Tree OF Knowledge Daycare Center

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/23/2026 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 6/23/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Administrative Action follow up visit after a Written Warning was issued to the facility by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) on March 27, 2026. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the cook, M. Serrano Gomez. The administrator, Ms. Hicks, was present. Limited monitoring of the child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The license was posted. A copy of the Administrative Action (AA) and Corrective Action Plan (CAP) were also posted. I monitored the required postings, attendance logs, safe sleep logs, supervision, capacity, and staff/child ratios requirements, and the storage of hazardous products. I was unaccompanied as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. A total of thirty-four (34) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during free choice, lunch, and completing routine care tasks. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Patter Requirements. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menus posted were dated for the month of May 2026. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A staff member with a hire date of December 8, 2025, did not complete a criminal background check prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. A staff record for one (1) employee was not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member with a hire date of December 8, 2025, did not have a valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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. The administrator failed to notify the division of a staff member that was hired on December 8, 2025, within five days of hire. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 81%. COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By July 7, 2026, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 REVIEW OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: STIPULATION 1: The facility is not in compliance with this stipulation. During today’s visit, five (5) violations were observed and documented regarding program records and staff files. STIPULATION 2: The facility was determined to be in compliance with this stipulation. The Administrative Action was received on April 9, 2026, and the facility's written policies and procedures were received on April 14, 2026. On April 22, 2026, modifications were requested, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 1, 2026. Additional modifications were requested on May 8, 2026, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 11, 2026. On May 13, 2026, additional modifications were requested, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 29, 2026. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified by telephone and electronically that the written policy and procedures were deemed sufficient. STIPULATION 3: The facility is partially in compliance with this stipulation. The administrative action was received on April 9, 2026. On April 14, 2026, a written plan addressing staff and program files was received. Following review, revisions were requested on April 22, 2026, and a revised written plan was received on May 1, 2026. On May 8, 2026, additional modifications were requested, and a revised written plan was received on May 29, 2026. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified by telephone and electronically that the written plan was deemed sufficient. However, three (3) violations regarding staff files were observed and documented during today’s visit. STIPULATION 4: The facility is in compliance with this stipulation. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified that Stipulations 2 and 3 were deemed sufficient and that the facility could proceed with Stipulation 4. On June 15, 2026, Ms. Hicks submitted documentation verifying that a staff meeting was conducted on June 13, 2026. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, I observed Mayra Serrano Gomez working at the facility. Ms. Serrano Gomez has not yet been qualified to work with children, and no qualification letter has been issued. Per North Carolina G.S. 110-90.2(b) a criminal record check shall be completed prior to employment. In addition, a valid qualification letter must be on file and available for review at the facility as stated in Child Care Requirement .2703(e). I stated that Ms. Serrano Gomez must leave the facility and may not return until a valid qualification letter is obtained. Please remember to submit a copy to me as part of your corrective action letter. ABCMS/CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM: During today's visit, a review of the ABCMS system determined that Ms. Hicks had not completed the training in Moodle and/or all staff working in the licensed child care center have not linked their application to this facility. Initial information was sent in October/November 2024 and was also shared in the Raise NC newsletter. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Please note that no action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. The information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-4401 and someone will assist you. During today’s visit, I explained to Ms. Hicks that she submitted a written plan to maintain staff files and program records as part of her Corrective Action Plan (CAP). I further explained that it is the responsibility of the administrator to implement and adhere to the written plan to ensure ongoing compliance with child care licensing requirements. I also stated to Ms. Hicks that failure to implement the written policies, procedures, and plans that were deemed sufficient based on the stipulations outlined in the CAP may result in more stringent administrative action should noncompliance continue or reoccur. During today’s visit, a handwritten visit summary was provided to the administrator due to connectivity issues. Please note that a computer-generated visit summary will be provided to you within two (2) business days. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at Teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/23/2026 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 6/23/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Administrative Action follow up visit after a Written Warning was issued to the facility by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) on March 27, 2026. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the cook, M. Serrano Gomez. The administrator, Ms. Hicks, was present. Limited monitoring of the child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The license was posted. A copy of the Administrative Action (AA) and Corrective Action Plan (CAP) were also posted. I monitored the required postings, attendance logs, safe sleep logs, supervision, capacity, and staff/child ratios requirements, and the storage of hazardous products. I was unaccompanied as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. A total of thirty-four (34) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during free choice, lunch, and completing routine care tasks. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Patter Requirements. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menus posted were dated for the month of May 2026. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A staff member with a hire date of December 8, 2025, did not complete a criminal background check prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. A staff record for one (1) employee was not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member with a hire date of December 8, 2025, did not have a valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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. The administrator failed to notify the division of a staff member that was hired on December 8, 2025, within five days of hire. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 81%. COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By July 7, 2026, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 REVIEW OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: STIPULATION 1: The facility is not in compliance with this stipulation. During today’s visit, five (5) violations were observed and documented regarding program records and staff files. STIPULATION 2: The facility was determined to be in compliance with this stipulation. The Administrative Action was received on April 9, 2026, and the facility's written policies and procedures were received on April 14, 2026. On April 22, 2026, modifications were requested, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 1, 2026. Additional modifications were requested on May 8, 2026, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 11, 2026. On May 13, 2026, additional modifications were requested, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 29, 2026. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified by telephone and electronically that the written policy and procedures were deemed sufficient. STIPULATION 3: The facility is partially in compliance with this stipulation. The administrative action was received on April 9, 2026. On April 14, 2026, a written plan addressing staff and program files was received. Following review, revisions were requested on April 22, 2026, and a revised written plan was received on May 1, 2026. On May 8, 2026, additional modifications were requested, and a revised written plan was received on May 29, 2026. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified by telephone and electronically that the written plan was deemed sufficient. However, three (3) violations regarding staff files were observed and documented during today’s visit. STIPULATION 4: The facility is in compliance with this stipulation. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified that Stipulations 2 and 3 were deemed sufficient and that the facility could proceed with Stipulation 4. On June 15, 2026, Ms. Hicks submitted documentation verifying that a staff meeting was conducted on June 13, 2026. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, I observed Mayra Serrano Gomez working at the facility. Ms. Serrano Gomez has not yet been qualified to work with children, and no qualification letter has been issued. Per North Carolina G.S. 110-90.2(b) a criminal record check shall be completed prior to employment. In addition, a valid qualification letter must be on file and available for review at the facility as stated in Child Care Requirement .2703(e). I stated that Ms. Serrano Gomez must leave the facility and may not return until a valid qualification letter is obtained. Please remember to submit a copy to me as part of your corrective action letter. ABCMS/CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM: During today's visit, a review of the ABCMS system determined that Ms. Hicks had not completed the training in Moodle and/or all staff working in the licensed child care center have not linked their application to this facility. Initial information was sent in October/November 2024 and was also shared in the Raise NC newsletter. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Please note that no action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. The information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-4401 and someone will assist you. During today’s visit, I explained to Ms. Hicks that she submitted a written plan to maintain staff files and program records as part of her Corrective Action Plan (CAP). I further explained that it is the responsibility of the administrator to implement and adhere to the written plan to ensure ongoing compliance with child care licensing requirements. I also stated to Ms. Hicks that failure to implement the written policies, procedures, and plans that were deemed sufficient based on the stipulations outlined in the CAP may result in more stringent administrative action should noncompliance continue or reoccur. During today’s visit, a handwritten visit summary was provided to the administrator due to connectivity issues. Please note that a computer-generated visit summary will be provided to you within two (2) business days. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at Teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/23/2026 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 6/23/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Administrative Action follow up visit after a Written Warning was issued to the facility by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) on March 27, 2026. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the cook, M. Serrano Gomez. The administrator, Ms. Hicks, was present. Limited monitoring of the child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The license was posted. A copy of the Administrative Action (AA) and Corrective Action Plan (CAP) were also posted. I monitored the required postings, attendance logs, safe sleep logs, supervision, capacity, and staff/child ratios requirements, and the storage of hazardous products. I was unaccompanied as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. A total of thirty-four (34) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during free choice, lunch, and completing routine care tasks. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Patter Requirements. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menus posted were dated for the month of May 2026. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A staff member with a hire date of December 8, 2025, did not complete a criminal background check prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. A staff record for one (1) employee was not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member with a hire date of December 8, 2025, did not have a valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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. The administrator failed to notify the division of a staff member that was hired on December 8, 2025, within five days of hire. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 81%. COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By July 7, 2026, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 REVIEW OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: STIPULATION 1: The facility is not in compliance with this stipulation. During today’s visit, five (5) violations were observed and documented regarding program records and staff files. STIPULATION 2: The facility was determined to be in compliance with this stipulation. The Administrative Action was received on April 9, 2026, and the facility's written policies and procedures were received on April 14, 2026. On April 22, 2026, modifications were requested, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 1, 2026. Additional modifications were requested on May 8, 2026, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 11, 2026. On May 13, 2026, additional modifications were requested, and revised written policies and procedures were received on May 29, 2026. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified by telephone and electronically that the written policy and procedures were deemed sufficient. STIPULATION 3: The facility is partially in compliance with this stipulation. The administrative action was received on April 9, 2026. On April 14, 2026, a written plan addressing staff and program files was received. Following review, revisions were requested on April 22, 2026, and a revised written plan was received on May 1, 2026. On May 8, 2026, additional modifications were requested, and a revised written plan was received on May 29, 2026. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified by telephone and electronically that the written plan was deemed sufficient. However, three (3) violations regarding staff files were observed and documented during today’s visit. STIPULATION 4: The facility is in compliance with this stipulation. On June 5, 2026, Ms. Hicks was notified that Stipulations 2 and 3 were deemed sufficient and that the facility could proceed with Stipulation 4. On June 15, 2026, Ms. Hicks submitted documentation verifying that a staff meeting was conducted on June 13, 2026. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, I observed Mayra Serrano Gomez working at the facility. Ms. Serrano Gomez has not yet been qualified to work with children, and no qualification letter has been issued. Per North Carolina G.S. 110-90.2(b) a criminal record check shall be completed prior to employment. In addition, a valid qualification letter must be on file and available for review at the facility as stated in Child Care Requirement .2703(e). I stated that Ms. Serrano Gomez must leave the facility and may not return until a valid qualification letter is obtained. Please remember to submit a copy to me as part of your corrective action letter. ABCMS/CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM: During today's visit, a review of the ABCMS system determined that Ms. Hicks had not completed the training in Moodle and/or all staff working in the licensed child care center have not linked their application to this facility. Initial information was sent in October/November 2024 and was also shared in the Raise NC newsletter. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Please note that no action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. The information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-4401 and someone will assist you. During today’s visit, I explained to Ms. Hicks that she submitted a written plan to maintain staff files and program records as part of her Corrective Action Plan (CAP). I further explained that it is the responsibility of the administrator to implement and adhere to the written plan to ensure ongoing compliance with child care licensing requirements. I also stated to Ms. Hicks that failure to implement the written policies, procedures, and plans that were deemed sufficient based on the stipulations outlined in the CAP may result in more stringent administrative action should noncompliance continue or reoccur. During today’s visit, a handwritten visit summary was provided to the administrator due to connectivity issues. Please note that a computer-generated visit summary will be provided to you within two (2) business days. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at Teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/8/2026 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 4/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 80 Time In: 11:10 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an unannounced follow-up visit. A Written Warning was issued to the facility by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) on March 27, 2026. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by M. Betcourt. Ms. Betcourt stated the administrator, T. Hicks, was present. Limited monitoring of the child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The license was posted. I was unaccompanied as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. A total of twenty-seven (27) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during free choice, outdoor play, and completing routine care tasks. The following violations were observed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 1, an activity plan dated for the week of February 25-28, 2026, was posted, and in space 4, an activity plan dated for the week of March 23 -27, 2026, was posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Aerosol cans of Lysol, Clorox wipes, bulk sanitizer, and cleaning chemicals were stored in an unlocked storage closet. .2820(b) A compliance verification letter is not required because the violations documented were corrected during today’s visit. REVIEW OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: During today’s visit, the Administrative Action (AA) and Corrective Action Plan (CAP) was not posted. Ms. Hicks stated that she went to the post office yesterday, but she had misplaced her key and was unable to access her mailbox to retrieve the Administrative Action (AA) and Corrective Action Plan (CAP). She stated that she plans to return to the post office this afternoon to obtain her mail. In the meantime, I stated to Ms. Hicks that once she receives the AA and the CAP, to please notify me by telephone and/or by email. Additionally, I explained to Ms. Hicks that a copy of AA and cover letter must be posted and remain posted until she receives written notification from DCDEE that the action has been closed. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: As a reminder, a current activity plan must be posted in each space where children are present for easy reference. When activity plans are intentionally developed and aligned with the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, they foster high-quality learning experiences and support every child in reaching their full potential. These plans help build structure and a sense of security, strengthen social-emotional skills, and foster independence. Additionally, activity plans serve as a guide for educators to deliver a rich, balanced curriculum that supports every child’s unique growth and development. STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS: Intentional planning of the outdoor and indoor learning environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. Items that are required to be kept in locked storage, with keys inaccessible to children, were instead found in an unlocked storage closet. It is important to perform safety checks prior to the arrival of children each morning to ensure all hazardous materials are stored as required by the rules. During today’s visit, I provided Ms. Hicks with a handwritten visit summary due to connectivity issues. Please note that a computer-generated visit summary will be sent to you within two (2) business days. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at Teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-206L Visit Date: 2/25/2026 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 2/25/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 investigate allegations of non-compliance of the child care requirements following a complaint report received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on February 19, 2026. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by staff member, B. Bryant. Ms. Bryant stated that the administrator, T. Hicks, was present, but she was assisting in a classroom. Limited monitoring of the child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The license was posted. I was unaccompanied as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor learning environment. A total of thirty-five (35) children were present. The children were observed during outdoor play, completing routine care tasks, and eating lunch. The allegation is as follows: -A concern of non-compliance with safe sleep policy During today’s visit, the allegations were shared with Ms. Hicks, and she was provided with an opportunity to share information related to the allegation. Ms. Hicks stated she has not received any concerns from any staff members, parents or anyone from the community. I monitored five (5) children’s records and two (2) staff files. The safe sleep policy was posted. I also reviewed the safe sleep logs for the last thirty (30) days. Ms. Hicks stated that on February 23, 2026, she observed an 8-month-old infant sleeping in a swing while the caregiver was diapering another child. Ms. Hicks reported that she told the caregiver that the child was asleep in the swing and the caregiver responded that the infant had just fallen asleep, but that she would remove the child after she completed the diaper change. Ms. Hicks stated that she did not remove the infant herself and left the child sleeping in the swing for the caregiver to move the infant from the swing to the crib. During today’s visit, Ms. Hicks stated that she should have personally removed the child while the caregiver was changing another child’s diaper. Ms. Hicks stated that the infant may have been sleeping in the swing for an unknown period of time and recognized that relying solely on the caregiver’s statement that the child had just fallen asleep was not a good decision. Based on my observations, the allegations of non-compliance with the facility’s safe sleep policy were CONFIRMED. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. On February 23, 2026, an eight-month-old infant was observed sleeping in a swing. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. A caregiver with a hire date of May 30, 2020, who was providing care in the classroom designated for infants, did not complete ITS-SIDS training on or before the expiration date of January 20, 2024. .1102(f) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 82%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By March 11, 2026, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, I stated to Ms. Hicks that all infants must be placed in a crib immediately upon falling asleep. Swings, bouncers, Boppy pillows, or any other inclined or soft surfaces are not approved sleeping devices for infants. Additionally, allowing infants to sleep in inclined, soft, or unapproved devices is unsafe, and can pose a significant risk of suffocation or smothering. An infant’s head can tip forward and obstruct their airway, or they may suffocate against soft or plush materials. As a reminder, adhering to your safe sleep policy and the child care requirements and have been established to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and to ensure infants are protected while in child care settings. As a reminder, all staff who provide direct care to enrolled children are required to successfully complete an approved pediatric CPR and First Aid training course within 90 days of employment. CPR and First Aid certifications must also be renewed on or before the expiration date of the current certification to ensure ongoing compliance with child care requirements. Additionally, maintaining current CPR and First Aid certification is especially critical for caregivers working in the classroom designated for infants, where the risk of SIDS and other medical emergencies is higher. This ensures that caregivers are properly trained to respond promptly and administer life-saving measures in the event of an emergency. Please note that based on the confirmed allegations during today’s visit, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may recommend an Administrative Action against your facility. During today’s visit, I provided the administrator with a handwritten visit summary due to connectivity issues. Please note that a computer-generated visit summary will be sent to you within two (2) business days. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/26/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 9/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. The annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note requirements monitored today. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the owner/operator, T. Hicks. Staff member, M. Betancourt, accompanied me as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments, and the kitchen. Thirty-five (35) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during outdoor play, free choice, completing routine care tasks and having lunch. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on April 1, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 26, 2025, and Tree of Knowledge Daycare Center LLC, was listed as active-not current. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS/DRILLS: The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 10, 2024. The last annual fire inspection was completed on August 15, 2025, and the last annual sanitation inspection was completed on December 18, 2024. The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 9, 2025, the last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter in place drills was conducted on September 8, 2025, and the last monthly playground inspection was completed on September 12, 2025. During today’s visit, a full assessment of the child care requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings, attendance logs, and safe sleep logs. I monitored program requirements, equipment and furnishings, staff/child ratios & supervision, storage and/or administering of medication, and the outdoor area & equipment. This facility does not provide transportation. I also reviewed a sample of the staff files, and children’s records. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space 1 & 4, daily records of arrival and departure times were not maintained as children arrived during the morning. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 2, a current schedule was not posted as required by the rule. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. A current menu was not posted as required by the rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation that the emergency care plan was reviewed with three (3) staff members as required was not on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two (2) staff members did not have a medical report on file prior to the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two (2) staff members did not have an emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A staff member with a hire date of February 24, 2025, did not receive 16 hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks as required by the rule. .1101(a) 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. One (1) staff, D. H., did not renew a certification in first aid training prior to the expiration date of July 24, 2025. .1102(c) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two (2) staff members did not complete six (6) clock hours of training within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two (2) staff members did not have a signed statement of receipt of job description, personnel, and operation policies on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) enrolled child, M.R., did not have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Three (3) staff members did not have documentation of the review of the center's emergency preparedness and response plan during orientation on file. .0607(f) 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. Two (2) staff members did not complete a review of the SBS/AHT policy prior to the first day of providing care for children. .0608(d)(1-4) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 84%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By October 10, 2025, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, several violations were observed and documented regarding non-compliance with staff file requirements. All newly hired staff members must have a completed file readily accessible for review by a representative of the Division. As a reminder, all staff excluding substitutes and volunteers must have a current medical report and documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening or test on file prior to the first day of employment. In addition, all medical documents must be kept separately from the staff’s individual personnel files. Additionally, all staff members are required to complete 16 hours of orientation, with at least six (6) hours completed within the first two (2) weeks of employment. To support compliance, a staff file checklist is available under the “Provider” tab on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This checklist can assist you in ensuring all required forms are completed, reviewed with new staff, and acknowledgements are on file within the designated timeframes. MENUS: All menus must be planned at least one (1) week in advance. Additionally, current menus must be posted in the kitchen area accessible to the cook and in a location visibly to parents. When substitutions are offered as replacement components, they must be of comparable value and must be noted on or near the menus prior to the serving of the meal or snack. A well-balanced menu helps build trusting relationships with parents as well as promote healthy physical growth and cognitive development. APPROVED CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: Please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and review the list of approved agencies that meet child care requirements before enrolling in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a First Aid course. This will prevent you from purchasing a CPR/First Aid training course that does not meet child care requirements. As a reminder, CPR and First Aid must be completed within 90 days of employment for newly hired employees and renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for current employees. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/26/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 9/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. The annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note requirements monitored today. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the owner/operator, T. Hicks. Staff member, M. Betancourt, accompanied me as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments, and the kitchen. Thirty-five (35) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during outdoor play, free choice, completing routine care tasks and having lunch. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on April 1, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 26, 2025, and Tree of Knowledge Daycare Center LLC, was listed as active-not current. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS/DRILLS: The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 10, 2024. The last annual fire inspection was completed on August 15, 2025, and the last annual sanitation inspection was completed on December 18, 2024. The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 9, 2025, the last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter in place drills was conducted on September 8, 2025, and the last monthly playground inspection was completed on September 12, 2025. During today’s visit, a full assessment of the child care requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings, attendance logs, and safe sleep logs. I monitored program requirements, equipment and furnishings, staff/child ratios & supervision, storage and/or administering of medication, and the outdoor area & equipment. This facility does not provide transportation. I also reviewed a sample of the staff files, and children’s records. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space 1 & 4, daily records of arrival and departure times were not maintained as children arrived during the morning. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 2, a current schedule was not posted as required by the rule. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. A current menu was not posted as required by the rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation that the emergency care plan was reviewed with three (3) staff members as required was not on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two (2) staff members did not have a medical report on file prior to the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two (2) staff members did not have an emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A staff member with a hire date of February 24, 2025, did not receive 16 hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks as required by the rule. .1101(a) 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. One (1) staff, D. H., did not renew a certification in first aid training prior to the expiration date of July 24, 2025. .1102(c) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two (2) staff members did not complete six (6) clock hours of training within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two (2) staff members did not have a signed statement of receipt of job description, personnel, and operation policies on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) enrolled child, M.R., did not have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Three (3) staff members did not have documentation of the review of the center's emergency preparedness and response plan during orientation on file. .0607(f) 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. Two (2) staff members did not complete a review of the SBS/AHT policy prior to the first day of providing care for children. .0608(d)(1-4) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 84%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By October 10, 2025, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, several violations were observed and documented regarding non-compliance with staff file requirements. All newly hired staff members must have a completed file readily accessible for review by a representative of the Division. As a reminder, all staff excluding substitutes and volunteers must have a current medical report and documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening or test on file prior to the first day of employment. In addition, all medical documents must be kept separately from the staff’s individual personnel files. Additionally, all staff members are required to complete 16 hours of orientation, with at least six (6) hours completed within the first two (2) weeks of employment. To support compliance, a staff file checklist is available under the “Provider” tab on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This checklist can assist you in ensuring all required forms are completed, reviewed with new staff, and acknowledgements are on file within the designated timeframes. MENUS: All menus must be planned at least one (1) week in advance. Additionally, current menus must be posted in the kitchen area accessible to the cook and in a location visibly to parents. When substitutions are offered as replacement components, they must be of comparable value and must be noted on or near the menus prior to the serving of the meal or snack. A well-balanced menu helps build trusting relationships with parents as well as promote healthy physical growth and cognitive development. APPROVED CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: Please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and review the list of approved agencies that meet child care requirements before enrolling in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a First Aid course. This will prevent you from purchasing a CPR/First Aid training course that does not meet child care requirements. As a reminder, CPR and First Aid must be completed within 90 days of employment for newly hired employees and renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for current employees. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/26/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 9/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. The annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note requirements monitored today. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the owner/operator, T. Hicks. Staff member, M. Betancourt, accompanied me as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments, and the kitchen. Thirty-five (35) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during outdoor play, free choice, completing routine care tasks and having lunch. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on April 1, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 26, 2025, and Tree of Knowledge Daycare Center LLC, was listed as active-not current. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS/DRILLS: The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 10, 2024. The last annual fire inspection was completed on August 15, 2025, and the last annual sanitation inspection was completed on December 18, 2024. The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 9, 2025, the last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter in place drills was conducted on September 8, 2025, and the last monthly playground inspection was completed on September 12, 2025. During today’s visit, a full assessment of the child care requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings, attendance logs, and safe sleep logs. I monitored program requirements, equipment and furnishings, staff/child ratios & supervision, storage and/or administering of medication, and the outdoor area & equipment. This facility does not provide transportation. I also reviewed a sample of the staff files, and children’s records. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space 1 & 4, daily records of arrival and departure times were not maintained as children arrived during the morning. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 2, a current schedule was not posted as required by the rule. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. A current menu was not posted as required by the rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation that the emergency care plan was reviewed with three (3) staff members as required was not on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two (2) staff members did not have a medical report on file prior to the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two (2) staff members did not have an emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A staff member with a hire date of February 24, 2025, did not receive 16 hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks as required by the rule. .1101(a) 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. One (1) staff, D. H., did not renew a certification in first aid training prior to the expiration date of July 24, 2025. .1102(c) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two (2) staff members did not complete six (6) clock hours of training within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two (2) staff members did not have a signed statement of receipt of job description, personnel, and operation policies on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) enrolled child, M.R., did not have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Three (3) staff members did not have documentation of the review of the center's emergency preparedness and response plan during orientation on file. .0607(f) 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. Two (2) staff members did not complete a review of the SBS/AHT policy prior to the first day of providing care for children. .0608(d)(1-4) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 84%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By October 10, 2025, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, several violations were observed and documented regarding non-compliance with staff file requirements. All newly hired staff members must have a completed file readily accessible for review by a representative of the Division. As a reminder, all staff excluding substitutes and volunteers must have a current medical report and documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening or test on file prior to the first day of employment. In addition, all medical documents must be kept separately from the staff’s individual personnel files. Additionally, all staff members are required to complete 16 hours of orientation, with at least six (6) hours completed within the first two (2) weeks of employment. To support compliance, a staff file checklist is available under the “Provider” tab on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This checklist can assist you in ensuring all required forms are completed, reviewed with new staff, and acknowledgements are on file within the designated timeframes. MENUS: All menus must be planned at least one (1) week in advance. Additionally, current menus must be posted in the kitchen area accessible to the cook and in a location visibly to parents. When substitutions are offered as replacement components, they must be of comparable value and must be noted on or near the menus prior to the serving of the meal or snack. A well-balanced menu helps build trusting relationships with parents as well as promote healthy physical growth and cognitive development. APPROVED CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: Please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and review the list of approved agencies that meet child care requirements before enrolling in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a First Aid course. This will prevent you from purchasing a CPR/First Aid training course that does not meet child care requirements. As a reminder, CPR and First Aid must be completed within 90 days of employment for newly hired employees and renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for current employees. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/26/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 9/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. The annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note requirements monitored today. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the owner/operator, T. Hicks. Staff member, M. Betancourt, accompanied me as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments, and the kitchen. Thirty-five (35) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during outdoor play, free choice, completing routine care tasks and having lunch. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on April 1, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 26, 2025, and Tree of Knowledge Daycare Center LLC, was listed as active-not current. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS/DRILLS: The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 10, 2024. The last annual fire inspection was completed on August 15, 2025, and the last annual sanitation inspection was completed on December 18, 2024. The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 9, 2025, the last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter in place drills was conducted on September 8, 2025, and the last monthly playground inspection was completed on September 12, 2025. During today’s visit, a full assessment of the child care requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings, attendance logs, and safe sleep logs. I monitored program requirements, equipment and furnishings, staff/child ratios & supervision, storage and/or administering of medication, and the outdoor area & equipment. This facility does not provide transportation. I also reviewed a sample of the staff files, and children’s records. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space 1 & 4, daily records of arrival and departure times were not maintained as children arrived during the morning. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 2, a current schedule was not posted as required by the rule. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. A current menu was not posted as required by the rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation that the emergency care plan was reviewed with three (3) staff members as required was not on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two (2) staff members did not have a medical report on file prior to the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two (2) staff members did not have an emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A staff member with a hire date of February 24, 2025, did not receive 16 hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks as required by the rule. .1101(a) 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. One (1) staff, D. H., did not renew a certification in first aid training prior to the expiration date of July 24, 2025. .1102(c) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two (2) staff members did not complete six (6) clock hours of training within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two (2) staff members did not have a signed statement of receipt of job description, personnel, and operation policies on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) enrolled child, M.R., did not have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Three (3) staff members did not have documentation of the review of the center's emergency preparedness and response plan during orientation on file. .0607(f) 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. Two (2) staff members did not complete a review of the SBS/AHT policy prior to the first day of providing care for children. .0608(d)(1-4) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 84%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By October 10, 2025, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, several violations were observed and documented regarding non-compliance with staff file requirements. All newly hired staff members must have a completed file readily accessible for review by a representative of the Division. As a reminder, all staff excluding substitutes and volunteers must have a current medical report and documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening or test on file prior to the first day of employment. In addition, all medical documents must be kept separately from the staff’s individual personnel files. Additionally, all staff members are required to complete 16 hours of orientation, with at least six (6) hours completed within the first two (2) weeks of employment. To support compliance, a staff file checklist is available under the “Provider” tab on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This checklist can assist you in ensuring all required forms are completed, reviewed with new staff, and acknowledgements are on file within the designated timeframes. MENUS: All menus must be planned at least one (1) week in advance. Additionally, current menus must be posted in the kitchen area accessible to the cook and in a location visibly to parents. When substitutions are offered as replacement components, they must be of comparable value and must be noted on or near the menus prior to the serving of the meal or snack. A well-balanced menu helps build trusting relationships with parents as well as promote healthy physical growth and cognitive development. APPROVED CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: Please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and review the list of approved agencies that meet child care requirements before enrolling in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a First Aid course. This will prevent you from purchasing a CPR/First Aid training course that does not meet child care requirements. As a reminder, CPR and First Aid must be completed within 90 days of employment for newly hired employees and renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for current employees. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/26/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 9/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. The annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note requirements monitored today. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the owner/operator, T. Hicks. Staff member, M. Betancourt, accompanied me as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments, and the kitchen. Thirty-five (35) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during outdoor play, free choice, completing routine care tasks and having lunch. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on April 1, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 26, 2025, and Tree of Knowledge Daycare Center LLC, was listed as active-not current. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS/DRILLS: The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 10, 2024. The last annual fire inspection was completed on August 15, 2025, and the last annual sanitation inspection was completed on December 18, 2024. The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 9, 2025, the last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter in place drills was conducted on September 8, 2025, and the last monthly playground inspection was completed on September 12, 2025. During today’s visit, a full assessment of the child care requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings, attendance logs, and safe sleep logs. I monitored program requirements, equipment and furnishings, staff/child ratios & supervision, storage and/or administering of medication, and the outdoor area & equipment. This facility does not provide transportation. I also reviewed a sample of the staff files, and children’s records. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space 1 & 4, daily records of arrival and departure times were not maintained as children arrived during the morning. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 2, a current schedule was not posted as required by the rule. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. A current menu was not posted as required by the rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation that the emergency care plan was reviewed with three (3) staff members as required was not on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two (2) staff members did not have a medical report on file prior to the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two (2) staff members did not have an emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A staff member with a hire date of February 24, 2025, did not receive 16 hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks as required by the rule. .1101(a) 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. One (1) staff, D. H., did not renew a certification in first aid training prior to the expiration date of July 24, 2025. .1102(c) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two (2) staff members did not complete six (6) clock hours of training within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two (2) staff members did not have a signed statement of receipt of job description, personnel, and operation policies on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) enrolled child, M.R., did not have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Three (3) staff members did not have documentation of the review of the center's emergency preparedness and response plan during orientation on file. .0607(f) 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. Two (2) staff members did not complete a review of the SBS/AHT policy prior to the first day of providing care for children. .0608(d)(1-4) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 84%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By October 10, 2025, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, several violations were observed and documented regarding non-compliance with staff file requirements. All newly hired staff members must have a completed file readily accessible for review by a representative of the Division. As a reminder, all staff excluding substitutes and volunteers must have a current medical report and documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening or test on file prior to the first day of employment. In addition, all medical documents must be kept separately from the staff’s individual personnel files. Additionally, all staff members are required to complete 16 hours of orientation, with at least six (6) hours completed within the first two (2) weeks of employment. To support compliance, a staff file checklist is available under the “Provider” tab on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This checklist can assist you in ensuring all required forms are completed, reviewed with new staff, and acknowledgements are on file within the designated timeframes. MENUS: All menus must be planned at least one (1) week in advance. Additionally, current menus must be posted in the kitchen area accessible to the cook and in a location visibly to parents. When substitutions are offered as replacement components, they must be of comparable value and must be noted on or near the menus prior to the serving of the meal or snack. A well-balanced menu helps build trusting relationships with parents as well as promote healthy physical growth and cognitive development. APPROVED CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: Please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and review the list of approved agencies that meet child care requirements before enrolling in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a First Aid course. This will prevent you from purchasing a CPR/First Aid training course that does not meet child care requirements. As a reminder, CPR and First Aid must be completed within 90 days of employment for newly hired employees and renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for current employees. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/26/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 9/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. The annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note requirements monitored today. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the owner/operator, T. Hicks. Staff member, M. Betancourt, accompanied me as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments, and the kitchen. Thirty-five (35) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed during outdoor play, free choice, completing routine care tasks and having lunch. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on April 1, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 26, 2025, and Tree of Knowledge Daycare Center LLC, was listed as active-not current. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS/DRILLS: The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 10, 2024. The last annual fire inspection was completed on August 15, 2025, and the last annual sanitation inspection was completed on December 18, 2024. The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 9, 2025, the last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter in place drills was conducted on September 8, 2025, and the last monthly playground inspection was completed on September 12, 2025. During today’s visit, a full assessment of the child care requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings, attendance logs, and safe sleep logs. I monitored program requirements, equipment and furnishings, staff/child ratios & supervision, storage and/or administering of medication, and the outdoor area & equipment. This facility does not provide transportation. I also reviewed a sample of the staff files, and children’s records. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space 1 & 4, daily records of arrival and departure times were not maintained as children arrived during the morning. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 2, a current schedule was not posted as required by the rule. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. A current menu was not posted as required by the rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation that the emergency care plan was reviewed with three (3) staff members as required was not on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two (2) staff members did not have a medical report on file prior to the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two (2) staff members did not have an emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A staff member with a hire date of February 24, 2025, did not receive 16 hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks as required by the rule. .1101(a) 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. One (1) staff, D. H., did not renew a certification in first aid training prior to the expiration date of July 24, 2025. .1102(c) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two (2) staff members did not complete six (6) clock hours of training within the first two weeks of employment. .1101(a)(b) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two (2) staff members did not have a signed statement of receipt of job description, personnel, and operation policies on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) enrolled child, M.R., did not have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Three (3) staff members did not have documentation of the review of the center's emergency preparedness and response plan during orientation on file. .0607(f) 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. Two (2) staff members did not complete a review of the SBS/AHT policy prior to the first day of providing care for children. .0608(d)(1-4) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 84%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By October 10, 2025, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, several violations were observed and documented regarding non-compliance with staff file requirements. All newly hired staff members must have a completed file readily accessible for review by a representative of the Division. As a reminder, all staff excluding substitutes and volunteers must have a current medical report and documentation of a negative tuberculosis (TB) screening or test on file prior to the first day of employment. In addition, all medical documents must be kept separately from the staff’s individual personnel files. Additionally, all staff members are required to complete 16 hours of orientation, with at least six (6) hours completed within the first two (2) weeks of employment. To support compliance, a staff file checklist is available under the “Provider” tab on the division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This checklist can assist you in ensuring all required forms are completed, reviewed with new staff, and acknowledgements are on file within the designated timeframes. MENUS: All menus must be planned at least one (1) week in advance. Additionally, current menus must be posted in the kitchen area accessible to the cook and in a location visibly to parents. When substitutions are offered as replacement components, they must be of comparable value and must be noted on or near the menus prior to the serving of the meal or snack. A well-balanced menu helps build trusting relationships with parents as well as promote healthy physical growth and cognitive development. APPROVED CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION: Please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and review the list of approved agencies that meet child care requirements before enrolling in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a First Aid course. This will prevent you from purchasing a CPR/First Aid training course that does not meet child care requirements. As a reminder, CPR and First Aid must be completed within 90 days of employment for newly hired employees and renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for current employees. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/10/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 10/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 207 Time In: 09:48 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The annual compliance monitoring checklist for Child Care Centers was used to note requirements monitored today. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a staff member, M. Betcourt. Ms. Betcourt stated that the administrator, T. Hicks, was in her office. Ms. Betcourt accompanied me during a general walk-through of the facility which consisted of six (6) classrooms, the outdoor play area, and the kitchen. A total of thirty (30) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed participating in free choice play, completing routine care tasks, and having lunch. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This center currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on April 1, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2024, and the Tree of Knowledge Daycare Center was listed as current and active. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS/DRILLS: The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 23, 2023. The last annual fire inspection was completed on August 15, 2024, and the last annual sanitation inspection was completed on June 18, 2024, and received a “Superior" classification. The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 20, 2024, the last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on June 6, 2024, and the last documented monthly playground inspection was completed on September 16, 2024. During today’s visit, a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings, attendance logs, and the safe sleep policy and logs. I also monitored program requirements, equipment and furnishings, staff/child ratios & supervision, medications, and the outdoor area & equipment. I also reviewed the staff’s records and a sample of the children’s records. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and documented during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. In space #2 and #3, electrical outlets that were not in use were uncovered. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A can of Lysol and WD-40, a bottle of Fabuloso and a bag of ice melt salt were all stored in an unlocked closet. In the bathroom, a can of air freshener was on top of the paper towel dispenser . .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space #5, two (2) children were missing written authorization forms to apply topical ointments. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator did not renew ITS-SIDS training after it expired on 01-20-24 .1102(f) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. In space #5, an open can of Ginger Ale was observed sitting on the shelf. .0901(i) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last documented quarterly lockdown drill was conducted on 06-09-24. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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. In employee with a hire date of 05-20-24, did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of employment as required by the rule. .1102(g) COMMENT: COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 100%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By October 24, 2024, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 Annual in-service training requirements for staff are due by October 23, 2024. Please refer to the staff/training worksheets for additional information. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, two (2) violations were cited regarding staff records. There is a file checklist form pertinent to staff records and accessible to you on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This form will help you maintain compliance with child care rules in the area of staff’s records. To access the form, you must click on the “Provider tab” and scroll down to the “Provider forms and documents” section, where you will be able to find the form titled file checklist-staff. In addition, there are other file checklist forms available to help maintain compliance with record keeping. HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING COURSES: The health and safety training courses are now located on the Moodle platform which you can access through the DCDEE. Please maintain the health and safety training record form with the attached training certificates on file for review. All required health and safety training courses must be completed within the first year of employment and every 5 years afterwards. The current employer can accept the health and safety training courses if they were completed within one (1) year prior to the first date of employment. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. 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: TREE OF KNOWLEDGE DAYCARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000586 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/10/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 10/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 207 Time In: 09:48 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The annual compliance monitoring checklist for Child Care Centers was used to note requirements monitored today. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by a staff member, M. Betcourt. Ms. Betcourt stated that the administrator, T. Hicks, was in her office. Ms. Betcourt accompanied me during a general walk-through of the facility which consisted of six (6) classrooms, the outdoor play area, and the kitchen. A total of thirty (30) children were present during today’s visit. The children were observed participating in free choice play, completing routine care tasks, and having lunch. Today’s lunch was in compliance with the Meal Pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This center currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on April 1, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on October 9, 2024, and the Tree of Knowledge Daycare Center was listed as current and active. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS/DRILLS: The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 23, 2023. The last annual fire inspection was completed on August 15, 2024, and the last annual sanitation inspection was completed on June 18, 2024, and received a “Superior" classification. The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 20, 2024, the last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on June 6, 2024, and the last documented monthly playground inspection was completed on September 16, 2024. During today’s visit, a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings, attendance logs, and the safe sleep policy and logs. I also monitored program requirements, equipment and furnishings, staff/child ratios & supervision, medications, and the outdoor area & equipment. I also reviewed the staff’s records and a sample of the children’s records. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and documented during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. In space #2 and #3, electrical outlets that were not in use were uncovered. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A can of Lysol and WD-40, a bottle of Fabuloso and a bag of ice melt salt were all stored in an unlocked closet. In the bathroom, a can of air freshener was on top of the paper towel dispenser . .2820(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space #5, two (2) children were missing written authorization forms to apply topical ointments. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator did not renew ITS-SIDS training after it expired on 01-20-24 .1102(f) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. In space #5, an open can of Ginger Ale was observed sitting on the shelf. .0901(i) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last documented quarterly lockdown drill was conducted on 06-09-24. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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. In employee with a hire date of 05-20-24, did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of employment as required by the rule. .1102(g) COMMENT: COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this facility was 100%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By October 24, 2024, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 Annual in-service training requirements for staff are due by October 23, 2024. Please refer to the staff/training worksheets for additional information. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, two (2) violations were cited regarding staff records. There is a file checklist form pertinent to staff records and accessible to you on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This form will help you maintain compliance with child care rules in the area of staff’s records. To access the form, you must click on the “Provider tab” and scroll down to the “Provider forms and documents” section, where you will be able to find the form titled file checklist-staff. In addition, there are other file checklist forms available to help maintain compliance with record keeping. HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING COURSES: The health and safety training courses are now located on the Moodle platform which you can access through the DCDEE. Please maintain the health and safety training record form with the attached training certificates on file for review. All required health and safety training courses must be completed within the first year of employment and every 5 years afterwards. The current employer can accept the health and safety training courses if they were completed within one (1) year prior to the first date of employment. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. 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