Shooting Stars Learning Center

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/15/2025 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 9/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 140 Time In: 09:00 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. Lori Castonguay, administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Five-Star License, issued March 20, 2023, earning six points in the education component, six points in the program component and one quality point for complying with the programmatic option. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space and ratios and children under 2 ½ years old in classrooms with direct exits only. The program’s compliance history ninety-five (95%) percent as of 9/14/2025 and was reviewed with the administrator during the visit. The NC Secretary of State website was also reviewed during the visit and SSLC, LLC. 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 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, outdoor play, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Infants present were observed during free play, feedings and personal care routines. Breakfast consisted of cheerios, bananas and milk. Two (2) new staff has been employed since my last visit. Those files were 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. The following violations observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. A nine month old did not have their hands washed prior to being given a bottle. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. A staff member did not wash their hands prior to giving a nine month old a bottle during feeding. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. An outlet located by a crib the space used by the infants was not covered. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) A compliance letter is not required at this time because the violations were corrected during the visit. 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 when and how to wash an infant and toddlers ands. They should be washed upon arrival, before and after infant receives bottle or food, after diapering, after contact with body fluids, after outside play, before and after water play and whenever hands are visibly dirty. For infants who are unable to hold head up or stand at sink, or the infant is too heavy for you to hold at sink. Wash the infants hands with disposable wipes or use the three towel method (prepared ahead): 1. dampened and soapy for washing infant’s hands 2. dampened with water for rinsing infant’s hands 3. dry for drying infant’s hands. Then finally wash your hands. If children are able to stand and the sink with assistance, then you should follow the regular handwashing procedures. Remember that the staff must wash their hands the same as the children. Even in between bottle feeding to avoid cross contamination. Technical assistance was also offered on incorporating themes into the classroom environments in order to make it a part of learning through out the day and not just during group time. For example, when letters of the alphabet are part of the weekly lesson, if possible place everyday objects, pictures or materials within the centers. This can enhance their learning experiences as well as help develop their vocabulary. As a reminder there will be a director's meeting on September 23, 2025 at 12:00pm at the Partners for Families and Children of Lee County to discuss the QRIS Modernization Pathways to the Stars. If you have not registered already and would like to do so, please contact PFC at (919) 774-9496. 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 Lori Castonguay. You can contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@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: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/15/2025 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 9/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 140 Time In: 09:00 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. Lori Castonguay, administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Five-Star License, issued March 20, 2023, earning six points in the education component, six points in the program component and one quality point for complying with the programmatic option. License restrictions include first and second shift, meets enhanced space and ratios and children under 2 ½ years old in classrooms with direct exits only. The program’s compliance history ninety-five (95%) percent as of 9/14/2025 and was reviewed with the administrator during the visit. The NC Secretary of State website was also reviewed during the visit and SSLC, LLC. 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 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, outdoor play, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Infants present were observed during free play, feedings and personal care routines. Breakfast consisted of cheerios, bananas and milk. Two (2) new staff has been employed since my last visit. Those files were 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. The following violations observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. A nine month old did not have their hands washed prior to being given a bottle. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. A staff member did not wash their hands prior to giving a nine month old a bottle during feeding. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. An outlet located by a crib the space used by the infants was not covered. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) A compliance letter is not required at this time because the violations were corrected during the visit. 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 when and how to wash an infant and toddlers ands. They should be washed upon arrival, before and after infant receives bottle or food, after diapering, after contact with body fluids, after outside play, before and after water play and whenever hands are visibly dirty. For infants who are unable to hold head up or stand at sink, or the infant is too heavy for you to hold at sink. Wash the infants hands with disposable wipes or use the three towel method (prepared ahead): 1. dampened and soapy for washing infant’s hands 2. dampened with water for rinsing infant’s hands 3. dry for drying infant’s hands. Then finally wash your hands. If children are able to stand and the sink with assistance, then you should follow the regular handwashing procedures. Remember that the staff must wash their hands the same as the children. Even in between bottle feeding to avoid cross contamination. Technical assistance was also offered on incorporating themes into the classroom environments in order to make it a part of learning through out the day and not just during group time. For example, when letters of the alphabet are part of the weekly lesson, if possible place everyday objects, pictures or materials within the centers. This can enhance their learning experiences as well as help develop their vocabulary. As a reminder there will be a director's meeting on September 23, 2025 at 12:00pm at the Partners for Families and Children of Lee County to discuss the QRIS Modernization Pathways to the Stars. If you have not registered already and would like to do so, please contact PFC at (919) 774-9496. 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 Lori Castonguay. You can contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@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: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:25 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 license visit. The assistant director, Jewel Castonguay, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Five-Star License, issued March 20, 2023, earning six points in the education component, six points in the program component and one quality point for complying with the programmatic option. License restrictions include daytime care only, meets enhanced space and children under 2 ½ years old in classrooms with direct exits only. The program compliance history was ninety-eight (98) percent as of 3/13/2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 14, 2024 and SSLC, LLC was listed as current- active. The last annual compliance was March 14, 2024. The facility’s last sanitation inspection was 12/16/2024 and received ten demerits with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was on 4/12/2024. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95) percent as of 2/12/2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/13/2025 and SSLC, LLC. was listed as current- active. I visited each indoor space. Due to active precipitation, I was not able to visit the outdoor spaces. Children enrolled were observed during teacher directed activities, free play, routines such as diapering, toileting and handwashing, meals and nap/resting time. You stated that the Dial 4 screenings have been completed. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year and have been completed for this school year. The first day of school was 8/30/2024. The classroom operates from 7:30am to 2:30 pm. Parent conferences are held three times per year. You stated that you use the Class DoJo app to communicate with parents. In addition to face to face reports when possible, a daily report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day and any reminders. Lunch was observed and consisted of corn dog, mixed vegetables, mandarin oranges, rolls, and milk. The following violations were cited during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. Upon my arrival into the space used by the infants, a ten month old was asleep in a crib and it had not been documented. .0606(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. Technical Assistance was the importance of monitoring and documenting the infants while they are in their crib. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the leading cause of deaths in infants one month to twelve months old. It is very important that when infants are placed in their cribs that you document what time you did so, if they were awake or asleep and what position they were in. You also need to check to for normal breathing, skin color, signs of overheating or distress. Place on the back to sleep, ensure that the sheets are fitted with no loose areas, keep the crib free of toys, pillows and extra blankets. Be sure to respond to the infant’s cries. Please remember to have the staff submit their most recent transcripts to WORKS for evaluation and once the letters are received place them in their files. 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 Jewel Castonguay. Contact me at Turkeshia McCormick, Child Care Consultant, 910-308-0895, Turkeshia.mccormick@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-283L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 57 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:30 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. I reviewed the allegation with the administrator, Lori Castonguay and she was given the opportunity to respond. The allegations are as follows: Children do not receive outdoor time as required. The playground for 2 and 3-year-old children is not clean and some toys are in disrepair. Infants and toddlers are temporarily allowed to use this playground. It is unsafe. 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. No new staff have been employed since my last visit. I observed the indoor and outdoor spaces used by the children, A total of fifty-seven (57) children were present. I observed the educators and children in the classroom used by the preschoolers in free play, outdoor play and transitioning from outdoor play to lunch including handwashing and toileting routines. Infants were observed during tummy time and free play. Lunch consisted of fish sticks, green beans, mandarin oranges and milk. Based on information provided on, October 23, 2024, I interviewed the administrator and four staff members. During my interview with the administrator, she stated that because of the recent hurricanes the playgrounds had flooding and that the children had not been able to go outside during that period. She stated that as of right now the playground used for the infants and toddlers is not in use because of the disassembled tree house that she has not been able to remove yet. She also stated that the staff had not been told to not take the children outside but that they could use the one of the other two playgrounds until the treehouse can be removed. She stated that she would be able to have the play tree house removed this coming Sunday. During my interview with Teacher A, she stated she takes the children in that class outside for outdoor play in the afternoon when it cools down. She also stated that the playground that is designated for the infants and toddlers had flooding due to the recent Hurricane and that the toddler class was using the playground for the children in the preschool class. She stated that when the infants go outside, they still use the playground for the infants and toddlers but that they stay on a mat with toys. According to the class schedule that is posted outdoor play is from 8:15-9:15 each morning. During my interview with Teacher B, when asked if the class had already gone outside for the day, she replied that they would “probably go out this afternoon”. The daily schedule for that class reads that outdoor play is from 8:15-9:15 in the morning. During my interview with Teacher C, she stated that children in that class do not go outside everyday because of the five (5) children that are enrolled only two (2) can sit so it is hard for her to get them outside using the evacuation crib. During my interview with Teacher D, she stated that the children in her class had already gone outside for the day and that they typically go outside every morning between 8:15-9:15. The class schedule states that outdoor play is 8:15-9:15 every morning. I reviewed each class schedule and monitored each playground. The playground used for infant and toddlers, had a play tree hose that was dissembled and a water hose on it. The playground used for the preschoolers had two playhouses that had mold and green moss on the rooftops of them. Based on the above information, these allegations were substantiated. The following violation was observed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The teacher in the space used by the infants reported that she does not take children in that class outdoors every day because only two can sit up on their own. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There is a broken play tree house and a water hose on the playground used by the infants and toddlers. A teacher reported that at times the children in the space used by the infants use that play ground. There are two playhouses on the playground used by the preschoolers that have mold and green moss on the rooftops. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(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. Your compliance history was ninety-seven percent (97%) prior to today’s visit. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 7, 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 the allegation was substantiated, an Administrative Action may be issued and a follow-up visit will be conducted within two weeks from today’s visit. Technical assistance was discussed regarding the importance of periodically cleaning the outside playhouses and other toys to remove dirt build up as well as to prevent bacteria, germs, mold and other harmful particles from clinging to the surface. Also, you stated that you administer sunscreen for one child so please remember to update forms for permission to administer topical ointment/lotion/powder at least annually. Technical assistance was also offered on gross motor play and the importance of outdoor play. Being outside gives infants and toddlers lots of time and opportunity to develop their large motor skills, to freely crawl, toddle, walk, climb, run, and move their bodies through space in new and different ways. This improves their overall fitness and is an important defense against childhood obesity. On the days where outdoor play is not possible due to inclement weather or a weather advisory, every effort should be made to offer the children opportunities for gross motor movement indoors. Use google or Pinterest to search for indoor gross motor movement activities for infants to give you some ideas on what to do on those days where outdoor play is not an option. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with the administrator, Lori Castonguay. 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

10A NCAC 09 . 0508 · Violation

Name of Operation: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-283L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 57 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:30 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. I reviewed the allegation with the administrator, Lori Castonguay and she was given the opportunity to respond. The allegations are as follows: Children do not receive outdoor time as required. The playground for 2 and 3-year-old children is not clean and some toys are in disrepair. Infants and toddlers are temporarily allowed to use this playground. It is unsafe. 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. No new staff have been employed since my last visit. I observed the indoor and outdoor spaces used by the children, A total of fifty-seven (57) children were present. I observed the educators and children in the classroom used by the preschoolers in free play, outdoor play and transitioning from outdoor play to lunch including handwashing and toileting routines. Infants were observed during tummy time and free play. Lunch consisted of fish sticks, green beans, mandarin oranges and milk. Based on information provided on, October 23, 2024, I interviewed the administrator and four staff members. During my interview with the administrator, she stated that because of the recent hurricanes the playgrounds had flooding and that the children had not been able to go outside during that period. She stated that as of right now the playground used for the infants and toddlers is not in use because of the disassembled tree house that she has not been able to remove yet. She also stated that the staff had not been told to not take the children outside but that they could use the one of the other two playgrounds until the treehouse can be removed. She stated that she would be able to have the play tree house removed this coming Sunday. During my interview with Teacher A, she stated she takes the children in that class outside for outdoor play in the afternoon when it cools down. She also stated that the playground that is designated for the infants and toddlers had flooding due to the recent Hurricane and that the toddler class was using the playground for the children in the preschool class. She stated that when the infants go outside, they still use the playground for the infants and toddlers but that they stay on a mat with toys. According to the class schedule that is posted outdoor play is from 8:15-9:15 each morning. During my interview with Teacher B, when asked if the class had already gone outside for the day, she replied that they would “probably go out this afternoon”. The daily schedule for that class reads that outdoor play is from 8:15-9:15 in the morning. During my interview with Teacher C, she stated that children in that class do not go outside everyday because of the five (5) children that are enrolled only two (2) can sit so it is hard for her to get them outside using the evacuation crib. During my interview with Teacher D, she stated that the children in her class had already gone outside for the day and that they typically go outside every morning between 8:15-9:15. The class schedule states that outdoor play is 8:15-9:15 every morning. I reviewed each class schedule and monitored each playground. The playground used for infant and toddlers, had a play tree hose that was dissembled and a water hose on it. The playground used for the preschoolers had two playhouses that had mold and green moss on the rooftops of them. Based on the above information, these allegations were substantiated. The following violation was observed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The teacher in the space used by the infants reported that she does not take children in that class outdoors every day because only two can sit up on their own. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There is a broken play tree house and a water hose on the playground used by the infants and toddlers. A teacher reported that at times the children in the space used by the infants use that play ground. There are two playhouses on the playground used by the preschoolers that have mold and green moss on the rooftops. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(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. Your compliance history was ninety-seven percent (97%) prior to today’s visit. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 7, 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 the allegation was substantiated, an Administrative Action may be issued and a follow-up visit will be conducted within two weeks from today’s visit. Technical assistance was discussed regarding the importance of periodically cleaning the outside playhouses and other toys to remove dirt build up as well as to prevent bacteria, germs, mold and other harmful particles from clinging to the surface. Also, you stated that you administer sunscreen for one child so please remember to update forms for permission to administer topical ointment/lotion/powder at least annually. Technical assistance was also offered on gross motor play and the importance of outdoor play. Being outside gives infants and toddlers lots of time and opportunity to develop their large motor skills, to freely crawl, toddle, walk, climb, run, and move their bodies through space in new and different ways. This improves their overall fitness and is an important defense against childhood obesity. On the days where outdoor play is not possible due to inclement weather or a weather advisory, every effort should be made to offer the children opportunities for gross motor movement indoors. Use google or Pinterest to search for indoor gross motor movement activities for infants to give you some ideas on what to do on those days where outdoor play is not an option. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with the administrator, Lori Castonguay. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-283L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 57 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:30 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. I reviewed the allegation with the administrator, Lori Castonguay and she was given the opportunity to respond. The allegations are as follows: Children do not receive outdoor time as required. The playground for 2 and 3-year-old children is not clean and some toys are in disrepair. Infants and toddlers are temporarily allowed to use this playground. It is unsafe. 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. No new staff have been employed since my last visit. I observed the indoor and outdoor spaces used by the children, A total of fifty-seven (57) children were present. I observed the educators and children in the classroom used by the preschoolers in free play, outdoor play and transitioning from outdoor play to lunch including handwashing and toileting routines. Infants were observed during tummy time and free play. Lunch consisted of fish sticks, green beans, mandarin oranges and milk. Based on information provided on, October 23, 2024, I interviewed the administrator and four staff members. During my interview with the administrator, she stated that because of the recent hurricanes the playgrounds had flooding and that the children had not been able to go outside during that period. She stated that as of right now the playground used for the infants and toddlers is not in use because of the disassembled tree house that she has not been able to remove yet. She also stated that the staff had not been told to not take the children outside but that they could use the one of the other two playgrounds until the treehouse can be removed. She stated that she would be able to have the play tree house removed this coming Sunday. During my interview with Teacher A, she stated she takes the children in that class outside for outdoor play in the afternoon when it cools down. She also stated that the playground that is designated for the infants and toddlers had flooding due to the recent Hurricane and that the toddler class was using the playground for the children in the preschool class. She stated that when the infants go outside, they still use the playground for the infants and toddlers but that they stay on a mat with toys. According to the class schedule that is posted outdoor play is from 8:15-9:15 each morning. During my interview with Teacher B, when asked if the class had already gone outside for the day, she replied that they would “probably go out this afternoon”. The daily schedule for that class reads that outdoor play is from 8:15-9:15 in the morning. During my interview with Teacher C, she stated that children in that class do not go outside everyday because of the five (5) children that are enrolled only two (2) can sit so it is hard for her to get them outside using the evacuation crib. During my interview with Teacher D, she stated that the children in her class had already gone outside for the day and that they typically go outside every morning between 8:15-9:15. The class schedule states that outdoor play is 8:15-9:15 every morning. I reviewed each class schedule and monitored each playground. The playground used for infant and toddlers, had a play tree hose that was dissembled and a water hose on it. The playground used for the preschoolers had two playhouses that had mold and green moss on the rooftops of them. Based on the above information, these allegations were substantiated. The following violation was observed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 498 For children under 2 years of age, a minimum of 30 minutes of outdoor time throughout the day either as part of a small group, whole group, or individual activity was not provided. The teacher in the space used by the infants reported that she does not take children in that class outdoors every day because only two can sit up on their own. 10A NCAC 09 . 0508(c) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There is a broken play tree house and a water hose on the playground used by the infants and toddlers. A teacher reported that at times the children in the space used by the infants use that play ground. There are two playhouses on the playground used by the preschoolers that have mold and green moss on the rooftops. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(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. Your compliance history was ninety-seven percent (97%) prior to today’s visit. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 7, 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 the allegation was substantiated, an Administrative Action may be issued and a follow-up visit will be conducted within two weeks from today’s visit. Technical assistance was discussed regarding the importance of periodically cleaning the outside playhouses and other toys to remove dirt build up as well as to prevent bacteria, germs, mold and other harmful particles from clinging to the surface. Also, you stated that you administer sunscreen for one child so please remember to update forms for permission to administer topical ointment/lotion/powder at least annually. Technical assistance was also offered on gross motor play and the importance of outdoor play. Being outside gives infants and toddlers lots of time and opportunity to develop their large motor skills, to freely crawl, toddle, walk, climb, run, and move their bodies through space in new and different ways. This improves their overall fitness and is an important defense against childhood obesity. On the days where outdoor play is not possible due to inclement weather or a weather advisory, every effort should be made to offer the children opportunities for gross motor movement indoors. Use google or Pinterest to search for indoor gross motor movement activities for infants to give you some ideas on what to do on those days where outdoor play is not an option. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with the administrator, Lori Castonguay. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/23/2024 Number Present: 48 Completed Date: 9/23/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:35 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. Lori Castonguay, administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Five-Star License, issued March 20, 2023, earning six points in the education component, six points in the program component and one quality point for complying with the programmatic option. License restrictions include daytime care only, meets enhanced space and children under 2 ½ years old in classrooms with direct exits only. The program’s compliance history ninety-eight (98%) percent as of 9/22/2024 and was reviewed with the administrator during the visit. The NC Secretary of State website was also reviewed during the visit and SSLC, L. 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 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, outdoor play, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Infants present were observed during mealtime and nap time. Lunch was observed and consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, fruit cocktail, corn and milk. Four new staff has been employed since my last visit. Those files were 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. The following violations observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 537 Baby food that had been opened was not covered, labeled with date opened, properly refrigerated and/or used within two days of opening. Three bottles in the refrigerator in the space used by the infants were not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d)&(g) 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. Two infants did not have their hands washed prior to being bottle fed. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. The teacher in the space used by the infants did not wash their hands in between bottle feeding two infants. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) Because the violations 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. Technical assistance was offered on when and how to wash an infant and toddlers ands. They should be washed upon arrival, before and after infant receives bottle or food, after diapering, after contact with body fluids, after outside play, before and after water play and whenever hands are visibly dirty. For infants who are unable to hold head up or stand at sink, or the infant is too heavy for you to hold at sink. Wash the infants hands with disposable wipes or use the three towel method (prepared ahead): 1. dampened and soapy for washing infant’s hands 2. dampened with water for rinsing infant’s hands 3. dry for drying infant’s hands. Then finally wash your hands. If children are able to stand and the sink with assistance, then you should follow the regular handwashing procedures. Remember that the staff must wash their hands the same as the children. Even in between bottle feeding to avoid cross contamination. Technical assistance was also offered on lowering the children’s artwork in the classrooms to their eyelevel. They may have a hard time seeing and enjoying their own work if it is displayed at a higher level. By placing the artwork at their eye level, it also increases the opportunity to have personal conversations with the children about their display. 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 Lori Castonguay. 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 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/14/2024 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 3/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in the spaces where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. Lori Castonguay, administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Five-Star License, issued March 20, 2023, earning six points in the education component, six points in the program component and one quality point for complying with the programmatic option. License restrictions include daytime care only, meets enhanced space and children under 2 ½ years old in classrooms with direct exits only. The program compliance history was ninety-eight (98) percent as of 3/13/2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 14, 2024 and SSLC, LLC was listed as current- active. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 17, 2023 earning a superior rating. The last fire inspection was conducted on April 18, 2023. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled in the spaces used for the toddlers and preschoolers were observed in outdoor play, free play in the centers, participating in teacher directed activities, routines such as handwashing and diapering and toileting and eating lunch. The children enrolled in the space used by the infants were observed in tummy time, napping and routines. Lunch was observed and consisted of peanut butter sandwiches on wheat bread, green beans, peaches and milk. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. You stated that you have completed the Dial 4 assessment screenings. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. The checkpoint assessments are scheduled three times per year at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The first day of school was 8/28/2023. The classroom operates from 7:30am to 2:30 pm. Parent conferences are to be held three times per year. You stated that you use the Class DoJo app to communicate with parents. In addition to face to face reports when possible, a daily report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day and any reminders. The last environment rating scale scores were received on 7/20/2017(5.22) and 7/20/2017(5.77). The following violation was observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The space used by the infants had four infants under one present with one staff member who had not completed the training. .01102 (f) 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 reviewing staff training prior to classroom teaching assignments to ensure that staff have to proper and/or required trainings needed prior to changing classes. This also ensures that if staff have not yet received the required/desired trainings, then another staff member with those trainings is in place to assist or work alongside them. As a reminder, staff members working in the spaces used by the infants must complete ITS-SIDS training. If the staff member working in the space is new, then they must complete the training within two months of employment and must be accompanied in the classroom at all times by someone who has completed the training. 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 and will continue until 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 Lori Castonguay. 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: SHOOTING STARS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 53000354 Consultant: TURKESHIA MCCORMICK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/14/2024 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 3/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in the spaces where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. Lori Castonguay, administrator, assisted me with the visit. The facility operated with a Five-Star License, issued March 20, 2023, earning six points in the education component, six points in the program component and one quality point for complying with the programmatic option. License restrictions include daytime care only, meets enhanced space and children under 2 ½ years old in classrooms with direct exits only. The program compliance history was ninety-eight (98) percent as of 3/13/2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 14, 2024 and SSLC, LLC was listed as current- active. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on July 17, 2023 earning a superior rating. The last fire inspection was conducted on April 18, 2023. I visited each indoor and outdoor space. Children enrolled in the spaces used for the toddlers and preschoolers were observed in outdoor play, free play in the centers, participating in teacher directed activities, routines such as handwashing and diapering and toileting and eating lunch. The children enrolled in the space used by the infants were observed in tummy time, napping and routines. Lunch was observed and consisted of peanut butter sandwiches on wheat bread, green beans, peaches and milk. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. You stated that you have completed the Dial 4 assessment screenings. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. The checkpoint assessments are scheduled three times per year at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The first day of school was 8/28/2023. The classroom operates from 7:30am to 2:30 pm. Parent conferences are to be held three times per year. You stated that you use the Class DoJo app to communicate with parents. In addition to face to face reports when possible, a daily report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day and any reminders. The last environment rating scale scores were received on 7/20/2017(5.22) and 7/20/2017(5.77). The following violation was observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The space used by the infants had four infants under one present with one staff member who had not completed the training. .01102 (f) 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 reviewing staff training prior to classroom teaching assignments to ensure that staff have to proper and/or required trainings needed prior to changing classes. This also ensures that if staff have not yet received the required/desired trainings, then another staff member with those trainings is in place to assist or work alongside them. As a reminder, staff members working in the spaces used by the infants must complete ITS-SIDS training. If the staff member working in the space is new, then they must complete the training within two months of employment and must be accompanied in the classroom at all times by someone who has completed the training. 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 and will continue until 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 Lori Castonguay. 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