Connected Kids Child Development Center

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONNECTED KIDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 23000471 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 3/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements, including health and safety for a routine unannounced visit. You, Katina Smith, Owner/Administrator, and Jessica Watson, Assistant Director, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 4, 2025, and your business, Berryland Clubhouse CDC Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a 5-star rated license issued on February 2, 2019, earning six (6) points in staff education, six (6) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care, meets enhanced ratios, and meets enhance space. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Staff and children were observed during naptime, indoor free play, music and movement, story time, and art activities. Inspections/Drills: The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on November 15, 2024. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two (2) demerits noted on the grade card The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on January 10, 2025. The most recent fire drill was conducted on February 25, 2025, at 10:00am and recorded. The most recent shelter in place emergency drill was conducted on January 29, 2025, at 10:30am. The most recent playground safety inspection was conducted on March 3, 2025. You stated four new staff have been hired since your most recent annual compliance visit conducted on August 29, 2024. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. The following violation of child care requirements was 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 #5, on February 27, 2025, and March 4, 2024, one child’s departure time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: Arrival/Departure Times As a reminder, daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system and review with staff of the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times. I also suggested that the closing teacher in each classroom checks the daily sign-in and sign-out documentation to ensure each child present has been checked in and out for the day. I suggested that you follow-up with the closing staff to ensure accurate records are maintained. Compliance Letter Documentation: The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the violation item number, statement of compliance, date of the visit and license ID number in the letter. I must receive your letter of compliance by March 19, 2025. Please send your compliance letter to Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Compliance History: You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was ninety-eight percent (98%). Please note any violations cited during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to a recommended administrative action. Consultation: -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For further information on the proposed QRIS Moderation, please visit the DCDEE Home Page and click on the “What’s New” tab/QRIS Moderation. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. -Provider Access to ABCMS North Carolina Child Care Providers can obtain access to the Provider Access to ABCMS after completing the Moodle training and completing the form afterward. Once you are logged in, you can access codes to allow your staff and applicants to create a connecting application to link themselves to your facility. The links include help documents to assist you. Steps to Access the ABCMS System: 1.Go to the DCDEE Website Home Page 2.Click on the Tab for Services 3.Click on the link for Background Checks 4.Click on the link for Child Care Background Checks and follow the instruction provided If you have any questions or concerns before proceeding in linking your child care facility and staff to the ABCMS System, please contact the CBC Unit at 919.814.6401 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov or DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. -Child Care Rule Effective January 1, 2024 Lead Testing: Child Care Rule .0601(f)- Safe Environments We discussed the test results that were available for review on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website for lead testing water testing, lead-based paint testing, and asbestos testing for your facility. The lead water testing results were completed on March 4, 2021. On February 11, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility had no results available for review for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You may review your results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Training hours and resources are available from the NC Rated License Assessment Project. The link to their website is www.ncrlap.org. -How to Access Health and Safety Training on DCDEE Moodle I have provided information and on how to access CCDF Health and Safety in Child Care or Medication in Child Care trainings on Moodle: 1.If you can log into Moodle with your MyNCID but need support with completing CCDF Health and Safety in Child Care or Medication in Child Care training, use this contact form: healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form If you cannot log into Moodle, try visiting https://myncid.nc.gov/ for technical support unlocking or resetting your NCID password. 2.If you still cannot access Moodle, one alternative to completing the CCDF Health and Safety in Child Care Trainings or Medication in Child Care training on Moodle is to contact a primary Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) for training options: healthychildcare.unc.edu/find-a-cchc. However, while CCHCs have the ability to provide CCDF trainings equivalent to what is available in Moodle, their capacity is dependent on their current working priorities. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me at Tiffani Sims; PO Box 185, Glen Alpine, NC 28628; (828) 417-1648; tiffani.sims@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of North Carolina. 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: CONNECTED KIDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 23000471 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/14/2024 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 3/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 11:40 AM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced routine unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements including health and safety requirements. You, Katina Smith, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 12, 2024, and your business, Berryland Clubhouse CDC Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a 5-star rated license issued on February 2, 2019, earning six (6) points in staff education, six (6) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care, meets enhanced ratios, and meets enhance space. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on January 4, 2024. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on November 30, 2023. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The lockdown emergency drill was completed on January 16, 2024, at 9:45am and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on March 7, 2024. The last fire drill was completed on February 21, 2024, at 10:50am and recorded. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during indoor free play, nap time, and story time. You, Katina Smith, Owner/Administrator, stated one (1) new staff has been hired since your most recent annual compliance visit conducted on September 5, 2023. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. The following violation of child care requirements was observed and documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space #6, on March 1, 2024, two (2) children’s departure times were not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: -Arrival/Departure Times As a reminder, daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. We discussed creating a system and reviewing the procedures with staff of recording sign-in and sign-out times daily to ensure accurate records are kept. An example would be at 10:00 check each classroom’s daily sign-in records to ensure arrival times are documented and as a closing activity for the classroom to check to all children’s departure times were documented. Compliance History: You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was ninety percent (90%). Please note any violations cited during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to a recommended administrative action. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by March 28, 2024. Please include in that letter each item number and explain in detail how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and mail the letter to my mailing address below or email the letter to me at tiffani.sims@dhhs.nc.gov Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation: -Baby Talk: Resources to Support the People Who Work with Infants and Toddlers I shared the flyer with information and resources to support the child care staff who work with infants and toddlers. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information I shared information concerning resuming the star rated license reassessment. Connected Kids Child Development Center is in cohort #2 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2024, and go on June 30, 2025. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2025, and go on through June 30, 2026. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. You will then scroll to the Licensing tab, scroll to the Star Rated License tab, and then click on the Resuming Star Rated License tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License -Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -How to Access Health and Safety Training on DCDEE Moodle I have provided information and on how to access CCDF Health and Safety in Child Care or Medication in Child Care trainings on Moodle: 1. If you can log into Moodle with your MyNCID but need support with completing CCDF Health and Safety in Child Care or Medication in Child Care training, use this contact form: healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form If you cannot log into Moodle, try visiting https://myncid.nc.gov/ for technical support unlocking or resetting your NCID password. 2. If you still cannot access Moodle, one alternative to completing the CCDF Health and Safety in Child Care Trainings or Medication in Child Care training on Moodle is to contact a primary Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) for training options: healthychildcare.unc.edu/find-a-cchc. However, while CCHCs have the ability to provide CCDF trainings equivalent to what is available in Moodle, their capacity is dependent on their current working priorities. -Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Help Request We discussed your issue of accessing the facility’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan from the Emergency Management Portal. You requested information on receiving help with your EPR Plan and access. I provided you with the following information. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. -Health and Safety Trainings We discussed staff completing the required Health/Safety trainings within the first year of their hire date. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me at Tiffani Sims; PO Box 185, Glen Alpine, NC 28628; (828) 417-1648; tiffani.sims@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of North Carolina. 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: CONNECTED KIDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 23000471 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements including health and safety requirements. You, Katina Smith, assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on September 4, 2023, and Berryland Club House CDC, Inc. was listed as current and active. The facility currently operates with a 5-star rated license issued on February 2, 2019, earning six (6) points in staff education, six (6) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care, meets enhanced ratios, and meets enhance space. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on February 6, 2023. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on April 23, 2023. A “superior” classification was issued with six (6) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on July 10, 2023, at 10:30am and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on August 18, 2023. The last fire drill was completed on August 18, 2023, at 10:20am. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during indoor and outdoor free play, group time, nap time, and breakfast, Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Seven (7) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed, and two (2) new staff files were reviewed today. I discussed the Staff and Training Worksheet and the Children’s Record form with you today. Both forms were completed and verified during the visit. The following violation was observed during the walk through today. I discussed the violation with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. On August 1, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. On August 3, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. On August 4, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. On August 7, 2023, three children’s departure times were not documented. On August 8, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. On August 9, 2023, two children’s departure time were not documented. On August 11, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. On August 15, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. On August 16, 2023, two children’s departure times were not documented. On August 17, 2023, three children’s departure times were not documented. On August 18, 2023, two children’s departure times were not documented. On August 22, 2023, three children’s departure times were not documented. On August 23, 2023, three children’s departure times were not documented. On August 24, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. On August 25, 2023, twelve children’s departure times were not documented. On August 30, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. On August 31, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: --Arrival/Departure Times I reminded you, Katina Smith, daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system of checking the arrival and departure documents and review with staff the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times daily to ensure accurate records are kept. Compliance History: You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was eighty-three percent (83) %. Please note any violations cited during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to a recommended administrative action. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by September 19, 2023. Please include in that letter each item number and explain in detail how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and mail the letter to my mailing address below or email the letter to me at tiffani.sims@dhhs.nc.gov Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation: -Upcoming Training Announcement- Children’s Environmental Health has set up virtual trainings for child care center operators on the newly readopted child care sanitation rules. The dates for the trainings are September 20, 2023, and September 26, 2023; both scheduled from 9:00am – 11:30am. These trainings are identical, so only one will need to be attended. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information I shared with you, Katina Smith, your child care program, Connected Kids Child Development Center, is in cohort #2 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2025, through June 20, 2026. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. You will then scroll to Licensing tab, scroll to the Star Rated License tab, and then click on to the Resuming Star Rated License tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License -Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. or more information, visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. -Health and Safety Trainings I reminded you, Katina Smith, to check and track staff’s progress on completing the required Health/Safety trainings. -Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. -Criminal Background Check Legislative Changes: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. 1. The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. 2. The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. ChildCareStrongNC Managing COVID-19 Cases in Child Care Facilities Toolkit: Published March 23, 2020, updated September 6, 2022. Link to the latest toolkit is https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/nc-interim-guidance-child-care-settings-0/download?attachment If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me at Tiffani Sims; PO Box 185, Glen Alpine, NC 28628; (828) 417-1648; tiffani.sims@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of North Carolina. 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