www.ncrlap.org) can also be helpful as staff prepare for the ERS. On the NCRLAP website, there are training videos, sample questions and clarifying information regarding the assessments you may find helpful. Your facility is in Cohort 1 of the rated license process. Your prep year began 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Please consider contacting the Partners for Families and Children of Lee County for help with technical assistance, room arrangements, mock observations, self observations and in any other areas that will help prepare you for the assessments as well as increase/maintain the quality level of care that your staff provide. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Roberta Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor, 910-709-4160, janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/18/2024 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 4/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:20 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 1/2; years in classrooms with direct exits only. The center's compliance history was ninety-two (92%) percent as of 4/17/2024 and was reviewed with Mrs. Roberta Hamer, who assisted me with the visit. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on April 18, 2024, Estelle’s Child Care, Inc. was listed as current-active. The license was posted and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines such as handwashing and diapering and toileting. Infants in care were observed in tummy time and interacting with staff. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. One new staff member had been employed since my last visit. That staff member’s file was reviewed, and no violations were found. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Fire and sanitation inspections are current. Lunch consisted of meatballs, celery, carrots, french fries and milk. The following violation was observed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon my arrival, there was one 1 year old and eleven 2 year old's in the space used by the toddlers with one teacher. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 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 on or before May 2, 2024, 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 411, Lillington NC 27546. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Please note that because a violation was given regarding staff/child ratio, an unannounced follow-up visit will occur within the next two weeks. Technical assistance was also offered on providing staff other ways to call for assistance when needed. Two-way radios can be a good way for staff to communicate and ask for help when it is not feasible for them to leave the classrooms. In order to maintain staff/child ratios at all times, it is recommended that staff use the group system when performing tasks such as toileting and handwashing and transitioning for outdoor time. When staff take only one child to the restroom outside of the classroom, ensure that the staff in the class is in ratio for the youngest child in that group using the staff/child ratio sheet posted in each class. If it is possible one teacher may take at least half of the children present or at least the number of children that would leave the teacher in that space with the remaining children in ratio. An example of grouping can be if there are twelve two and three year old children enrolled with two staff, one staff member can take six children (group A) for routines and transitions and the other teacher can take the remaining six children (group B). When using this method be sure to include activities such as books or singing songs or games to reduce the amount of time there are waiting in line or waiting in general. As a reminder, T. McLeod will need to complete ITS-SIDS prior to working the space used by the infants. We discussed requesting Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessments in an effort to maintain the program's star rating. Resources such as Child Care Resource and Referral and Smart Start can be valuable when preparing for the ERS. “All about ECERS-R” and the NCRLAP website (www.ncrlap.org) can also be helpful as staff prepare for the ERS. On the NCRLAP website, there are training videos, sample questions and clarifying information regarding the assessments you may find helpful. Your facility is in Cohort 1 of the rated license process. Your prep year began 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Please consider contacting the Partners for Families and Children of Lee County for help with technical assistance, room arrangements, mock observations, self observations and in any other areas that will help prepare you for the assessments as well as increase/maintain the quality level of care that your staff provide. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Roberta Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor, 910-709-4160, janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/26/2023 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 9/26/2023 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 12:40 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Roberta Hamer, onsite director, assisted me with the visit. I spoke with the administrator/owner, Estelle Lindsey via the telephone during the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 ½ years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted October 31, 2022. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on September 20, 2023 earning a superior rating. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 28, 2022. The center email was previously listed in the DCDEE Regulatory system as BOOCHIE@WINDSTREAM.NET and was changed during the visit to estellechildcare@outlook.com. The program compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of 9/25/2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 26, 2023 and Estelle’s Child Care, Inc. was listed as current- active. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled were observed in free play in the centers, outdoor play, participating in teacher directed activities and routines such as diapering, toileting and handwashing and eating lunch. Lunch was observed and consisted of ground beef with noodles, corn, toss salad and milk. The following violations were observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Per the teacher report a child whose date of birth was 11/24/2022 is fed baby food and cheese puffs. The plan had not been updated. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Authorization for one child whose date of birth was 6/19/2022 did not include the amount to be administered, the length of time to be administered or the frequency of the dosage. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. First aid training expired for two employees on 9/17/2023 and 9/21/2023. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. CPR training expired for two employees on 9/17/2023 and 9/21/2023. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The facility conducted a lockdown drill on 3/3/3023 and again on 7/6/2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 on or before October 10, 2023, 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 411, Lillington NC 27546. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance was offered on reviewing both staff and children’s records to ensure that all required documentation is on complete and on file. Try reviewing these files periodically to keep up with deadlines for trainings and any other pertinent information. As a reminder, two employees have expired CPR/First Aid trainings and will need to complete the training as soon as possible. We discussed requesting Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessments in an effort to maintain the program's star rating. Resources such as Child Care Resource and Referral and Smart Start can be valuable when preparing for the ERS. “All about ECERS-R” and the NCRLAP website (www.ncrlap.org) can also be helpful as staff prepare for the ERS. On the NCRLAP website, there are training videos, sample questions and clarifying information regarding the assessments you may find helpful. Your facility is in Cohort 1 of the rated license process. Your prep year will begin 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Please consider contacting the Partners for Families and Children of Lee County for help with technical assistance, room arrangements, mock observations, self observations and in any other areas that will help prepare you for the assessments as well as increase/maintain the quality level of care that your staff provide. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Roberta Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor, 910-709-4160, janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/26/2023 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 9/26/2023 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 12:40 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Roberta Hamer, onsite director, assisted me with the visit. I spoke with the administrator/owner, Estelle Lindsey via the telephone during the visit. The facility operated with a Four-Star License, issued March 6, 2019, earning four (4) points in the education component and six (6) points in the program. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios and children under 2 ½ years in classrooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted October 31, 2022. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on September 20, 2023 earning a superior rating. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 28, 2022. The center email was previously listed in the DCDEE Regulatory system as BOOCHIE@WINDSTREAM.NET and was changed during the visit to estellechildcare@outlook.com. The program compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of 9/25/2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 26, 2023 and Estelle’s Child Care, Inc. was listed as current- active. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled were observed in free play in the centers, outdoor play, participating in teacher directed activities and routines such as diapering, toileting and handwashing and eating lunch. Lunch was observed and consisted of ground beef with noodles, corn, toss salad and milk. The following violations were observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Per the teacher report a child whose date of birth was 11/24/2022 is fed baby food and cheese puffs. The plan had not been updated. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Authorization for one child whose date of birth was 6/19/2022 did not include the amount to be administered, the length of time to be administered or the frequency of the dosage. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. First aid training expired for two employees on 9/17/2023 and 9/21/2023. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. CPR training expired for two employees on 9/17/2023 and 9/21/2023. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The facility conducted a lockdown drill on 3/3/3023 and again on 7/6/2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 on or before October 10, 2023, 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. Mail or email the information to: Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 411, Lillington NC 27546. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance was offered on reviewing both staff and children’s records to ensure that all required documentation is on complete and on file. Try reviewing these files periodically to keep up with deadlines for trainings and any other pertinent information. As a reminder, two employees have expired CPR/First Aid trainings and will need to complete the training as soon as possible. We discussed requesting Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessments in an effort to maintain the program's star rating. Resources such as Child Care Resource and Referral and Smart Start can be valuable when preparing for the ERS. “All about ECERS-R” and the NCRLAP website (www.ncrlap.org) can also be helpful as staff prepare for the ERS. On the NCRLAP website, there are training videos, sample questions and clarifying information regarding the assessments you may find helpful. Your facility is in Cohort 1 of the rated license process. Your prep year will begin 7/1/2023-6/30/2024. Please consider contacting the Partners for Families and Children of Lee County for help with technical assistance, room arrangements, mock observations, self observations and in any other areas that will help prepare you for the assessments as well as increase/maintain the quality level of care that your staff provide. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with Roberta Hamer. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor, 910-709-4160, janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: ESTELLE'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 53000316 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0823-330L Visit Date: 8/29/2023 Number Present: 33 Completed Date: 8/29/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 03:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. I reviewed the allegation with the director, Estelle Lindsey via telephone, and she was given the opportunity to respond. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns the children are not being changed in a timely manner or when they are wet or soiled. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, the license and emergency care plan were posted. Fire drills, medication administration, and storage of hazardous products were also monitored. There have been no new staff since my last visit. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor spaces used by the children, A total of thirty-three children were present. I observed the educators and children in the classrooms used by the infants, toddlers and preschoolers during nap time and routines such as handwashing and diapering and toileting. Today’s menu consisted of spaghetti, broccoli, strawberries and cantaloupe, rolls and milk. Based on information provided on August 24, 2023, the children were not being changed in a timely manner or when they were wet or soiled. I interviewed the director via telephone and two staff members. The onsite assistant director was absent during the visit and I was not able to reach her via telephone. During my interview with the director, she stated that the facility does not allow the families to bring in any diaper creams other than fanny cream which is usually requested at the counter of the local pharmacies. She said that if the families bring in any other kind then it is not used and that a permission form must accompany the fanny cream if it is brought in. She stated that to her knowledge there have not been any incidents that have required a child to need diaper cream applied and that she has not been made aware of any incidents by the staff. She stated that the teachers are required to check the children's diapers every 1 1/2 to 2 hours and when needed in between. She stated that there is a dry erase board in the space used by the infants that is supposed to be used to document the daily diaper changes. During my interview with Teacher A, she stated that she performs diaper checks every hour and when needed in between. She stated that she does not document those checks. She stated that she was told by the director that they are not allowed to use diaper cream for the children unless it has a doctor’s note. During the observation, they were napping and when asked when was the last time she last changed each child, she stated before each child went to sleep and that she would change them once they get up from nap. According to her, there have not been any recent incidents in which she noticed that diaper cream may have been needed to be applied. During the interview with Teacher B, she stated that she will check and change the children every hour. She stated that she if she checks a child that she will feel the diaper and it t feels like it should be changed then she will change it. She also stated that she is not aware of any incidents were diaper cream was needed and that it had not been applied. During the visit, I was able to observe a diaper check prior to a child leaving early for the day as well as diaper changes once the children woke up from nap. I also checked the children’s cubbies and none had diaper creams in the children’s bags nor was there any in the classroom. Based on the above information, this allegation was unsubstantiated. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. There was a tray with three leftover plates from the children's lunch on top of the changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. At the beginning of my observation at 12:35 pm in the space used by the infants, a ten month old was not visually checked until 1:00 pm. .0606(g) Because the violations documented above were corrected during the visit, a compliance letter is not required at this time. 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. Your compliance history was ninety-nine (99) prior to today’s visit. Technical assistance was offered on ensuring that information is shared with the parents/families on a daily basis about how the child’s day has gone. Although information is shared verbally, it is also helpful to share information using daily notes. Information on these notes can include the times and amount of diaper changes, feeding/eating times and what was served, how often and how long the child napped, and how the child’s day went. This documentation can really be helpful in instances when someone other than the regular point of contact picks the child up or if the child has issues or incidents when they leave the center. It can help explain behaviors. It also can be helpful when substitutes or floaters come into the class to help. Technical assistance was also offered on the proper diaper changing procedures which are as follows: (1) gathering supplies before placing child on diapering surface; (2) donning disposable gloves (if needed); (3) using disposable towelette or moistened paper towel to clean child, wiping front to back; (4) disposing of gloves if used, soiled towelettes and diaper in a plastic-lined, covered receptacle; (5) wiping hands with disposable towelette or moistened paper towel; (6) sliding a clean diaper under the child, applying diapering products (if needed) using facial or toilet tissue, discarding the tissue in a plastic-lined, covered receptacle; (7) fastening the diaper and placing clothing on child; (8) washing child's hands in accordance with Rule .2803 of this Section, or, if child is unable to support her or his head, cleaning the child's hands with a disposable towelette or moistened paper towel, then drying the child's hands and returning the child to a supervised area; (9) spraying entire diapering surface with detergent solution and wipe clean, using disposable paper towels; (10) spraying entire diapering surface with approved disinfecting solution and allowing to remain on the surface for two minutes or as specified by the manufacturer, or air dry; and (11) washing hands in accordance with Rule .2803 of this Section even if disposable gloves are used by the caregiver. Technical assistance was also offered on ensuring that children be allowed to receive diaper/fanny creams if and when needed. Every child’s body chemistry is different and there may be times when the bottom area needs ointment or another type of medication to be applied or at the parents discretion. When over the counter medications such as diaper creams and sunscreens are used/needed, an over the counter medication permission form should be filled out completely by the parent/guardian and kept with the medication and properly stored within the classroom. The permission forms can be found on the DCDEE website. When completing the forms be sure that the correct name of the medication is used as well as the dosage. Instead of saying that a small amount should be applied, it should be more specific and say dime or quarter size for instance. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with the Quanik James, the onsite administrative assistant. The visit summary was also reviewed with the director via telephone. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, @ (910) 308-0895 or Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov or Janet Edwards at, Janet Edwards, Licensing Supervisor, 910-709-4160, janet.edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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