THE Kids Connection

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE KIDS CONNECTION Facility ID: 10000285 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/22/2023 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 8/22/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued January 25, 2023. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 100 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, and cooking in Building 1 only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Guided Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, The Kids Connection, LLC, was verified as current and active August 21, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 20, 2022. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained June 27, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted March 9, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 92%. Owner/Administrator A. Martin-Taylor was present and available for consultation today. Nine indoor spaces are approved for use by children; only seven classrooms are currently in use. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in play activities and individual sleeping routines. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. In Space #9, children one year of age participated in free choice activities including singing and dancing to music, playing with shape sorters and looking at soft books. Children two and three years of age in Space #2 were also engaged in free choice activities, playing with plastic dinosaurs in the science center, building with magnet tiles and playing with pretend food in the dramatic play center. One of the staff members assigned to this space modeled for children how to pretend to eat the food rather than actually putting it into their mouths. In Space #3, children three and four years of age participated in free choice activities including coloring on construction paper with crayons and driving small cars on a race track. Staff members provided close supervision for children using the restroom as needed. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed finishing a breakfast of waffles, mandarin oranges and milk. After they finished, staff members assisted them with hand washing and wiping their faces before taking them in small groups to the hallway restrooms. School age children in Spaces #5 and 6 were also observed eating breakfast. Later in the visit, a lunch of Sloppy Joe hamburger meat on whole grain buns with tater tots, peaches and milk was served. After lunch, children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. School age children were observed playing various games during this time. Transportation requirements were monitored today as the facility provides transportation from local schools for school age children. Requirements were in compliance today. The courtyard between Buildings #1 and 3 was also measured today to determine a capacity so it may be used for gross motor play. Based on the enhanced space requirement of 100 square feet per child of outdoor space, this space (Outdoor Space #6) has a capacity of 17 children. This facility is an approved NC Pre-K site for the 2023-2024 year, however requirements were not monitored today as the school year does not begin until August 28, 2023. All NC Pre-K requirements will be monitored at the Routine Unannounced visit later this school year. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and corrected during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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 container of antibacterial soap labeled "harmful if ingested" was observed in an unlocked cabinet under the changing table accessible to children in Space #2. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic grocery bags and Ziploc bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Space #2. .0604(q) A compliance letter is not required as both violations cited were corrected during the visit. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Today I urged you to review storage of hazardous materials requirements with staff assigned to Space #2. You stated you may review requirements with all staff at your next meeting which is planned for tomorrow. You also stated you would share with staff that any type of plastic bag, including a trash bag, is considered a potential choking and strangulation hazard for children under three year of age and is required to be stored at least five feet off the floor. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided today regarding enhanced space requirements. During the Annual Compliance visit, I shared with you that the rule regarding enhanced space may be revised to require additional square footage per child outdoors. As discussed today, Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and Rule .2809 now states there must be “100 square feet outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time.” I reviewed new outdoor space capacities with you as follows: -Space #1a (left side of playground behind Building 3): 25 children at one time -Space #1b (right side of playground behind Building 3): 26 children at one time -Space #2 (covered porch behind Building 2): 5 children at one time -Space #3 (to the left of Building 4): 11 children at one time -Space #4 (deck area behind Building 2): 5 children at one time -Space #5 (concrete area outside of Building 2): 9 children at one time -Space #6 (courtyard between Buildings #1 and 3): 17 children at one time As discussed, you may need to consider doing some creative scheduling to take small groups of children outside to the smaller spaces. Today I urged you to review new capacities with all staff to ensure compliance. You may even wish to create signs you can post on the playgrounds as reminders. As discussed, if you decide to move any fencing in the future, please contact me so I can conduct a Courtesy visit to measure and revise capacities as needed. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement in Space #9. I suggested that you move some of the shelves against the walls or replace them with shorter shelves to avoid potential “blind spots” when children are playing on the floor. I also suggested that you rearrange activity areas to put blocks, music and dramatic play on the carpeted side of the room, and manipulatives, science, reading and art on the hardwood flooring side. I suggested you add small rugs to the reading and manipulatives area to create some separation, and ensure some basic art materials like large crayons and paper are accessible to children during free play. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in January 2023, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed today, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ERS assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. I will be in touch regarding timelines as your planning year approaches. Education information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today, and it was verified that you are maintaining points in Education Standards as required. As discussed, new staff members J. Havens and A. Baker should complete WORKS registration, apply for their respective positions, and submit official transcripts as needed for evaluation. Requirements for maintaining six points in Education were reviewed today, including that 50% of lead teachers must have the NCECC or Equivalency, an Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field, and one year of experience. At least 50% of assistant teachers must have at least the NCECC or Equivalency plus 3 SH of ECE coursework and one year of experience. Please let me know if you need assistance with WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also revised recently, so keep an eye out for email blasts announcing training opportunities to learn more about the changes in the coming months! For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE KIDS CONNECTION Facility ID: 10000285 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/22/2023 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 8/22/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued January 25, 2023. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 100 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, and cooking in Building 1 only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Guided Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, The Kids Connection, LLC, was verified as current and active August 21, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted September 20, 2022. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained June 27, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted March 9, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 92%. Owner/Administrator A. Martin-Taylor was present and available for consultation today. Nine indoor spaces are approved for use by children; only seven classrooms are currently in use. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in play activities and individual sleeping routines. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance today. In Space #9, children one year of age participated in free choice activities including singing and dancing to music, playing with shape sorters and looking at soft books. Children two and three years of age in Space #2 were also engaged in free choice activities, playing with plastic dinosaurs in the science center, building with magnet tiles and playing with pretend food in the dramatic play center. One of the staff members assigned to this space modeled for children how to pretend to eat the food rather than actually putting it into their mouths. In Space #3, children three and four years of age participated in free choice activities including coloring on construction paper with crayons and driving small cars on a race track. Staff members provided close supervision for children using the restroom as needed. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed finishing a breakfast of waffles, mandarin oranges and milk. After they finished, staff members assisted them with hand washing and wiping their faces before taking them in small groups to the hallway restrooms. School age children in Spaces #5 and 6 were also observed eating breakfast. Later in the visit, a lunch of Sloppy Joe hamburger meat on whole grain buns with tater tots, peaches and milk was served. After lunch, children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. School age children were observed playing various games during this time. Transportation requirements were monitored today as the facility provides transportation from local schools for school age children. Requirements were in compliance today. The courtyard between Buildings #1 and 3 was also measured today to determine a capacity so it may be used for gross motor play. Based on the enhanced space requirement of 100 square feet per child of outdoor space, this space (Outdoor Space #6) has a capacity of 17 children. This facility is an approved NC Pre-K site for the 2023-2024 year, however requirements were not monitored today as the school year does not begin until August 28, 2023. All NC Pre-K requirements will be monitored at the Routine Unannounced visit later this school year. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and corrected during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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 container of antibacterial soap labeled "harmful if ingested" was observed in an unlocked cabinet under the changing table accessible to children in Space #2. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic grocery bags and Ziploc bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Space #2. .0604(q) A compliance letter is not required as both violations cited were corrected during the visit. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Today I urged you to review storage of hazardous materials requirements with staff assigned to Space #2. You stated you may review requirements with all staff at your next meeting which is planned for tomorrow. You also stated you would share with staff that any type of plastic bag, including a trash bag, is considered a potential choking and strangulation hazard for children under three year of age and is required to be stored at least five feet off the floor. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided today regarding enhanced space requirements. During the Annual Compliance visit, I shared with you that the rule regarding enhanced space may be revised to require additional square footage per child outdoors. As discussed today, Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and Rule .2809 now states there must be “100 square feet outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time.” I reviewed new outdoor space capacities with you as follows: -Space #1a (left side of playground behind Building 3): 25 children at one time -Space #1b (right side of playground behind Building 3): 26 children at one time -Space #2 (covered porch behind Building 2): 5 children at one time -Space #3 (to the left of Building 4): 11 children at one time -Space #4 (deck area behind Building 2): 5 children at one time -Space #5 (concrete area outside of Building 2): 9 children at one time -Space #6 (courtyard between Buildings #1 and 3): 17 children at one time As discussed, you may need to consider doing some creative scheduling to take small groups of children outside to the smaller spaces. Today I urged you to review new capacities with all staff to ensure compliance. You may even wish to create signs you can post on the playgrounds as reminders. As discussed, if you decide to move any fencing in the future, please contact me so I can conduct a Courtesy visit to measure and revise capacities as needed. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement in Space #9. I suggested that you move some of the shelves against the walls or replace them with shorter shelves to avoid potential “blind spots” when children are playing on the floor. I also suggested that you rearrange activity areas to put blocks, music and dramatic play on the carpeted side of the room, and manipulatives, science, reading and art on the hardwood flooring side. I suggested you add small rugs to the reading and manipulatives area to create some separation, and ensure some basic art materials like large crayons and paper are accessible to children during free play. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in January 2023, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed today, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ERS assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. I will be in touch regarding timelines as your planning year approaches. Education information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today, and it was verified that you are maintaining points in Education Standards as required. As discussed, new staff members J. Havens and A. Baker should complete WORKS registration, apply for their respective positions, and submit official transcripts as needed for evaluation. Requirements for maintaining six points in Education were reviewed today, including that 50% of lead teachers must have the NCECC or Equivalency, an Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field, and one year of experience. At least 50% of assistant teachers must have at least the NCECC or Equivalency plus 3 SH of ECE coursework and one year of experience. Please let me know if you need assistance with WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also revised recently, so keep an eye out for email blasts announcing training opportunities to learn more about the changes in the coming months! For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times