LA Petite Academy

10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0426-230L Visit Date: 4/29/2026 Number Present: 81 Completed Date: 4/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 540 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 06:15 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 a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Bree Mc Clurkin, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on April 24, 2025, and your business La Petite Academy 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. On April 17, 2026, the following allegations of violations of child care requirements were received: the allegations were regarding supervision, nurture, care, and treatment, discipline, and unsafe environments. The allegations were regarding that children were not supervised, improper nurture and care practices of children were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices concerning using special party foods as a form of punishment were used with children, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developmental needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework tasks that had to be completed and returned to the facility in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environment by not following their special diet restrictions listed on their application, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. The allegation were discussed with staff members. You and staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegation. A walk through the facility was conducted during today’s visit. During today’s visit, I observed Space #7, and in Space #4. I observed staff and children in Space #7 were engaged in indoor free play, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, nap time, and afternoon snack time. I observed that staff and children in Space #4 were engaged in indoor free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, and music and movement. Staff members interviewed stated that if there was only one staff member in the classroom and if they needed assistance, staff members would use the walkie talkie to contact administrative staff for assistance. No supervision issues and/or concerns had been reported to the administrator and the staff reported that they had not received any concerns about supervision issues from the parents. During art activities, one staff member sits with the children to supervise. You and staff members interviewed stated that children were handled in a nurturing and caring manner, and no one had observed staff members handling children roughly. I received and reviewed a copy of the facility’s discipline policy. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed, and documentation were reviewed that the discipline policy adopted by the child care facility were in each child’s file and signed by the parent. Staff members interviewed stated that special foods served to children during afternoon snack time for special occasions such as birthday parties and holiday parties. Participation in special treats were optional for parents to participate to bring the special treat food to the classroom. Special treats included cupcakes, cookies, food puffs, and other special treats. Saff members interviewed also stated that if children display inappropriate behaviors during the day they did not participate in the classroom’s special treats during afternoon snack time. Staff members also stated that they were served the school’s snacks and sometimes removed from the classroom to another classroom while the special treats were served to the children in their classroom. Staff members stated if a group of children were not participating in the special treats that they were placed at a separate table in the classroom and served the school snack that was on the menu. You, Kenyata Allison, showed me documentation of a mass message sent to parents on the SproutAbout app on April 3, 2026, at 1:36pm that stated “that we had a lot of issues with behaviors today, and we have warned children about if the behaviors continued, they would get regular snack today for the party. We are needing help with the behaviors in the classroom.” You and Staff members in Space #4 and Space #7 were interviewed concerning homework folders sent home with children on Monday to be completed during the week and returned on Friday so the children could earn a reward from the treasure box. Staff members in Space #4 stated that children in their classroom do not participate in homework folders. You and staff members stated that in Space #7, that children are required to complete the work in the homework folders to help prepare them to transition them to the next classroom in the Fall. You, Kenyata Allsion, stated that the homework folders were part of the Learn As We Grow philosophy adopted by the facility and is part of the La Petite Academy philosophy. The tasks included in the homework folder included, letter, shape and number recognition, children writing their names, cutting, pasting, and tracing skills. Staff members stated that homework folders were mandatory. Staff members also stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week that children do not earn treasure from the treasure box. Staff members stated children who are hitting and kicking their friends and staff members, as well as spitting should not be rewarded for their inappropriate behaviors. You shared with me and made me a copy of the resources titled Addressing Challenging Behaviors sheets that you shared with parents. You also stated that children with at least two inappropriate behaviors, for example hitting or kicking, that a “My Path” action plan is created for the child and the “My Path” information is documented on the SproutAbout app that you and staff members have access. I also received a copy of the parent handbook that referenced special diets and children with allergies. The parent handbook referenced in the children with medical or behavior diagnosis section of the handbook that “you notify us immediately when you learn that your child has a medical diagnosis.”. I asked you to review messages on the SproutAbout app concerning children’s special diet. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, stated that staff members are supposed to input on the SproutAbout app for each child when food is substituted if a child had a specific food allergy. You reviewed with me this meals section on the SproutAbout app and how this information needed to be documented. In Space #7, I reviewed a message sent by a parent referencing their child being served on April 16, 2026, and on April 17, 2026, a food on their allergy list. A staff member in Space #7, responded to the parent on the SproutAbout app on April 17, 2026, and stated their child’s food was substituted with approved food. I reviewed a sample of children’s files to review the health care needs section of their application and incident reports. A child’s file health care needs section of their application were updated to reflect their food allergy. The application was updated as of January 12, 2025. The allegations that children were not properly supervised, improper nurture and care of children practices were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care by children where children were assigned weekly homework to be completed in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environments by not following their special diet restrictions, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. Based on the walk through of the facility’s indoor spaces, observations, review of facility’s records, review of the facility’s policies, documentation on the SproutAbout app, and staff interviews, “The allegation that children were not properly supervised was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding improper nurture and care practices were used with children were handled roughly were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding that inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment” were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding inappropriate discipline practices were used with children in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework that had to be completed and returned to the facility at the end of the week in order to earn a reward from the treasure box were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding children being exposed to an unsafe environment by not following children’s special diet restrictions were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation regarding incident reports not received was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The incident report in question was signed by the parent and on file for review. One violation regarding incident reports unrelated to the allegation was observed and cited. I asked if you have any questions concerning today’s visit and you stated no. The following violations were observed today during today’s visit. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was printed, reviewed, and left with you at the conclusion of this visit. You signed an electronic visit summary during the visit today and received a copy at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. The incident report dated March 2, 2026, for one child three years of age, enrolled in Space #7, had missing information. The missing information included the location of the incident, name of the parent/guardian notified, how the parent/guardian was notified, the staff member who notified the parent, and how the staff member notified the parent. .0802 (e) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. Staff members interviewed stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during special occasions such as birthdays and holiday parties, the child was excluded from the special treat food and only given the school’s snack listed on the menu. .1803(a)(4-6) 908 Discipline was not appropriate for the child's age and development. Staff members interviewed stated that children in Space #7, were required to participate in homework folder activities sent home on Monday and returned completed activities on Friday to earn a treasure from the treasure box. If a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week, the child did not earn a treasure from the treasure box. .1803(b) Technical Assistance for violation cited during today’s visit: Inappropriate Discipline Practices: I suggest reviewing with all staff the facility’s discipline policy, as well as the child care rules regarding discipline to ensure that the facility’s discipline policies are followed and children are not handled roughly, but in a nurturing and caring manner, food is not used as a form of punishment, and discipline practice needs to meet the developmental needs of children in care. I suggested that homework folders sent home with children be optional and children should not be punished by not receiving a treasure from the treasure box for not participating in completing homework. I also suggested that you find some positive reinforcement strategies to use with children who are displaying inappropriate behaviors and not able to earn a reward from the treasure box. I also suggested that you contact Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behaviorist for technical assistance and training for staff on handling difficult behavioral issues and developmentally appropriate practices in handling discipline in the classroom. Her contact information is below in the consultation section of the visit summary. 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. Incident reports- -We discussed the information required by child care rules for incident reports and suggested that you review incident report requirements with all staff members. I suggested that you review all incident reports once received to ensure all required information is obtained. This will allow you to gather any missing information from staff to be recorded prior to filing. Child care rule .0802(e) states the child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or a parent signature declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. 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-three (93%) as of April 24, 2026. 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 Documentation and Information Due Date: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 13, 2026. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: 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 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 An unannounced visit may be made in the near future to verify corrections of violations. Consultation: Healthy Social Behaviors: I suggested contacting Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behavior Coach, for technical assistance and training on developmentally appropriate discipline practices and on how to deal with children’s behaviors. Her contact information is through Child Care Resources Inc. Her contact information is (704) 376-6697 ext. 383 or (980) 241-0450 or via email wgraham@childcareresourcesinc.org. Supervision: I suggested reviewing with all staff members the child care requirements for supervision of children in both the indoor and outdoor environments. For example, if only one staff is required to maintain the child care requirement for staff/child ratios, how should the staff member responsible for supervision in the classroom maintain proper supervision of children? 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; Unsafe Environment Children’s Special Diet: I discussed with you that children’s special diets should be documented in the child’s file, posted in each classroom where the child may be enrolled, and in the kitchen. I suggested reviewing children’s files with parents at least twice a year to ensure that all information documented in the children’s health care needs section of their application is accurate. I also suggest reviewing with all staff members at least every two months, when children’s health care needs section of their application were updated, and review with new staff members during orientation the food allergy list to ensure children are not served food that they are allergic to during meals and/or snack time. 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (g) Children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS p (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Incident Log- -The incident log must be available for review by a representative of the Division per child care requirements 10A NCAC 09 .0802 (g). I suggested that you post an incident log in the office or somewhere in the facility and log incidents that occur at the facility on the log as incidents occur. An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723 DCDEE Updates: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 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 child care in North Carolina. An unannounced follow-up visit will occur based on the findings from today’s visit. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, at Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. 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: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0426-230L Visit Date: 4/29/2026 Number Present: 81 Completed Date: 4/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 540 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 06:15 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 a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Bree Mc Clurkin, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on April 24, 2025, and your business La Petite Academy 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. On April 17, 2026, the following allegations of violations of child care requirements were received: the allegations were regarding supervision, nurture, care, and treatment, discipline, and unsafe environments. The allegations were regarding that children were not supervised, improper nurture and care practices of children were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices concerning using special party foods as a form of punishment were used with children, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developmental needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework tasks that had to be completed and returned to the facility in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environment by not following their special diet restrictions listed on their application, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. The allegation were discussed with staff members. You and staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegation. A walk through the facility was conducted during today’s visit. During today’s visit, I observed Space #7, and in Space #4. I observed staff and children in Space #7 were engaged in indoor free play, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, nap time, and afternoon snack time. I observed that staff and children in Space #4 were engaged in indoor free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, and music and movement. Staff members interviewed stated that if there was only one staff member in the classroom and if they needed assistance, staff members would use the walkie talkie to contact administrative staff for assistance. No supervision issues and/or concerns had been reported to the administrator and the staff reported that they had not received any concerns about supervision issues from the parents. During art activities, one staff member sits with the children to supervise. You and staff members interviewed stated that children were handled in a nurturing and caring manner, and no one had observed staff members handling children roughly. I received and reviewed a copy of the facility’s discipline policy. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed, and documentation were reviewed that the discipline policy adopted by the child care facility were in each child’s file and signed by the parent. Staff members interviewed stated that special foods served to children during afternoon snack time for special occasions such as birthday parties and holiday parties. Participation in special treats were optional for parents to participate to bring the special treat food to the classroom. Special treats included cupcakes, cookies, food puffs, and other special treats. Saff members interviewed also stated that if children display inappropriate behaviors during the day they did not participate in the classroom’s special treats during afternoon snack time. Staff members also stated that they were served the school’s snacks and sometimes removed from the classroom to another classroom while the special treats were served to the children in their classroom. Staff members stated if a group of children were not participating in the special treats that they were placed at a separate table in the classroom and served the school snack that was on the menu. You, Kenyata Allison, showed me documentation of a mass message sent to parents on the SproutAbout app on April 3, 2026, at 1:36pm that stated “that we had a lot of issues with behaviors today, and we have warned children about if the behaviors continued, they would get regular snack today for the party. We are needing help with the behaviors in the classroom.” You and Staff members in Space #4 and Space #7 were interviewed concerning homework folders sent home with children on Monday to be completed during the week and returned on Friday so the children could earn a reward from the treasure box. Staff members in Space #4 stated that children in their classroom do not participate in homework folders. You and staff members stated that in Space #7, that children are required to complete the work in the homework folders to help prepare them to transition them to the next classroom in the Fall. You, Kenyata Allsion, stated that the homework folders were part of the Learn As We Grow philosophy adopted by the facility and is part of the La Petite Academy philosophy. The tasks included in the homework folder included, letter, shape and number recognition, children writing their names, cutting, pasting, and tracing skills. Staff members stated that homework folders were mandatory. Staff members also stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week that children do not earn treasure from the treasure box. Staff members stated children who are hitting and kicking their friends and staff members, as well as spitting should not be rewarded for their inappropriate behaviors. You shared with me and made me a copy of the resources titled Addressing Challenging Behaviors sheets that you shared with parents. You also stated that children with at least two inappropriate behaviors, for example hitting or kicking, that a “My Path” action plan is created for the child and the “My Path” information is documented on the SproutAbout app that you and staff members have access. I also received a copy of the parent handbook that referenced special diets and children with allergies. The parent handbook referenced in the children with medical or behavior diagnosis section of the handbook that “you notify us immediately when you learn that your child has a medical diagnosis.”. I asked you to review messages on the SproutAbout app concerning children’s special diet. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, stated that staff members are supposed to input on the SproutAbout app for each child when food is substituted if a child had a specific food allergy. You reviewed with me this meals section on the SproutAbout app and how this information needed to be documented. In Space #7, I reviewed a message sent by a parent referencing their child being served on April 16, 2026, and on April 17, 2026, a food on their allergy list. A staff member in Space #7, responded to the parent on the SproutAbout app on April 17, 2026, and stated their child’s food was substituted with approved food. I reviewed a sample of children’s files to review the health care needs section of their application and incident reports. A child’s file health care needs section of their application were updated to reflect their food allergy. The application was updated as of January 12, 2025. The allegations that children were not properly supervised, improper nurture and care of children practices were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care by children where children were assigned weekly homework to be completed in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environments by not following their special diet restrictions, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. Based on the walk through of the facility’s indoor spaces, observations, review of facility’s records, review of the facility’s policies, documentation on the SproutAbout app, and staff interviews, “The allegation that children were not properly supervised was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding improper nurture and care practices were used with children were handled roughly were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding that inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment” were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding inappropriate discipline practices were used with children in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework that had to be completed and returned to the facility at the end of the week in order to earn a reward from the treasure box were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding children being exposed to an unsafe environment by not following children’s special diet restrictions were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation regarding incident reports not received was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The incident report in question was signed by the parent and on file for review. One violation regarding incident reports unrelated to the allegation was observed and cited. I asked if you have any questions concerning today’s visit and you stated no. The following violations were observed today during today’s visit. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was printed, reviewed, and left with you at the conclusion of this visit. You signed an electronic visit summary during the visit today and received a copy at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. The incident report dated March 2, 2026, for one child three years of age, enrolled in Space #7, had missing information. The missing information included the location of the incident, name of the parent/guardian notified, how the parent/guardian was notified, the staff member who notified the parent, and how the staff member notified the parent. .0802 (e) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. Staff members interviewed stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during special occasions such as birthdays and holiday parties, the child was excluded from the special treat food and only given the school’s snack listed on the menu. .1803(a)(4-6) 908 Discipline was not appropriate for the child's age and development. Staff members interviewed stated that children in Space #7, were required to participate in homework folder activities sent home on Monday and returned completed activities on Friday to earn a treasure from the treasure box. If a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week, the child did not earn a treasure from the treasure box. .1803(b) Technical Assistance for violation cited during today’s visit: Inappropriate Discipline Practices: I suggest reviewing with all staff the facility’s discipline policy, as well as the child care rules regarding discipline to ensure that the facility’s discipline policies are followed and children are not handled roughly, but in a nurturing and caring manner, food is not used as a form of punishment, and discipline practice needs to meet the developmental needs of children in care. I suggested that homework folders sent home with children be optional and children should not be punished by not receiving a treasure from the treasure box for not participating in completing homework. I also suggested that you find some positive reinforcement strategies to use with children who are displaying inappropriate behaviors and not able to earn a reward from the treasure box. I also suggested that you contact Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behaviorist for technical assistance and training for staff on handling difficult behavioral issues and developmentally appropriate practices in handling discipline in the classroom. Her contact information is below in the consultation section of the visit summary. 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. Incident reports- -We discussed the information required by child care rules for incident reports and suggested that you review incident report requirements with all staff members. I suggested that you review all incident reports once received to ensure all required information is obtained. This will allow you to gather any missing information from staff to be recorded prior to filing. Child care rule .0802(e) states the child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or a parent signature declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. 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-three (93%) as of April 24, 2026. 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 Documentation and Information Due Date: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 13, 2026. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: 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 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 An unannounced visit may be made in the near future to verify corrections of violations. Consultation: Healthy Social Behaviors: I suggested contacting Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behavior Coach, for technical assistance and training on developmentally appropriate discipline practices and on how to deal with children’s behaviors. Her contact information is through Child Care Resources Inc. Her contact information is (704) 376-6697 ext. 383 or (980) 241-0450 or via email wgraham@childcareresourcesinc.org. Supervision: I suggested reviewing with all staff members the child care requirements for supervision of children in both the indoor and outdoor environments. For example, if only one staff is required to maintain the child care requirement for staff/child ratios, how should the staff member responsible for supervision in the classroom maintain proper supervision of children? 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; Unsafe Environment Children’s Special Diet: I discussed with you that children’s special diets should be documented in the child’s file, posted in each classroom where the child may be enrolled, and in the kitchen. I suggested reviewing children’s files with parents at least twice a year to ensure that all information documented in the children’s health care needs section of their application is accurate. I also suggest reviewing with all staff members at least every two months, when children’s health care needs section of their application were updated, and review with new staff members during orientation the food allergy list to ensure children are not served food that they are allergic to during meals and/or snack time. 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (g) Children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS p (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Incident Log- -The incident log must be available for review by a representative of the Division per child care requirements 10A NCAC 09 .0802 (g). I suggested that you post an incident log in the office or somewhere in the facility and log incidents that occur at the facility on the log as incidents occur. An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723 DCDEE Updates: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 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 child care in North Carolina. An unannounced follow-up visit will occur based on the findings from today’s visit. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, at Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. 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 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0426-230L Visit Date: 4/29/2026 Number Present: 81 Completed Date: 4/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 540 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 06:15 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 a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Bree Mc Clurkin, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on April 24, 2025, and your business La Petite Academy 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. On April 17, 2026, the following allegations of violations of child care requirements were received: the allegations were regarding supervision, nurture, care, and treatment, discipline, and unsafe environments. The allegations were regarding that children were not supervised, improper nurture and care practices of children were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices concerning using special party foods as a form of punishment were used with children, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developmental needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework tasks that had to be completed and returned to the facility in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environment by not following their special diet restrictions listed on their application, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. The allegation were discussed with staff members. You and staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegation. A walk through the facility was conducted during today’s visit. During today’s visit, I observed Space #7, and in Space #4. I observed staff and children in Space #7 were engaged in indoor free play, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, nap time, and afternoon snack time. I observed that staff and children in Space #4 were engaged in indoor free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, and music and movement. Staff members interviewed stated that if there was only one staff member in the classroom and if they needed assistance, staff members would use the walkie talkie to contact administrative staff for assistance. No supervision issues and/or concerns had been reported to the administrator and the staff reported that they had not received any concerns about supervision issues from the parents. During art activities, one staff member sits with the children to supervise. You and staff members interviewed stated that children were handled in a nurturing and caring manner, and no one had observed staff members handling children roughly. I received and reviewed a copy of the facility’s discipline policy. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed, and documentation were reviewed that the discipline policy adopted by the child care facility were in each child’s file and signed by the parent. Staff members interviewed stated that special foods served to children during afternoon snack time for special occasions such as birthday parties and holiday parties. Participation in special treats were optional for parents to participate to bring the special treat food to the classroom. Special treats included cupcakes, cookies, food puffs, and other special treats. Saff members interviewed also stated that if children display inappropriate behaviors during the day they did not participate in the classroom’s special treats during afternoon snack time. Staff members also stated that they were served the school’s snacks and sometimes removed from the classroom to another classroom while the special treats were served to the children in their classroom. Staff members stated if a group of children were not participating in the special treats that they were placed at a separate table in the classroom and served the school snack that was on the menu. You, Kenyata Allison, showed me documentation of a mass message sent to parents on the SproutAbout app on April 3, 2026, at 1:36pm that stated “that we had a lot of issues with behaviors today, and we have warned children about if the behaviors continued, they would get regular snack today for the party. We are needing help with the behaviors in the classroom.” You and Staff members in Space #4 and Space #7 were interviewed concerning homework folders sent home with children on Monday to be completed during the week and returned on Friday so the children could earn a reward from the treasure box. Staff members in Space #4 stated that children in their classroom do not participate in homework folders. You and staff members stated that in Space #7, that children are required to complete the work in the homework folders to help prepare them to transition them to the next classroom in the Fall. You, Kenyata Allsion, stated that the homework folders were part of the Learn As We Grow philosophy adopted by the facility and is part of the La Petite Academy philosophy. The tasks included in the homework folder included, letter, shape and number recognition, children writing their names, cutting, pasting, and tracing skills. Staff members stated that homework folders were mandatory. Staff members also stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week that children do not earn treasure from the treasure box. Staff members stated children who are hitting and kicking their friends and staff members, as well as spitting should not be rewarded for their inappropriate behaviors. You shared with me and made me a copy of the resources titled Addressing Challenging Behaviors sheets that you shared with parents. You also stated that children with at least two inappropriate behaviors, for example hitting or kicking, that a “My Path” action plan is created for the child and the “My Path” information is documented on the SproutAbout app that you and staff members have access. I also received a copy of the parent handbook that referenced special diets and children with allergies. The parent handbook referenced in the children with medical or behavior diagnosis section of the handbook that “you notify us immediately when you learn that your child has a medical diagnosis.”. I asked you to review messages on the SproutAbout app concerning children’s special diet. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, stated that staff members are supposed to input on the SproutAbout app for each child when food is substituted if a child had a specific food allergy. You reviewed with me this meals section on the SproutAbout app and how this information needed to be documented. In Space #7, I reviewed a message sent by a parent referencing their child being served on April 16, 2026, and on April 17, 2026, a food on their allergy list. A staff member in Space #7, responded to the parent on the SproutAbout app on April 17, 2026, and stated their child’s food was substituted with approved food. I reviewed a sample of children’s files to review the health care needs section of their application and incident reports. A child’s file health care needs section of their application were updated to reflect their food allergy. The application was updated as of January 12, 2025. The allegations that children were not properly supervised, improper nurture and care of children practices were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care by children where children were assigned weekly homework to be completed in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environments by not following their special diet restrictions, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. Based on the walk through of the facility’s indoor spaces, observations, review of facility’s records, review of the facility’s policies, documentation on the SproutAbout app, and staff interviews, “The allegation that children were not properly supervised was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding improper nurture and care practices were used with children were handled roughly were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding that inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment” were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding inappropriate discipline practices were used with children in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework that had to be completed and returned to the facility at the end of the week in order to earn a reward from the treasure box were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding children being exposed to an unsafe environment by not following children’s special diet restrictions were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation regarding incident reports not received was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The incident report in question was signed by the parent and on file for review. One violation regarding incident reports unrelated to the allegation was observed and cited. I asked if you have any questions concerning today’s visit and you stated no. The following violations were observed today during today’s visit. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was printed, reviewed, and left with you at the conclusion of this visit. You signed an electronic visit summary during the visit today and received a copy at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. The incident report dated March 2, 2026, for one child three years of age, enrolled in Space #7, had missing information. The missing information included the location of the incident, name of the parent/guardian notified, how the parent/guardian was notified, the staff member who notified the parent, and how the staff member notified the parent. .0802 (e) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. Staff members interviewed stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during special occasions such as birthdays and holiday parties, the child was excluded from the special treat food and only given the school’s snack listed on the menu. .1803(a)(4-6) 908 Discipline was not appropriate for the child's age and development. Staff members interviewed stated that children in Space #7, were required to participate in homework folder activities sent home on Monday and returned completed activities on Friday to earn a treasure from the treasure box. If a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week, the child did not earn a treasure from the treasure box. .1803(b) Technical Assistance for violation cited during today’s visit: Inappropriate Discipline Practices: I suggest reviewing with all staff the facility’s discipline policy, as well as the child care rules regarding discipline to ensure that the facility’s discipline policies are followed and children are not handled roughly, but in a nurturing and caring manner, food is not used as a form of punishment, and discipline practice needs to meet the developmental needs of children in care. I suggested that homework folders sent home with children be optional and children should not be punished by not receiving a treasure from the treasure box for not participating in completing homework. I also suggested that you find some positive reinforcement strategies to use with children who are displaying inappropriate behaviors and not able to earn a reward from the treasure box. I also suggested that you contact Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behaviorist for technical assistance and training for staff on handling difficult behavioral issues and developmentally appropriate practices in handling discipline in the classroom. Her contact information is below in the consultation section of the visit summary. 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. Incident reports- -We discussed the information required by child care rules for incident reports and suggested that you review incident report requirements with all staff members. I suggested that you review all incident reports once received to ensure all required information is obtained. This will allow you to gather any missing information from staff to be recorded prior to filing. Child care rule .0802(e) states the child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or a parent signature declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. 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-three (93%) as of April 24, 2026. 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 Documentation and Information Due Date: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 13, 2026. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: 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 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 An unannounced visit may be made in the near future to verify corrections of violations. Consultation: Healthy Social Behaviors: I suggested contacting Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behavior Coach, for technical assistance and training on developmentally appropriate discipline practices and on how to deal with children’s behaviors. Her contact information is through Child Care Resources Inc. Her contact information is (704) 376-6697 ext. 383 or (980) 241-0450 or via email wgraham@childcareresourcesinc.org. Supervision: I suggested reviewing with all staff members the child care requirements for supervision of children in both the indoor and outdoor environments. For example, if only one staff is required to maintain the child care requirement for staff/child ratios, how should the staff member responsible for supervision in the classroom maintain proper supervision of children? 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; Unsafe Environment Children’s Special Diet: I discussed with you that children’s special diets should be documented in the child’s file, posted in each classroom where the child may be enrolled, and in the kitchen. I suggested reviewing children’s files with parents at least twice a year to ensure that all information documented in the children’s health care needs section of their application is accurate. I also suggest reviewing with all staff members at least every two months, when children’s health care needs section of their application were updated, and review with new staff members during orientation the food allergy list to ensure children are not served food that they are allergic to during meals and/or snack time. 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (g) Children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS p (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Incident Log- -The incident log must be available for review by a representative of the Division per child care requirements 10A NCAC 09 .0802 (g). I suggested that you post an incident log in the office or somewhere in the facility and log incidents that occur at the facility on the log as incidents occur. An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723 DCDEE Updates: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 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 child care in North Carolina. An unannounced follow-up visit will occur based on the findings from today’s visit. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, at Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. 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 .1803 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0426-230L Visit Date: 4/29/2026 Number Present: 81 Completed Date: 4/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 540 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 06:15 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 a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Bree Mc Clurkin, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on April 24, 2025, and your business La Petite Academy 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. On April 17, 2026, the following allegations of violations of child care requirements were received: the allegations were regarding supervision, nurture, care, and treatment, discipline, and unsafe environments. The allegations were regarding that children were not supervised, improper nurture and care practices of children were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices concerning using special party foods as a form of punishment were used with children, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developmental needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework tasks that had to be completed and returned to the facility in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environment by not following their special diet restrictions listed on their application, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. The allegation were discussed with staff members. You and staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegation. A walk through the facility was conducted during today’s visit. During today’s visit, I observed Space #7, and in Space #4. I observed staff and children in Space #7 were engaged in indoor free play, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, nap time, and afternoon snack time. I observed that staff and children in Space #4 were engaged in indoor free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, and music and movement. Staff members interviewed stated that if there was only one staff member in the classroom and if they needed assistance, staff members would use the walkie talkie to contact administrative staff for assistance. No supervision issues and/or concerns had been reported to the administrator and the staff reported that they had not received any concerns about supervision issues from the parents. During art activities, one staff member sits with the children to supervise. You and staff members interviewed stated that children were handled in a nurturing and caring manner, and no one had observed staff members handling children roughly. I received and reviewed a copy of the facility’s discipline policy. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed, and documentation were reviewed that the discipline policy adopted by the child care facility were in each child’s file and signed by the parent. Staff members interviewed stated that special foods served to children during afternoon snack time for special occasions such as birthday parties and holiday parties. Participation in special treats were optional for parents to participate to bring the special treat food to the classroom. Special treats included cupcakes, cookies, food puffs, and other special treats. Saff members interviewed also stated that if children display inappropriate behaviors during the day they did not participate in the classroom’s special treats during afternoon snack time. Staff members also stated that they were served the school’s snacks and sometimes removed from the classroom to another classroom while the special treats were served to the children in their classroom. Staff members stated if a group of children were not participating in the special treats that they were placed at a separate table in the classroom and served the school snack that was on the menu. You, Kenyata Allison, showed me documentation of a mass message sent to parents on the SproutAbout app on April 3, 2026, at 1:36pm that stated “that we had a lot of issues with behaviors today, and we have warned children about if the behaviors continued, they would get regular snack today for the party. We are needing help with the behaviors in the classroom.” You and Staff members in Space #4 and Space #7 were interviewed concerning homework folders sent home with children on Monday to be completed during the week and returned on Friday so the children could earn a reward from the treasure box. Staff members in Space #4 stated that children in their classroom do not participate in homework folders. You and staff members stated that in Space #7, that children are required to complete the work in the homework folders to help prepare them to transition them to the next classroom in the Fall. You, Kenyata Allsion, stated that the homework folders were part of the Learn As We Grow philosophy adopted by the facility and is part of the La Petite Academy philosophy. The tasks included in the homework folder included, letter, shape and number recognition, children writing their names, cutting, pasting, and tracing skills. Staff members stated that homework folders were mandatory. Staff members also stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week that children do not earn treasure from the treasure box. Staff members stated children who are hitting and kicking their friends and staff members, as well as spitting should not be rewarded for their inappropriate behaviors. You shared with me and made me a copy of the resources titled Addressing Challenging Behaviors sheets that you shared with parents. You also stated that children with at least two inappropriate behaviors, for example hitting or kicking, that a “My Path” action plan is created for the child and the “My Path” information is documented on the SproutAbout app that you and staff members have access. I also received a copy of the parent handbook that referenced special diets and children with allergies. The parent handbook referenced in the children with medical or behavior diagnosis section of the handbook that “you notify us immediately when you learn that your child has a medical diagnosis.”. I asked you to review messages on the SproutAbout app concerning children’s special diet. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, stated that staff members are supposed to input on the SproutAbout app for each child when food is substituted if a child had a specific food allergy. You reviewed with me this meals section on the SproutAbout app and how this information needed to be documented. In Space #7, I reviewed a message sent by a parent referencing their child being served on April 16, 2026, and on April 17, 2026, a food on their allergy list. A staff member in Space #7, responded to the parent on the SproutAbout app on April 17, 2026, and stated their child’s food was substituted with approved food. I reviewed a sample of children’s files to review the health care needs section of their application and incident reports. A child’s file health care needs section of their application were updated to reflect their food allergy. The application was updated as of January 12, 2025. The allegations that children were not properly supervised, improper nurture and care of children practices were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care by children where children were assigned weekly homework to be completed in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environments by not following their special diet restrictions, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. Based on the walk through of the facility’s indoor spaces, observations, review of facility’s records, review of the facility’s policies, documentation on the SproutAbout app, and staff interviews, “The allegation that children were not properly supervised was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding improper nurture and care practices were used with children were handled roughly were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding that inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment” were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding inappropriate discipline practices were used with children in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework that had to be completed and returned to the facility at the end of the week in order to earn a reward from the treasure box were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding children being exposed to an unsafe environment by not following children’s special diet restrictions were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation regarding incident reports not received was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The incident report in question was signed by the parent and on file for review. One violation regarding incident reports unrelated to the allegation was observed and cited. I asked if you have any questions concerning today’s visit and you stated no. The following violations were observed today during today’s visit. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was printed, reviewed, and left with you at the conclusion of this visit. You signed an electronic visit summary during the visit today and received a copy at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. The incident report dated March 2, 2026, for one child three years of age, enrolled in Space #7, had missing information. The missing information included the location of the incident, name of the parent/guardian notified, how the parent/guardian was notified, the staff member who notified the parent, and how the staff member notified the parent. .0802 (e) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. Staff members interviewed stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during special occasions such as birthdays and holiday parties, the child was excluded from the special treat food and only given the school’s snack listed on the menu. .1803(a)(4-6) 908 Discipline was not appropriate for the child's age and development. Staff members interviewed stated that children in Space #7, were required to participate in homework folder activities sent home on Monday and returned completed activities on Friday to earn a treasure from the treasure box. If a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week, the child did not earn a treasure from the treasure box. .1803(b) Technical Assistance for violation cited during today’s visit: Inappropriate Discipline Practices: I suggest reviewing with all staff the facility’s discipline policy, as well as the child care rules regarding discipline to ensure that the facility’s discipline policies are followed and children are not handled roughly, but in a nurturing and caring manner, food is not used as a form of punishment, and discipline practice needs to meet the developmental needs of children in care. I suggested that homework folders sent home with children be optional and children should not be punished by not receiving a treasure from the treasure box for not participating in completing homework. I also suggested that you find some positive reinforcement strategies to use with children who are displaying inappropriate behaviors and not able to earn a reward from the treasure box. I also suggested that you contact Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behaviorist for technical assistance and training for staff on handling difficult behavioral issues and developmentally appropriate practices in handling discipline in the classroom. Her contact information is below in the consultation section of the visit summary. 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. Incident reports- -We discussed the information required by child care rules for incident reports and suggested that you review incident report requirements with all staff members. I suggested that you review all incident reports once received to ensure all required information is obtained. This will allow you to gather any missing information from staff to be recorded prior to filing. Child care rule .0802(e) states the child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or a parent signature declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. 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-three (93%) as of April 24, 2026. 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 Documentation and Information Due Date: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 13, 2026. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: 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 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 An unannounced visit may be made in the near future to verify corrections of violations. Consultation: Healthy Social Behaviors: I suggested contacting Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behavior Coach, for technical assistance and training on developmentally appropriate discipline practices and on how to deal with children’s behaviors. Her contact information is through Child Care Resources Inc. Her contact information is (704) 376-6697 ext. 383 or (980) 241-0450 or via email wgraham@childcareresourcesinc.org. Supervision: I suggested reviewing with all staff members the child care requirements for supervision of children in both the indoor and outdoor environments. For example, if only one staff is required to maintain the child care requirement for staff/child ratios, how should the staff member responsible for supervision in the classroom maintain proper supervision of children? 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; Unsafe Environment Children’s Special Diet: I discussed with you that children’s special diets should be documented in the child’s file, posted in each classroom where the child may be enrolled, and in the kitchen. I suggested reviewing children’s files with parents at least twice a year to ensure that all information documented in the children’s health care needs section of their application is accurate. I also suggest reviewing with all staff members at least every two months, when children’s health care needs section of their application were updated, and review with new staff members during orientation the food allergy list to ensure children are not served food that they are allergic to during meals and/or snack time. 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (g) Children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS p (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Incident Log- -The incident log must be available for review by a representative of the Division per child care requirements 10A NCAC 09 .0802 (g). I suggested that you post an incident log in the office or somewhere in the facility and log incidents that occur at the facility on the log as incidents occur. An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723 DCDEE Updates: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 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 child care in North Carolina. An unannounced follow-up visit will occur based on the findings from today’s visit. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, at Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. 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: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0426-230L Visit Date: 4/29/2026 Number Present: 81 Completed Date: 4/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 540 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 06:15 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 a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Bree Mc Clurkin, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on April 24, 2025, and your business La Petite Academy 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. On April 17, 2026, the following allegations of violations of child care requirements were received: the allegations were regarding supervision, nurture, care, and treatment, discipline, and unsafe environments. The allegations were regarding that children were not supervised, improper nurture and care practices of children were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices concerning using special party foods as a form of punishment were used with children, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developmental needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework tasks that had to be completed and returned to the facility in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environment by not following their special diet restrictions listed on their application, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. The allegation were discussed with staff members. You and staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegation. A walk through the facility was conducted during today’s visit. During today’s visit, I observed Space #7, and in Space #4. I observed staff and children in Space #7 were engaged in indoor free play, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, nap time, and afternoon snack time. I observed that staff and children in Space #4 were engaged in indoor free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, and music and movement. Staff members interviewed stated that if there was only one staff member in the classroom and if they needed assistance, staff members would use the walkie talkie to contact administrative staff for assistance. No supervision issues and/or concerns had been reported to the administrator and the staff reported that they had not received any concerns about supervision issues from the parents. During art activities, one staff member sits with the children to supervise. You and staff members interviewed stated that children were handled in a nurturing and caring manner, and no one had observed staff members handling children roughly. I received and reviewed a copy of the facility’s discipline policy. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed, and documentation were reviewed that the discipline policy adopted by the child care facility were in each child’s file and signed by the parent. Staff members interviewed stated that special foods served to children during afternoon snack time for special occasions such as birthday parties and holiday parties. Participation in special treats were optional for parents to participate to bring the special treat food to the classroom. Special treats included cupcakes, cookies, food puffs, and other special treats. Saff members interviewed also stated that if children display inappropriate behaviors during the day they did not participate in the classroom’s special treats during afternoon snack time. Staff members also stated that they were served the school’s snacks and sometimes removed from the classroom to another classroom while the special treats were served to the children in their classroom. Staff members stated if a group of children were not participating in the special treats that they were placed at a separate table in the classroom and served the school snack that was on the menu. You, Kenyata Allison, showed me documentation of a mass message sent to parents on the SproutAbout app on April 3, 2026, at 1:36pm that stated “that we had a lot of issues with behaviors today, and we have warned children about if the behaviors continued, they would get regular snack today for the party. We are needing help with the behaviors in the classroom.” You and Staff members in Space #4 and Space #7 were interviewed concerning homework folders sent home with children on Monday to be completed during the week and returned on Friday so the children could earn a reward from the treasure box. Staff members in Space #4 stated that children in their classroom do not participate in homework folders. You and staff members stated that in Space #7, that children are required to complete the work in the homework folders to help prepare them to transition them to the next classroom in the Fall. You, Kenyata Allsion, stated that the homework folders were part of the Learn As We Grow philosophy adopted by the facility and is part of the La Petite Academy philosophy. The tasks included in the homework folder included, letter, shape and number recognition, children writing their names, cutting, pasting, and tracing skills. Staff members stated that homework folders were mandatory. Staff members also stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week that children do not earn treasure from the treasure box. Staff members stated children who are hitting and kicking their friends and staff members, as well as spitting should not be rewarded for their inappropriate behaviors. You shared with me and made me a copy of the resources titled Addressing Challenging Behaviors sheets that you shared with parents. You also stated that children with at least two inappropriate behaviors, for example hitting or kicking, that a “My Path” action plan is created for the child and the “My Path” information is documented on the SproutAbout app that you and staff members have access. I also received a copy of the parent handbook that referenced special diets and children with allergies. The parent handbook referenced in the children with medical or behavior diagnosis section of the handbook that “you notify us immediately when you learn that your child has a medical diagnosis.”. I asked you to review messages on the SproutAbout app concerning children’s special diet. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, stated that staff members are supposed to input on the SproutAbout app for each child when food is substituted if a child had a specific food allergy. You reviewed with me this meals section on the SproutAbout app and how this information needed to be documented. In Space #7, I reviewed a message sent by a parent referencing their child being served on April 16, 2026, and on April 17, 2026, a food on their allergy list. A staff member in Space #7, responded to the parent on the SproutAbout app on April 17, 2026, and stated their child’s food was substituted with approved food. I reviewed a sample of children’s files to review the health care needs section of their application and incident reports. A child’s file health care needs section of their application were updated to reflect their food allergy. The application was updated as of January 12, 2025. The allegations that children were not properly supervised, improper nurture and care of children practices were used with children being handled roughly, inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment, inappropriate discipline practices were used in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care by children where children were assigned weekly homework to be completed in order to earn a reward from the treasure box, children were exposed to an unsafe environments by not following their special diet restrictions, and inaccurate documentation of incident reports and incident log records not kept when a child was injured. Based on the walk through of the facility’s indoor spaces, observations, review of facility’s records, review of the facility’s policies, documentation on the SproutAbout app, and staff interviews, “The allegation that children were not properly supervised was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding improper nurture and care practices were used with children were handled roughly were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. “The allegation regarding that inappropriate discipline practices were used with children being excluded from participating in special party food treats as a form of punishment” were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding inappropriate discipline practices were used with children in regard to not meeting the developments needs of children in care where children were assigned weekly homework that had to be completed and returned to the facility at the end of the week in order to earn a reward from the treasure box were confirmed; therefore substantiated. The allegation regarding children being exposed to an unsafe environment by not following children’s special diet restrictions were unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation regarding incident reports not received was unconfirmed; therefore unsubstantiated. The incident report in question was signed by the parent and on file for review. One violation regarding incident reports unrelated to the allegation was observed and cited. I asked if you have any questions concerning today’s visit and you stated no. The following violations were observed today during today’s visit. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was printed, reviewed, and left with you at the conclusion of this visit. You signed an electronic visit summary during the visit today and received a copy at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. The incident report dated March 2, 2026, for one child three years of age, enrolled in Space #7, had missing information. The missing information included the location of the incident, name of the parent/guardian notified, how the parent/guardian was notified, the staff member who notified the parent, and how the staff member notified the parent. .0802 (e) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. Staff members interviewed stated that if a child displayed inappropriate behavior during special occasions such as birthdays and holiday parties, the child was excluded from the special treat food and only given the school’s snack listed on the menu. .1803(a)(4-6) 908 Discipline was not appropriate for the child's age and development. Staff members interviewed stated that children in Space #7, were required to participate in homework folder activities sent home on Monday and returned completed activities on Friday to earn a treasure from the treasure box. If a child displayed inappropriate behavior during the week, the child did not earn a treasure from the treasure box. .1803(b) Technical Assistance for violation cited during today’s visit: Inappropriate Discipline Practices: I suggest reviewing with all staff the facility’s discipline policy, as well as the child care rules regarding discipline to ensure that the facility’s discipline policies are followed and children are not handled roughly, but in a nurturing and caring manner, food is not used as a form of punishment, and discipline practice needs to meet the developmental needs of children in care. I suggested that homework folders sent home with children be optional and children should not be punished by not receiving a treasure from the treasure box for not participating in completing homework. I also suggested that you find some positive reinforcement strategies to use with children who are displaying inappropriate behaviors and not able to earn a reward from the treasure box. I also suggested that you contact Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behaviorist for technical assistance and training for staff on handling difficult behavioral issues and developmentally appropriate practices in handling discipline in the classroom. Her contact information is below in the consultation section of the visit summary. 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. Incident reports- -We discussed the information required by child care rules for incident reports and suggested that you review incident report requirements with all staff members. I suggested that you review all incident reports once received to ensure all required information is obtained. This will allow you to gather any missing information from staff to be recorded prior to filing. Child care rule .0802(e) states the child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or a parent signature declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. 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-three (93%) as of April 24, 2026. 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 Documentation and Information Due Date: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 13, 2026. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: 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 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 An unannounced visit may be made in the near future to verify corrections of violations. Consultation: Healthy Social Behaviors: I suggested contacting Winter Graham, Healthy Social Behavior Coach, for technical assistance and training on developmentally appropriate discipline practices and on how to deal with children’s behaviors. Her contact information is through Child Care Resources Inc. Her contact information is (704) 376-6697 ext. 383 or (980) 241-0450 or via email wgraham@childcareresourcesinc.org. Supervision: I suggested reviewing with all staff members the child care requirements for supervision of children in both the indoor and outdoor environments. For example, if only one staff is required to maintain the child care requirement for staff/child ratios, how should the staff member responsible for supervision in the classroom maintain proper supervision of children? 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; Unsafe Environment Children’s Special Diet: I discussed with you that children’s special diets should be documented in the child’s file, posted in each classroom where the child may be enrolled, and in the kitchen. I suggested reviewing children’s files with parents at least twice a year to ensure that all information documented in the children’s health care needs section of their application is accurate. I also suggest reviewing with all staff members at least every two months, when children’s health care needs section of their application were updated, and review with new staff members during orientation the food allergy list to ensure children are not served food that they are allergic to during meals and/or snack time. 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (g) Children's special diets or food allergies shall be posted where they can be seen in the food preparation area and in the child's eating area. 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS p (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Incident Log- -The incident log must be available for review by a representative of the Division per child care requirements 10A NCAC 09 .0802 (g). I suggested that you post an incident log in the office or somewhere in the facility and log incidents that occur at the facility on the log as incidents occur. An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723 DCDEE Updates: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 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 child care in North Carolina. An unannounced follow-up visit will occur based on the findings from today’s visit. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, at Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. 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: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/28/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 8/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 495 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced 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, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and ShaQuala Bostic, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on August 27, 2025, and La Petite Academy Inc. was listed as current, 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, The facility currently operates with a 4-stars rated license issued on October 18, 2028, earning 4 (four) 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, enhanced space, and enhanced ratios. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. During today’s visit, the children were observed snack time, indoor and outdoor free play, art activities, music and music, bottle feeding, diapering, hand washing, lunch, and naptime. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on May 6, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on March 14, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with zero (0) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown emergency drill was completed on August 27, 2025, at 9:35am and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on August 13, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on August 15, 2025, at 9:35am and recorded. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Nine (9) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. One (1) staff file was reviewed, and nine (9) 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 violations were observed during the visit today. Violation Number Comment Rule 431 The activity plan did not provide at least 4 different activities daily listed in GS 110-91(12): art/creative play; books; blocks; manipulatives; and family living and dramatic play, including one of which is outdoors if weather conditions permit. In Space #1, the activity plan available for review did not list activities for books/reading for the week of August 25, 2025, through August 29, 2025. .0508(g)(2) 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. In Space #3, a classroom caring for children one year of age had an unlocked cabinet under the diaper changing station that had a plastic bag of Huggies Pull-ups and were accessible to children enrolled. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 2ab, one infant child nine months of age enrolled on March 17, 2025, the first sleep position documented on the infant sleep chart for August 5, 2025, at 10:21am was documented as being placed on their tummy. One infant child ten months of age, enrolled on May 5, 2025, the first sleep position documented on the infant sleep chart for August 5, 2025, at 10:21am was documented as being placed on their tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. On van 3, picture documentation was not attached to a child’s emergency information. The child was enrolled on June 14, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on March 11, 2024, did not have on file and available for review a current staff development plan and annual staff evaluation. Documentation available for review needed to be completed by March 11, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1314 Emergency information did not name child's health care professional. One child enrolled on August 18, 2025, did not have documentation of preferred health care professional available for review on the child’s application. .0802(c)(2) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. One child enrolled in Space 2ab enrolled on August 18, 2025, did not have available for review the Health Care Needs section on their child’s application. .0801 (a)(5) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Children’s Application: (Health Care Needs & Preferred Medical Professional) I reminded you that there should be no blanks on the children’s application. I suggested to check all children’s files upon enrollment for accuracy and conducting a file review every quarter to ensure accurate documentation is listed. Emergency Information for Transportation: I discussed with you to review all emergency information for the vans when transporting children. I suggested creating a schedule to review the notebooks for accuracy. Plastics Bags We discussed that items in plastic bags need to be locked up and made inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that staff do a daily check of unlocked cabinets and storage to ensure plastic bags are not accessible to children. Activity Plans: We discussed that activity plans must be completed with no blanks. I suggested that staff review the week prior lesson plans and ensure all required information is documented. Sleep Positions: I discussed with you as per your SIDS policy, the first sleep position for an infant child is the back. I suggested reviewing with all infant staff the safe sleep policy. I also suggested reviewing the safe sleep checks weekly for accuracy. Staff Development and Annual Evaluation Plans: I discussed with you that these plans must be completed after the staff’s first year of employment and annually by their hire date. I suggested highlighting the sections and due dates on the staff file checklist and review staff files every couple of months for accuracy. 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-nine (89%). 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 11, 2025. 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: -Provider Access to ABCMS I reviewed the ABCMS Portal Roster for your child care program on August 27, 2025, and you have linked staff to the facility’s ABCMS Portal page. I reviewed for accuracy the ABCMS Portal to the staff and training worksheet that you had provided to me prior to today’s visit. Ten staff have not been linked as of August 27, 2025. You stated that you were not aware that previous staff needed to be linked. I reminded you that all staff must be linked and when new staff are hired and/or when staff are terminated you are required to update the ABCMS Portal Page. -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 November 5, 2024. On August 22, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility’s lead-based paint exemption report was completed on June 24, 2024. The asbestos testing report was completed on July 26, 2024. -QRIS Moderation For more information on the new QRIS system, please visit the DCDEE website, homepage click the What’s new Tab and click onto the QRIS System link. I discussed with you the three different pathways available through the new QRIS System and the resources available for review on the DCDEE website. Information was discussed included the following: the Continuous Quality Improvement Plan for each staff and the program, Enhanced Education standards for the different staff positions, Family and Community Engagement Standards, curriculum, Staff/Child Ratios requirements, and approved Early Childhood Formative Assessments. We discussed you letting me know by October 20, 2025, which of the three pathways for stars you have chosen for your facility. Links for Resources Approved Curriculum: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2023_Approved_Curriculum.pdf?ver=Hxr2QwCIRb8kdaccUr3ETA%3d%3d2023 NC Child Care Commission Approved Formative Assessments: ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2023_Approved_Curriculum.pdf?ver=Hxr2QwCIRb8kdaccUr3ETA%3d%3d Technical Assistance for QRIS and ERS-3 & SACERS-U: I suggested that you contact Child Care Connections of Cleveland County for technical assistance and trainings. I have provided their contact information below. Southwestern Child Development Commission for SACERS-U (828)586-5561 Tina Williams, Director of Provider Services ShaKaren Dade, Birth-Three Specialist (704) 487-7397 Resource: Healthychildren.org, powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics Link: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx -Updating DCDEE WORKS Account: We discussed updating and/or creating an account on the DCDEE WORKS portal for staff’s education to be evaluated for the upcoming Pathways to the Stars process. The link is the following: https://dcdee.works.nc.gov/ and scroll down to the DCDEE WORKS logon link. An updated DCDEE WORKS account is required for all staff to process the education standard for your program. Education will be evaluated for administrators and staff who provide direct care to children. Additional trainings and resources can be accessed from the NC Rated License Assessment Project for the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition for the SACERS-U, ITERS-3 & ECERS-3. -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 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 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/28/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 8/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 495 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced 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, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and ShaQuala Bostic, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on August 27, 2025, and La Petite Academy Inc. was listed as current, 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, The facility currently operates with a 4-stars rated license issued on October 18, 2028, earning 4 (four) 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, enhanced space, and enhanced ratios. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. During today’s visit, the children were observed snack time, indoor and outdoor free play, art activities, music and music, bottle feeding, diapering, hand washing, lunch, and naptime. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on May 6, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on March 14, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with zero (0) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown emergency drill was completed on August 27, 2025, at 9:35am and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on August 13, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on August 15, 2025, at 9:35am and recorded. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Nine (9) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. One (1) staff file was reviewed, and nine (9) 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 violations were observed during the visit today. Violation Number Comment Rule 431 The activity plan did not provide at least 4 different activities daily listed in GS 110-91(12): art/creative play; books; blocks; manipulatives; and family living and dramatic play, including one of which is outdoors if weather conditions permit. In Space #1, the activity plan available for review did not list activities for books/reading for the week of August 25, 2025, through August 29, 2025. .0508(g)(2) 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. In Space #3, a classroom caring for children one year of age had an unlocked cabinet under the diaper changing station that had a plastic bag of Huggies Pull-ups and were accessible to children enrolled. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 2ab, one infant child nine months of age enrolled on March 17, 2025, the first sleep position documented on the infant sleep chart for August 5, 2025, at 10:21am was documented as being placed on their tummy. One infant child ten months of age, enrolled on May 5, 2025, the first sleep position documented on the infant sleep chart for August 5, 2025, at 10:21am was documented as being placed on their tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. On van 3, picture documentation was not attached to a child’s emergency information. The child was enrolled on June 14, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on March 11, 2024, did not have on file and available for review a current staff development plan and annual staff evaluation. Documentation available for review needed to be completed by March 11, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1314 Emergency information did not name child's health care professional. One child enrolled on August 18, 2025, did not have documentation of preferred health care professional available for review on the child’s application. .0802(c)(2) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. One child enrolled in Space 2ab enrolled on August 18, 2025, did not have available for review the Health Care Needs section on their child’s application. .0801 (a)(5) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Children’s Application: (Health Care Needs & Preferred Medical Professional) I reminded you that there should be no blanks on the children’s application. I suggested to check all children’s files upon enrollment for accuracy and conducting a file review every quarter to ensure accurate documentation is listed. Emergency Information for Transportation: I discussed with you to review all emergency information for the vans when transporting children. I suggested creating a schedule to review the notebooks for accuracy. Plastics Bags We discussed that items in plastic bags need to be locked up and made inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that staff do a daily check of unlocked cabinets and storage to ensure plastic bags are not accessible to children. Activity Plans: We discussed that activity plans must be completed with no blanks. I suggested that staff review the week prior lesson plans and ensure all required information is documented. Sleep Positions: I discussed with you as per your SIDS policy, the first sleep position for an infant child is the back. I suggested reviewing with all infant staff the safe sleep policy. I also suggested reviewing the safe sleep checks weekly for accuracy. Staff Development and Annual Evaluation Plans: I discussed with you that these plans must be completed after the staff’s first year of employment and annually by their hire date. I suggested highlighting the sections and due dates on the staff file checklist and review staff files every couple of months for accuracy. 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-nine (89%). 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 11, 2025. 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: -Provider Access to ABCMS I reviewed the ABCMS Portal Roster for your child care program on August 27, 2025, and you have linked staff to the facility’s ABCMS Portal page. I reviewed for accuracy the ABCMS Portal to the staff and training worksheet that you had provided to me prior to today’s visit. Ten staff have not been linked as of August 27, 2025. You stated that you were not aware that previous staff needed to be linked. I reminded you that all staff must be linked and when new staff are hired and/or when staff are terminated you are required to update the ABCMS Portal Page. -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 November 5, 2024. On August 22, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility’s lead-based paint exemption report was completed on June 24, 2024. The asbestos testing report was completed on July 26, 2024. -QRIS Moderation For more information on the new QRIS system, please visit the DCDEE website, homepage click the What’s new Tab and click onto the QRIS System link. I discussed with you the three different pathways available through the new QRIS System and the resources available for review on the DCDEE website. Information was discussed included the following: the Continuous Quality Improvement Plan for each staff and the program, Enhanced Education standards for the different staff positions, Family and Community Engagement Standards, curriculum, Staff/Child Ratios requirements, and approved Early Childhood Formative Assessments. We discussed you letting me know by October 20, 2025, which of the three pathways for stars you have chosen for your facility. Links for Resources Approved Curriculum: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2023_Approved_Curriculum.pdf?ver=Hxr2QwCIRb8kdaccUr3ETA%3d%3d2023 NC Child Care Commission Approved Formative Assessments: ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2023_Approved_Curriculum.pdf?ver=Hxr2QwCIRb8kdaccUr3ETA%3d%3d Technical Assistance for QRIS and ERS-3 & SACERS-U: I suggested that you contact Child Care Connections of Cleveland County for technical assistance and trainings. I have provided their contact information below. Southwestern Child Development Commission for SACERS-U (828)586-5561 Tina Williams, Director of Provider Services ShaKaren Dade, Birth-Three Specialist (704) 487-7397 Resource: Healthychildren.org, powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics Link: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx -Updating DCDEE WORKS Account: We discussed updating and/or creating an account on the DCDEE WORKS portal for staff’s education to be evaluated for the upcoming Pathways to the Stars process. The link is the following: https://dcdee.works.nc.gov/ and scroll down to the DCDEE WORKS logon link. An updated DCDEE WORKS account is required for all staff to process the education standard for your program. Education will be evaluated for administrators and staff who provide direct care to children. Additional trainings and resources can be accessed from the NC Rated License Assessment Project for the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition for the SACERS-U, ITERS-3 & ECERS-3. -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 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/28/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 8/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 495 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced 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, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and ShaQuala Bostic, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on August 27, 2025, and La Petite Academy Inc. was listed as current, 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, The facility currently operates with a 4-stars rated license issued on October 18, 2028, earning 4 (four) 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, enhanced space, and enhanced ratios. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. During today’s visit, the children were observed snack time, indoor and outdoor free play, art activities, music and music, bottle feeding, diapering, hand washing, lunch, and naptime. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on May 6, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on March 14, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with zero (0) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown emergency drill was completed on August 27, 2025, at 9:35am and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on August 13, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on August 15, 2025, at 9:35am and recorded. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Nine (9) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. One (1) staff file was reviewed, and nine (9) 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 violations were observed during the visit today. Violation Number Comment Rule 431 The activity plan did not provide at least 4 different activities daily listed in GS 110-91(12): art/creative play; books; blocks; manipulatives; and family living and dramatic play, including one of which is outdoors if weather conditions permit. In Space #1, the activity plan available for review did not list activities for books/reading for the week of August 25, 2025, through August 29, 2025. .0508(g)(2) 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. In Space #3, a classroom caring for children one year of age had an unlocked cabinet under the diaper changing station that had a plastic bag of Huggies Pull-ups and were accessible to children enrolled. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 2ab, one infant child nine months of age enrolled on March 17, 2025, the first sleep position documented on the infant sleep chart for August 5, 2025, at 10:21am was documented as being placed on their tummy. One infant child ten months of age, enrolled on May 5, 2025, the first sleep position documented on the infant sleep chart for August 5, 2025, at 10:21am was documented as being placed on their tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. On van 3, picture documentation was not attached to a child’s emergency information. The child was enrolled on June 14, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on March 11, 2024, did not have on file and available for review a current staff development plan and annual staff evaluation. Documentation available for review needed to be completed by March 11, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1314 Emergency information did not name child's health care professional. One child enrolled on August 18, 2025, did not have documentation of preferred health care professional available for review on the child’s application. .0802(c)(2) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. One child enrolled in Space 2ab enrolled on August 18, 2025, did not have available for review the Health Care Needs section on their child’s application. .0801 (a)(5) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Children’s Application: (Health Care Needs & Preferred Medical Professional) I reminded you that there should be no blanks on the children’s application. I suggested to check all children’s files upon enrollment for accuracy and conducting a file review every quarter to ensure accurate documentation is listed. Emergency Information for Transportation: I discussed with you to review all emergency information for the vans when transporting children. I suggested creating a schedule to review the notebooks for accuracy. Plastics Bags We discussed that items in plastic bags need to be locked up and made inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that staff do a daily check of unlocked cabinets and storage to ensure plastic bags are not accessible to children. Activity Plans: We discussed that activity plans must be completed with no blanks. I suggested that staff review the week prior lesson plans and ensure all required information is documented. Sleep Positions: I discussed with you as per your SIDS policy, the first sleep position for an infant child is the back. I suggested reviewing with all infant staff the safe sleep policy. I also suggested reviewing the safe sleep checks weekly for accuracy. Staff Development and Annual Evaluation Plans: I discussed with you that these plans must be completed after the staff’s first year of employment and annually by their hire date. I suggested highlighting the sections and due dates on the staff file checklist and review staff files every couple of months for accuracy. 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-nine (89%). 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 11, 2025. 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: -Provider Access to ABCMS I reviewed the ABCMS Portal Roster for your child care program on August 27, 2025, and you have linked staff to the facility’s ABCMS Portal page. I reviewed for accuracy the ABCMS Portal to the staff and training worksheet that you had provided to me prior to today’s visit. Ten staff have not been linked as of August 27, 2025. You stated that you were not aware that previous staff needed to be linked. I reminded you that all staff must be linked and when new staff are hired and/or when staff are terminated you are required to update the ABCMS Portal Page. -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 November 5, 2024. On August 22, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility’s lead-based paint exemption report was completed on June 24, 2024. The asbestos testing report was completed on July 26, 2024. -QRIS Moderation For more information on the new QRIS system, please visit the DCDEE website, homepage click the What’s new Tab and click onto the QRIS System link. I discussed with you the three different pathways available through the new QRIS System and the resources available for review on the DCDEE website. Information was discussed included the following: the Continuous Quality Improvement Plan for each staff and the program, Enhanced Education standards for the different staff positions, Family and Community Engagement Standards, curriculum, Staff/Child Ratios requirements, and approved Early Childhood Formative Assessments. We discussed you letting me know by October 20, 2025, which of the three pathways for stars you have chosen for your facility. Links for Resources Approved Curriculum: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2023_Approved_Curriculum.pdf?ver=Hxr2QwCIRb8kdaccUr3ETA%3d%3d2023 NC Child Care Commission Approved Formative Assessments: ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2023_Approved_Curriculum.pdf?ver=Hxr2QwCIRb8kdaccUr3ETA%3d%3d Technical Assistance for QRIS and ERS-3 & SACERS-U: I suggested that you contact Child Care Connections of Cleveland County for technical assistance and trainings. I have provided their contact information below. Southwestern Child Development Commission for SACERS-U (828)586-5561 Tina Williams, Director of Provider Services ShaKaren Dade, Birth-Three Specialist (704) 487-7397 Resource: Healthychildren.org, powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics Link: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx -Updating DCDEE WORKS Account: We discussed updating and/or creating an account on the DCDEE WORKS portal for staff’s education to be evaluated for the upcoming Pathways to the Stars process. The link is the following: https://dcdee.works.nc.gov/ and scroll down to the DCDEE WORKS logon link. An updated DCDEE WORKS account is required for all staff to process the education standard for your program. Education will be evaluated for administrators and staff who provide direct care to children. Additional trainings and resources can be accessed from the NC Rated License Assessment Project for the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition for the SACERS-U, ITERS-3 & ECERS-3. -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 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 .2201 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0325-032L Visit Date: 3/13/2025 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 3/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 12:05 PM Time Out: 05:15 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 a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on March 11, 2025, and La Petite Academy Inc. was listed as current, 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, The facility currently operates with a 4-stars rated license issued on October 18, 2028, earning 4 (four) 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, enhanced space, and enhanced ratios. On March 4, 2025, the following allegations were received. There are concerns that children are not adequately supervised. There are concerns that an incident report that was not prepared as required. There are concerns that soiled diapers are not changed as required. There are concerns that children are not cleaned as required during diaper changes. The allegations were discussed with you and staff members. You and staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegation. I also observed staff and children during snack time. The allegation that children are not adequately supervised was discussed with you and your staff. You and your staff members stated that children are always supervised. Your staff and members also stated that if one staff member is handling routines, such as diapering, the second staff member in the classroom oversees supervision. You and staff stated that staff are either engaging with children during play, reading to the children, singing with the children, and/or walking around the classroom to offer close supervision. Twelve children and two staff were present. Children were waking up naptime. I observed Space 3 from 2:00pm through 2:53pm. I observed one staff member handling the diaper changing routines and observed the second staff supervising children and waking children up from naptime The allegation that an incident report that was not prepared as required was discussed with you and your staff. You and your staff stated the procedures for completing an incident report is to first see to the child needs, use the walkie talkie system to inform Administration of the incident, document incident on the incident report, inform parents of the incident on the SproutAbout App and let them know they will need to sign an incident report upon pick-up. Staff stated that if the child changes classrooms that the incident report follows the child to the next classroom for the parent to sign, and the incident report is then brought to the office for Administration to log on the incident report log. You and staff also stated that if the parents do not sign the report at the end of the day, they are asked to sign the incident report the next day. I reviewed the new staff orientation packet, and you stated that the incident report form is reviewed with all new staff and shown how to complete the form correctly. You also stated that you review at every monthly staff meeting on how to complete an incident report. I reviewed documentation of the incident report log from February 28, 2025, March 12, 2025, and the incident reports were logged. I reviewed documentation for three incidents reports listed on the incident report log. The allegation that soiled diapers are not changed as required was discussed with you and your staff. You and your staff stated diapers are changed every two hours or as needed if soiled. Staff stated that after naptime that diapers are changed at 2:00pm again at 4:00pm after outdoor gross motor play. Staff also stated that if a child is picked up when they are coming back from outside, they ask the parent do they would like to wait so their child’s diaper can be checked and or changed. You and staff stated that diaper changes are logged on to the SproutAbout App after each diaper change. I observed children and staff in Space #3, a classroom caring for children one (1) year of age, during diaper changing routine from 2:00pm to 2:40pm. I observed one staff member handling the diaper changing routines for ten (10) out of the twelve children one year of age that were present. I reviewed diaper changing documentation on the SproutAbout App from February 28, 2025, through March 13, 2025, and found that children diaper changing times were logged. The allegation that children are not cleaned as required during diaper changes was discussed with you and your staff. You and your staff stated that children are changed every two hours or as needed. I observed one staff member handling the diaper changing routines for ten (10) out of the twelve children present today. I observed the staff member handling diaper changing clean each child with a baby wipe and put a clean diaper on each child. Based on the staff interviews and observation conducted in Space #3, the classroom for one year old children, the allegation that children are not adequately supervised was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. Based on staff interviews and review of documentation, the allegation that an incident report that was not prepared as required was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. Based on the staff interviews, observations, and documentation, the allegation that soiled diapers are not changed as required was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. Based on staff interviews, observations, and documentation, the allegation that children are not cleaned as required during diaper changes was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The following violation was observed during the visit today unrelated to the allegations. Violation Number Comment Rule 404 All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. In Space #3, I observed that a staff member did not wash her hands after diaper changes for seven (7) out of 10 children, one year of age. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 405 A child's hands were not washed after each diaper change. I observed ten (10) children, one year of age, did not wash their hands after diaper changes. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c)(2) Technical Assistance: Hand Washing I discussed with you my observations from Space #3 during diaper changing, I suggested reviewing with all staff when proper washing hands for staff and children must occur. I reminded you that children’s and staff members hands must be washed after each child is diapered. I shared with you the link for hand washing posters from the NC Health and Safety Resource Center. The link is https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/resources/posters/. Consultation Diapering Procedures: I shared with you the diapering poster and the stand-up diapering poster from the NC Health and Safety Resource Center. The link to find these resources is https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/resources/posters/. -DCDEE What’s New: Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by March 25, 2025. Please include in that letter each violation 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. If you state in your corrective action plan letter, that correction had been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. SECTION .2200 - ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE actions GENERAL PROVISIONS Upon a finding that a child care facility operator has violated any provision of G.S. 110, Article 7, the rules of this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, the Secretary or his or her designee may order one or more administrative actions. Thank you for your time and assistance today. You can reach me at 828-417-1648 or my Supervisor, Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2024 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 9/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 05:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements including health and safety requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Whitney Setzer, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on September 3, 2024, and La Petite Academy Inc. was listed as current, 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, The facility currently operates with a 4-stars rated license issued on October 18, 2028, earning 4 (four) 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, enhanced space, and enhanced ratios. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Staff and children were observed during today’s visit engaged in indoor and outdoor free play, music and movement, nap time, lunch, and bottle feeding. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on July 22, 2024. The next fire inspection is due by July 22, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on May 7, 2024. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. The next sanitation inspection needs to be completed by May 31, 2025. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last shelter in place emergency drill was completed on August 3, 2024. at 9:40am and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on August 20, 2024. The last fire drill was completed on August 15, 2024, at 1:53pm and recorded A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Eleven (11) children’s files were reviewed during today’s visit. One (1) staff file was reviewed, and eleven (11) new staffs files were reviewed. 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 violations were observed during the visit today. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space #1, no permission to administer medications were available for review for Boudreaux Butt Paste, Little Journey Diaper Rash Cream, and Mommy’s Bliss Little Gum Soothing Oral Tablets. Staff stated that the medications had not been administered to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space #1, the following leftover medication was not returned to parents within 72 hours. The medications included one tube of Boudreaux Butt Paste and the permission to administer medication expired on August 2, 2024, 2024, one tube of A & D Ointment Diaper Rash and Skin Protectant and the permission to administer medication expired on August 14, 2024. Staff stated that medication had not be administer to the children since the expiration date. In Space #4, the following medications were not returned to parents within 72 hours. The medication included one jar of Silver Sulfa Cream and the permission to administer this medication expired on June 15, 2024. Staff stated that medication had not be administer to the child since the expiration date. .0803(12) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. One staff member employed on March 5, 2018, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated July 17, 2023. .0701(d) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member employed on March 5, 2018, did not have documentation available for review of completing the required health and safety trainings by March 5, 2024. The documentation available for review of completing the required health and safety trainings was dated March 5, 2019. .1103(b) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: -Leftover Medication As a reminder, I suggested reviewing with staff the medication return policy and that medications must be returned to parents within 72 hours after the end of course of treatment. I suggested that you check the medication boxes monthly in each classroom to ensure that expired medications are not left in the medication locked box. I also suggested creating a medication log and keep it in a notebook for each classroom that lists specific information for easy reference, such as the child’s name, name of medication, date to and from for when the medication needs to administer, the medication expiration date, and staff signature. Medication Permission Forms/Documentation I discussed with you that all medication must have a current and completed medication permission form on file and be available for review prior to when medication can be administered to children. I suggested reviewing with all staff the child care requirements on how to complete the medication permission form and how to document when medication is administration to children for a specific medical condition. I also suggested reviewing with parents that a completed medication forms are required to be completed before the medication is left at the child care facility. Health and Safety Training Documentation: We discussed that Health and Safety Trainings need to be completed within one year of employment and every five years. I also suggested to keep using the staff file checklist and highlight when the health and safety trainings needed to be completed. I also suggested that you use the updated Health and Safety training record for to record Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire: I suggested that you create a schedule of when specific documents are required to be completed by using the staff file checklist. I also suggested using a calendar and color code with a highlighter for when staff documentation needs to be completed. 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-eight percent (88) %. 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 18, 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: -RaiseNC Toolkit and Other Resources: Raise your voice to Raise NC is a good resource for you and your staff to explore and download the full suite of easy-to-use educational and promotional materials, including flyers, social media posts, graphics, talking points and more. Whether you’re an organization or an individual, these materials are free and available on the website RaiseNC.nc.gov. The link is https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/department-initiatives/raise-nc/toolkit. -Natural Learning Initiative: The Green Desk (Resource) For natural learning environment resources, consider using The Green Desk that is provided by the Natural Learning Initiative. The Green Desk contains numerous resources meant to improve outdoor learning environments and promote health, natural child development, physical activity, and nature-based learning. To access this page, Go to www.naturalearning.org, hover on the link for ‘resources’, click on the link for ‘The Green Desk’. -Child Care Rule Effective January 1, 2024 Child Care Rule .0601(f)- Safe Environments Rule Amendment- This rule was amended to include the specific requirements that child care centers must be free of asbestos hazards. This is in addition to the existing requirement that they be free of lead poisoning hazards. Lead Testing: We discussed the test result available for review available 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 July 6, 2024. On July 1, 2024, the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids determined that your facility was exempt from the lead-based paint assessment requirements. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids determined that facility required an on-site visit to fulfill North Carolina rule requirements for asbestos. On August 2, 2024, an accredited asbestos professional did not identify asbestos hazards at the facility. Child Care Rule .0601(f)- Safe Environments Rule Amendment- This rule was amended to include the specific requirements that child care centers must be free of asbestos hazards. This is in addition to the existing requirement that they be free of lead poisoning hazards. -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. -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. 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. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. -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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0624-012L Visit Date: 6/26/2024 Number Present: 86 Completed Date: 6/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 298 Time In: 09:02 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced complaint follow-up visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Whitney Setzer, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 25, 2024, and your business La Petite Academy Inc., is still 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 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. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that children are not receiving adequate supervision in a developmentally appropriate environment. Examples: Children of all ages are being kept in the office for a long period. They are able to run around the office area and sometimes are left unsupervised. Infants are taken out of the classroom by management. They stay in the office with them as well as walk around the building with the child. Children are being kept in the kitchen with the lunch lady so that classrooms can stay in ratio. They allow them to watch a movie with the tablet in a corner of the kitchen while the lunch lady is preparing meals. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that management as well as a few staff handle children very roughly as well as verbally screaming in their face. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that children are getting their breakfast, lunch, and snack taken away before they finish if the teacher feels like the child is not listening. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that incident reports are not prepared as required. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that children are fed leftovers for days at a time. Food trays are picked up from each classroom and whatever is leftover they serve it again until it is all gone. Appropriate meal portions are not served. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that management provides inaccurate information to parents regarding children. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that appropriate ratios are not maintained. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that Face-to-name sheets are inaccurate. Some children are not clocked in upon arrival. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that staff documentation is not accurate. Example: Staff are shown as present when staff is absent. This is done to give the appearance of being in ratio. The allegations were discussed with you and staff members present during the visit. You and all staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegations. The allegation that there are concerns that children are not receiving adequate supervision in a developmentally appropriate environment. Examples: Children of all ages are being kept in the office for a long period. They are able to run around the office area and sometimes are left unsupervised. Infants are taken out of the classroom by management. They stay in the office with them as well as walk around the building with the child. Children are being kept in the kitchen with the lunch lady so that classrooms can stay in ratio. They allow them to watch a movie with the tablet in a corner of the kitchen while the lunch lady is preparing meals. Management stated that children are not allowed in the kitchen and that office spaces are not being used to provide child care. Management also stated that if a teacher needs assistance in their classroom, the staff uses the walkie talkies to inform management what their needs are such as bathroom breaks, dealing with children’s behaviors, and/or staff/child ratio issues. During the staff interviews conducted on June 12, 2024, some of the staff interviewed stated when the facility is very short staffed that they had observed, within the last two weeks from the June 12, 2024, visit, that there had been several instances where child care was provided to children in the unapproved kitchen space. The staff reported they had observed the following instances: one child was in the kitchen next to the sink by the entrance into the kitchen using a cellphone, staff also stated that they had observed on another day, four children in the doorway of the kitchen, and on another day, staff observed three children in the kitchen using an iPad. The staff interviewed also stated that one morning the children in Space #7, were split into two groups of 10 children. The children, who went with the staff member to finish breakfast, were placed inside the doorway to the kitchen in Space #4. Those ten children walked with the staff member to “finish setting out breakfast”. Based staff interviews, the allegation regarding children are not receiving adequate supervision in a developmentally appropriate environment was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that management, as well as a few staff, handle children very roughly as well as verbally screaming in their face. Staff interviewed stated that have not observed management and/or other staff members handle children roughly and/or screaming in their faces. Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that management as well as a few staff handle children very roughly as well as verbally screaming in their face was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that children are getting their breakfast, lunch, and snack taken away before they finish if the teacher feels like the child is not listening. On June 12, 024, I observed the following meals being served during the visit: lunch time in Spaces #1, 3, 4, and 7 and afternoon snack in Spaces #4, 6, and 7. I did not observe staff taking away food from children for not listening. Food was disposed of when staff asked the children if they were finished with their lunch and/or afternoon snack. Staff interviewed stated that they have not observed food being taken away from children who are not listening. Staff interviewed also stated that if children are getting up from the table more than twice and/or dumping food on the floor then that is an indicator to the staff that the child and/or children are finished eating and food is taken from the children. Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that children are getting their breakfast, lunch, and snack taken away before they finish if the teacher feels like the child is not listening was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that incident reports are not prepared as required. Staff interviewed stated that before staff are required to inform management of any incidents that occur in their classroom. Staff also stated that the steps to complete incident reports are the following: first take care of the child and provide first aid if necessary, text and/or call parents with information concerning the incident and to tell parents that an incident report had been written and they would need to be signed upon pick-up, call management on the walkie talkie and explain the situation, write the incident report (usually during naptime), the closing teacher in the classroom will get parents to sign the incident report if possible, once the incident report has been signed by the parent(s), the incident report will be turned into the office to be filed, and copies of the incident report is given to the parent if requested. Management stated that the incident report is logged on the incident log and filed in the child’s file. Management also stated that completing incident reports are reviewed during staff meetings and during orientation. The last review of how to complete incident reports was conducted during a staff meeting held on June 6, 2024. I asked if they had copies of an agenda for the staff meeting held on June 6, 2024, management said that no agenda was kept. Based on staff interviews, the allegation regarding that that incident reports are not prepared as required was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that children are fed leftovers for days at a time. Food trays are picked up from each classroom and whatever is leftover they serve it again until it is all gone. Appropriate meal portions are not served. Staff interviewed stated meals are served in Spaces #1, 2ab, and 3 are plated in the kitchen and then taken to the classrooms and extra food is brought in bowls to serve the children if they want extra food. In Spaces #4, 5, 6, and 7, meals and snacks are served family style, children self-serve themselves their own food, and the portion size of the food is correct for each classroom and extra serving of food are in the bowls. Management stated that specific serving size of food is listed on the menu and measuring cups and spoons are used to serve the correct portions for the number of children being fed in each classroom and that food audits on conducted on Fridays virtually. Staff also stated and I observed that leftover food that has been portioned out and had been taken to the classrooms was discarded at the end of the meal into a plastic bag and placed in the trash. Leftover food, left in the kitchen and not served to children, is placed in a sealed container, dated, and served either the next day or within forty-eight hours. Management also stated that any menu changes before serving the meal and the changes are documented on the menu. Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that children are fed leftovers for days at a time. Food trays are picked up from each classroom and whatever is leftover they serve it again until it is all gone. Appropriate meal portions are not served was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that management provides inaccurate information to parents regarding children. Staff interviewed either stated that they do not know of any instances where parents are given inaccurate information. Management interviewed stated that communication with parents occurs through either Face to Face, telephone calls, and/or the SproutAbout app. Management also stated that staff use an observation form to document behaviors, parents are required to sign the form, and the form is placed in the child’s file. Staff Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that management provides inaccurate information to parents regarding children was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that appropriate ratios are not maintained. On May 29, 2024, in Space #1, there were two caregivers documented in the classroom from 7:36am to 8:04am. Documentation reviewed of a staff timesheet showed that the staff member documented in the classroom as time in from 7:36am and time out of the classroom as 8:04am did not clock into work at the facility until 12:02pm. Based on this documentation the staff/child ratios for Space #1, from 7:47am to 8:04am was one staff member caring for eleven children aged two years old to three years old. There was one child, three years of age, and 10 children, two years of age. Based on documentation of attendance, review of the Face to Name Transition Sheets, sign-in/sign-out records, and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that appropriate ratios are not maintained was confirmed, therefore, substantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that Face-to-name sheets are inaccurate. Some children are not clocked in upon arrival. Documentation was made available for review for the weeks of May 28, 2024, through June 7, 2024. The documentation made available for review for six of the seven classrooms was dated May 7, 2024, instead of June 7, 2024. The only Fact to Name Transition sheets available for review that was dated June 7, 2024, was for Space #5. The Face to Name Transition sheets dates were changed from May 7, 2024, to June 7, 2024, during the visit. Management stated that the wrong month was written on the Face to Name Transition sheets and the documentation made available for review during the visit on June 12, 2024, was for June 7, 2024, not May 7, 2024. Management and staff interviewed stated that children’s arrival times are documented on the Face to Name Transition sheet upon arrival. Management and staff interviewed also stated that if a classroom will be out of ratio the procedure is for the parent to wait until the staff can contact management to inform them that the classroom will be out of ratio and so either another staff member can be added to the classroom and/or a child is transitioned to another classroom in order for the classroom’s staff/child ratios can be maintained. Based on documentation available for review of the Face to Name Transition Sheets, sign-in/sign-out records, and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that there are concerns that Face-to-name sheets are inaccurate. Some children who are not clocked in upon arrival were left pending for further investigation. The allegation that there are concerns that staff documentation is not accurate. Example: Staff are shown as present when staff is absent. This is done to give the appearance of being in ratio. Based on documentation of staff timesheets attendance, and the review of the Face to Name Transition Sheets, the allegation regarding staff documentation is not accurate was left pending for further investigation. I conducted a walkthrough of the facility’s seven classrooms during today’s visit to document staff/child ratios. I arrived at the facility at 9:02 and discussed the purpose of the visit with you. I walked through the facility at 9:15am and at 9:46am to document staff/child ratios for the seven classrooms. I observed that staff/child/ratios were in compliance with child care requirements. During the visit on June 12, 2024, I asked you to provide me with copies of documentation of sign in and sign out sheets, Face to Name Transition sheets, and staff timesheets for the week of May 28, 2024, through May 31, 2024, June 3, 2024, through June 7, 2024, and June 12, 2024, for review. During today’s visit, you provided me with copies, and I reviewed the Face to Name Transition sheet for the week of June 24, 2024, through June 26, 2024. During the interview of management team on June 12, 2024, I asked how documentation of staff/child ratios were recorded. You stated that staff records attendance and arrival and departures on the SproutAbout App, on the Face to Name Transition sheets, and on the sign in and sign out sheets. You and the staff stated that the Face to Name Transition forms are completed by staff, who are responsible for caring for children in the classroom at the time of the children's arrival. You and the staff also stated they are responsible to document children’s transitions times to other classrooms on the Face to Name Transition sheets when children move to other classrooms during the day. The following violations were documented and reviewed with you today. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. During the staff interviews conducted on June 12, 2024, some of the staff interviewed stated when the facility is very short staffed that they had observed, within the last two weeks from the June 12, 2024, visit, that there had been several instances where child care was provided to children in the unapproved kitchen space. The staff reported they had observed the following instances: one child was in the kitchen next to the sink by the entrance into the kitchen using a cellphone, staff also stated that they had observed on another day, four children in the doorway of the kitchen, and on another day, staff observed three children in the kitchen using an iPad. The staff interviewed also stated that one morning the children in Space #7, were split into two groups of 10 children. The children, who went with the staff member to finish breakfast, were placed inside the doorway to the kitchen in Space #4. Those ten children walked with the staff member to “finish setting out breakfast”. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On May 29, 2024, in Space #1, there were two caregivers documented in the classroom from 7:36am to 8:04am. Documentation reviewed of a staff timesheet showed that the staff member documented in the classroom as time in from 7:36am and time out of the classroom as 8:04am did not clock into work at the facility until 12:02pm. Based on this documentation the staff/child ratios for Space #1, from 7:47am to 8:04am was one staff member caring for eleven children aged two years old to three years old. There was one child, three years of age, and 10 children, two years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1842 Staff members and child care administrators who were counted in meeting the staff/child ratios concurrently performed food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities. During staff interviews conducted on June 12, 2024, it was reported that one staff member responsible for caring for ten children and counted in staff child ratio concurrently performed food preparation duties to prepare breakfast for the facility. .0713(a)(8) Technical Assistance based on violations cited: -Food Preparation and Child Care Duties (Staff/Child Ratios): I discussed with you that if a staff member is conducting food preparation duties, then that staff member is not allowed to be responsible for providing child care to children and is not counted in the staff/child ratios. I suggested having an extra staff member on hand during the times meals and snacks are needing to be prepared and/or served to ensure that staff/child ratios child care requirements are maintained. -Unapproved Space: Children are not permitted to occupy space that is not approved for child care. Office space and the kitchen is not considered “primary space” and therefore, may not be licensed or occupied by children. I reminded you of the April 24, 2024, visit when we first discussed this concern and informed you that effective immediately, children may not occupy the office and/or the kitchen for any reason. -Staff/Child Ratios/Group Size The staff/child ratio and maximum group sizes for the youngest member in each group must be maintained at all times. Staff should be scheduled to ensure proper coverage in each classroom to prevent any compliance issues regarding ratios and group sizes. Your facility meets enhanced ratios and space. The following staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes must be maintained at all times: AGE RATIO STAFF/CHILDREN (MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE) 0 to 12 Months 1/5 (10) 1 to 2 Years 1/6 (12) 2 to 3 Years 1/9 (18) 3 to 4 Years 1/10 (20) 4 to 5 Years 1/13 (25) 5 to 6 Years 1/15 (25) 6 Years and Older 1/20 (25) You and Ms. Setzer, stated during the interview on June 12, 2024, that during a staff meeting held on June 6, 2024, that you reviewed with staff during the meeting the topics of maintaining staff/child ratios and completing the Face to Name Transition sheet. I suggested reviewing the appropriate staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes with all staff members again to ensure that staff/child ratios are in compliance and accurate records are maintained. Also review with the staff the staff/child ratio worksheet is posted in each classroom to ensure staff has quick reference regarding appropriate staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes. I suggested that you create a policy concerning staff/child ratios and group sizes, review it with all parents, and have them sign the policy and place the documentation in each child’s file. You stated during the interview on June 12, 2024, that parents are asked to wait with their child in the classroom if the classroom is at the maximum staff/child ratio until the staff member in the classroom and to relay the information concerning staff/child ratio to management for either an extra staff person to come into the classroom and/or if children can be transitioned into another classroom in order for staff/child ratios to be in compliance. I suggested to keep using the walkie talkie system when staff are communicating their classroom needs, such as, when staff/child ratios are out of compliance. I also suggested creating an action plan, such as adding an additional staff member to the early morning schedule to help address the issue when staff reports that staff/child ratios are out of compliance. I also suggested tracking arrival times and the ages of the children arriving in the early mornings and throughout the day to schedule enough staff to ensure that staff/child ratios are maintained. I suggested that you track children’s arrival times and schedule staff accordingly in order to maintain staff/child ratios at all times. I also suggested that if you are short staff that you only care for the number of children based on the number of staff present. Documenting Attendance, Arrival/Departure Times) I discussed with you that accurate attendance, arrival, and departure records must be maintained and available for review. I suggested using the DCDEE attendance record sheet, sign in/sign out sheet, your program’s Face to Name Transition Form created to use at your facility, and printout from the SproutAbout App of sign-in/sign-out that parents use to log their children’s arrival and departure times to ensure accurate records are maintained. 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-nine percent (89%). 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 July 10, 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: Documenting Records: We discussed keeping accurate records of documentation for compliance letters, and children and program records. These records need to be made available for review by a representative of the Division of Child Development and Eary Education upon request. We also discussed the North Carolina General Statute 110-91 (14) Mandatory Standards for a License which stated “all child care facilities shall comply with all State laws and federal laws and local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the standards in this section shall be complied with by all child care facilities. However, none of the standards in this section apply to the school-age children of the operator of a child care facility but do apply to the preschool-age children of the operator. Children 13 years of age or older may receive child care on a voluntary basis provided all applicable required standards are met. The standards in this section, along with any other applicable State laws and federal laws or local ordinances, shall be the required standards for the issuance of a license by the Secretary under the policies and procedures of the Commission except that the Commission may, in its discretion, adopt less stringent standards for the licensing of facilities which provide care on a temporary, part-time, drop-in, seasonal, after-school or other than a full-time basis. (14) Any effort to falsify information provided to the Department shall be considered by the Secretary to be evidence of violation of this Article on the part of the operator or sponsor of the child care facility and shall constitute a cause for revoking or denying a license to such child care facility.” 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. A follow-up visit will be conducted. An administrative action may be taken due to the substantiation of allegation in the complaint. 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0624-012L Visit Date: 6/26/2024 Number Present: 86 Completed Date: 6/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 298 Time In: 09:02 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced complaint follow-up visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Whitney Setzer, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 25, 2024, and your business La Petite Academy Inc., is still 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 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. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that children are not receiving adequate supervision in a developmentally appropriate environment. Examples: Children of all ages are being kept in the office for a long period. They are able to run around the office area and sometimes are left unsupervised. Infants are taken out of the classroom by management. They stay in the office with them as well as walk around the building with the child. Children are being kept in the kitchen with the lunch lady so that classrooms can stay in ratio. They allow them to watch a movie with the tablet in a corner of the kitchen while the lunch lady is preparing meals. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that management as well as a few staff handle children very roughly as well as verbally screaming in their face. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that children are getting their breakfast, lunch, and snack taken away before they finish if the teacher feels like the child is not listening. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that incident reports are not prepared as required. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that children are fed leftovers for days at a time. Food trays are picked up from each classroom and whatever is leftover they serve it again until it is all gone. Appropriate meal portions are not served. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that management provides inaccurate information to parents regarding children. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that appropriate ratios are not maintained. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that Face-to-name sheets are inaccurate. Some children are not clocked in upon arrival. On June 3, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that staff documentation is not accurate. Example: Staff are shown as present when staff is absent. This is done to give the appearance of being in ratio. The allegations were discussed with you and staff members present during the visit. You and all staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegations. The allegation that there are concerns that children are not receiving adequate supervision in a developmentally appropriate environment. Examples: Children of all ages are being kept in the office for a long period. They are able to run around the office area and sometimes are left unsupervised. Infants are taken out of the classroom by management. They stay in the office with them as well as walk around the building with the child. Children are being kept in the kitchen with the lunch lady so that classrooms can stay in ratio. They allow them to watch a movie with the tablet in a corner of the kitchen while the lunch lady is preparing meals. Management stated that children are not allowed in the kitchen and that office spaces are not being used to provide child care. Management also stated that if a teacher needs assistance in their classroom, the staff uses the walkie talkies to inform management what their needs are such as bathroom breaks, dealing with children’s behaviors, and/or staff/child ratio issues. During the staff interviews conducted on June 12, 2024, some of the staff interviewed stated when the facility is very short staffed that they had observed, within the last two weeks from the June 12, 2024, visit, that there had been several instances where child care was provided to children in the unapproved kitchen space. The staff reported they had observed the following instances: one child was in the kitchen next to the sink by the entrance into the kitchen using a cellphone, staff also stated that they had observed on another day, four children in the doorway of the kitchen, and on another day, staff observed three children in the kitchen using an iPad. The staff interviewed also stated that one morning the children in Space #7, were split into two groups of 10 children. The children, who went with the staff member to finish breakfast, were placed inside the doorway to the kitchen in Space #4. Those ten children walked with the staff member to “finish setting out breakfast”. Based staff interviews, the allegation regarding children are not receiving adequate supervision in a developmentally appropriate environment was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that management, as well as a few staff, handle children very roughly as well as verbally screaming in their face. Staff interviewed stated that have not observed management and/or other staff members handle children roughly and/or screaming in their faces. Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that management as well as a few staff handle children very roughly as well as verbally screaming in their face was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that children are getting their breakfast, lunch, and snack taken away before they finish if the teacher feels like the child is not listening. On June 12, 024, I observed the following meals being served during the visit: lunch time in Spaces #1, 3, 4, and 7 and afternoon snack in Spaces #4, 6, and 7. I did not observe staff taking away food from children for not listening. Food was disposed of when staff asked the children if they were finished with their lunch and/or afternoon snack. Staff interviewed stated that they have not observed food being taken away from children who are not listening. Staff interviewed also stated that if children are getting up from the table more than twice and/or dumping food on the floor then that is an indicator to the staff that the child and/or children are finished eating and food is taken from the children. Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that children are getting their breakfast, lunch, and snack taken away before they finish if the teacher feels like the child is not listening was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that incident reports are not prepared as required. Staff interviewed stated that before staff are required to inform management of any incidents that occur in their classroom. Staff also stated that the steps to complete incident reports are the following: first take care of the child and provide first aid if necessary, text and/or call parents with information concerning the incident and to tell parents that an incident report had been written and they would need to be signed upon pick-up, call management on the walkie talkie and explain the situation, write the incident report (usually during naptime), the closing teacher in the classroom will get parents to sign the incident report if possible, once the incident report has been signed by the parent(s), the incident report will be turned into the office to be filed, and copies of the incident report is given to the parent if requested. Management stated that the incident report is logged on the incident log and filed in the child’s file. Management also stated that completing incident reports are reviewed during staff meetings and during orientation. The last review of how to complete incident reports was conducted during a staff meeting held on June 6, 2024. I asked if they had copies of an agenda for the staff meeting held on June 6, 2024, management said that no agenda was kept. Based on staff interviews, the allegation regarding that that incident reports are not prepared as required was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that children are fed leftovers for days at a time. Food trays are picked up from each classroom and whatever is leftover they serve it again until it is all gone. Appropriate meal portions are not served. Staff interviewed stated meals are served in Spaces #1, 2ab, and 3 are plated in the kitchen and then taken to the classrooms and extra food is brought in bowls to serve the children if they want extra food. In Spaces #4, 5, 6, and 7, meals and snacks are served family style, children self-serve themselves their own food, and the portion size of the food is correct for each classroom and extra serving of food are in the bowls. Management stated that specific serving size of food is listed on the menu and measuring cups and spoons are used to serve the correct portions for the number of children being fed in each classroom and that food audits on conducted on Fridays virtually. Staff also stated and I observed that leftover food that has been portioned out and had been taken to the classrooms was discarded at the end of the meal into a plastic bag and placed in the trash. Leftover food, left in the kitchen and not served to children, is placed in a sealed container, dated, and served either the next day or within forty-eight hours. Management also stated that any menu changes before serving the meal and the changes are documented on the menu. Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that children are fed leftovers for days at a time. Food trays are picked up from each classroom and whatever is leftover they serve it again until it is all gone. Appropriate meal portions are not served was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that management provides inaccurate information to parents regarding children. Staff interviewed either stated that they do not know of any instances where parents are given inaccurate information. Management interviewed stated that communication with parents occurs through either Face to Face, telephone calls, and/or the SproutAbout app. Management also stated that staff use an observation form to document behaviors, parents are required to sign the form, and the form is placed in the child’s file. Staff Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that management provides inaccurate information to parents regarding children was unconfirmed, therefore unsubstantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that appropriate ratios are not maintained. On May 29, 2024, in Space #1, there were two caregivers documented in the classroom from 7:36am to 8:04am. Documentation reviewed of a staff timesheet showed that the staff member documented in the classroom as time in from 7:36am and time out of the classroom as 8:04am did not clock into work at the facility until 12:02pm. Based on this documentation the staff/child ratios for Space #1, from 7:47am to 8:04am was one staff member caring for eleven children aged two years old to three years old. There was one child, three years of age, and 10 children, two years of age. Based on documentation of attendance, review of the Face to Name Transition Sheets, sign-in/sign-out records, and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that appropriate ratios are not maintained was confirmed, therefore, substantiated. The allegation that there are concerns that Face-to-name sheets are inaccurate. Some children are not clocked in upon arrival. Documentation was made available for review for the weeks of May 28, 2024, through June 7, 2024. The documentation made available for review for six of the seven classrooms was dated May 7, 2024, instead of June 7, 2024. The only Fact to Name Transition sheets available for review that was dated June 7, 2024, was for Space #5. The Face to Name Transition sheets dates were changed from May 7, 2024, to June 7, 2024, during the visit. Management stated that the wrong month was written on the Face to Name Transition sheets and the documentation made available for review during the visit on June 12, 2024, was for June 7, 2024, not May 7, 2024. Management and staff interviewed stated that children’s arrival times are documented on the Face to Name Transition sheet upon arrival. Management and staff interviewed also stated that if a classroom will be out of ratio the procedure is for the parent to wait until the staff can contact management to inform them that the classroom will be out of ratio and so either another staff member can be added to the classroom and/or a child is transitioned to another classroom in order for the classroom’s staff/child ratios can be maintained. Based on documentation available for review of the Face to Name Transition Sheets, sign-in/sign-out records, and staff interviews, the allegation regarding that there are concerns that Face-to-name sheets are inaccurate. Some children who are not clocked in upon arrival were left pending for further investigation. The allegation that there are concerns that staff documentation is not accurate. Example: Staff are shown as present when staff is absent. This is done to give the appearance of being in ratio. Based on documentation of staff timesheets attendance, and the review of the Face to Name Transition Sheets, the allegation regarding staff documentation is not accurate was left pending for further investigation. I conducted a walkthrough of the facility’s seven classrooms during today’s visit to document staff/child ratios. I arrived at the facility at 9:02 and discussed the purpose of the visit with you. I walked through the facility at 9:15am and at 9:46am to document staff/child ratios for the seven classrooms. I observed that staff/child/ratios were in compliance with child care requirements. During the visit on June 12, 2024, I asked you to provide me with copies of documentation of sign in and sign out sheets, Face to Name Transition sheets, and staff timesheets for the week of May 28, 2024, through May 31, 2024, June 3, 2024, through June 7, 2024, and June 12, 2024, for review. During today’s visit, you provided me with copies, and I reviewed the Face to Name Transition sheet for the week of June 24, 2024, through June 26, 2024. During the interview of management team on June 12, 2024, I asked how documentation of staff/child ratios were recorded. You stated that staff records attendance and arrival and departures on the SproutAbout App, on the Face to Name Transition sheets, and on the sign in and sign out sheets. You and the staff stated that the Face to Name Transition forms are completed by staff, who are responsible for caring for children in the classroom at the time of the children's arrival. You and the staff also stated they are responsible to document children’s transitions times to other classrooms on the Face to Name Transition sheets when children move to other classrooms during the day. The following violations were documented and reviewed with you today. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. During the staff interviews conducted on June 12, 2024, some of the staff interviewed stated when the facility is very short staffed that they had observed, within the last two weeks from the June 12, 2024, visit, that there had been several instances where child care was provided to children in the unapproved kitchen space. The staff reported they had observed the following instances: one child was in the kitchen next to the sink by the entrance into the kitchen using a cellphone, staff also stated that they had observed on another day, four children in the doorway of the kitchen, and on another day, staff observed three children in the kitchen using an iPad. The staff interviewed also stated that one morning the children in Space #7, were split into two groups of 10 children. The children, who went with the staff member to finish breakfast, were placed inside the doorway to the kitchen in Space #4. Those ten children walked with the staff member to “finish setting out breakfast”. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On May 29, 2024, in Space #1, there were two caregivers documented in the classroom from 7:36am to 8:04am. Documentation reviewed of a staff timesheet showed that the staff member documented in the classroom as time in from 7:36am and time out of the classroom as 8:04am did not clock into work at the facility until 12:02pm. Based on this documentation the staff/child ratios for Space #1, from 7:47am to 8:04am was one staff member caring for eleven children aged two years old to three years old. There was one child, three years of age, and 10 children, two years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1842 Staff members and child care administrators who were counted in meeting the staff/child ratios concurrently performed food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities. During staff interviews conducted on June 12, 2024, it was reported that one staff member responsible for caring for ten children and counted in staff child ratio concurrently performed food preparation duties to prepare breakfast for the facility. .0713(a)(8) Technical Assistance based on violations cited: -Food Preparation and Child Care Duties (Staff/Child Ratios): I discussed with you that if a staff member is conducting food preparation duties, then that staff member is not allowed to be responsible for providing child care to children and is not counted in the staff/child ratios. I suggested having an extra staff member on hand during the times meals and snacks are needing to be prepared and/or served to ensure that staff/child ratios child care requirements are maintained. -Unapproved Space: Children are not permitted to occupy space that is not approved for child care. Office space and the kitchen is not considered “primary space” and therefore, may not be licensed or occupied by children. I reminded you of the April 24, 2024, visit when we first discussed this concern and informed you that effective immediately, children may not occupy the office and/or the kitchen for any reason. -Staff/Child Ratios/Group Size The staff/child ratio and maximum group sizes for the youngest member in each group must be maintained at all times. Staff should be scheduled to ensure proper coverage in each classroom to prevent any compliance issues regarding ratios and group sizes. Your facility meets enhanced ratios and space. The following staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes must be maintained at all times: AGE RATIO STAFF/CHILDREN (MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE) 0 to 12 Months 1/5 (10) 1 to 2 Years 1/6 (12) 2 to 3 Years 1/9 (18) 3 to 4 Years 1/10 (20) 4 to 5 Years 1/13 (25) 5 to 6 Years 1/15 (25) 6 Years and Older 1/20 (25) You and Ms. Setzer, stated during the interview on June 12, 2024, that during a staff meeting held on June 6, 2024, that you reviewed with staff during the meeting the topics of maintaining staff/child ratios and completing the Face to Name Transition sheet. I suggested reviewing the appropriate staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes with all staff members again to ensure that staff/child ratios are in compliance and accurate records are maintained. Also review with the staff the staff/child ratio worksheet is posted in each classroom to ensure staff has quick reference regarding appropriate staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes. I suggested that you create a policy concerning staff/child ratios and group sizes, review it with all parents, and have them sign the policy and place the documentation in each child’s file. You stated during the interview on June 12, 2024, that parents are asked to wait with their child in the classroom if the classroom is at the maximum staff/child ratio until the staff member in the classroom and to relay the information concerning staff/child ratio to management for either an extra staff person to come into the classroom and/or if children can be transitioned into another classroom in order for staff/child ratios to be in compliance. I suggested to keep using the walkie talkie system when staff are communicating their classroom needs, such as, when staff/child ratios are out of compliance. I also suggested creating an action plan, such as adding an additional staff member to the early morning schedule to help address the issue when staff reports that staff/child ratios are out of compliance. I also suggested tracking arrival times and the ages of the children arriving in the early mornings and throughout the day to schedule enough staff to ensure that staff/child ratios are maintained. I suggested that you track children’s arrival times and schedule staff accordingly in order to maintain staff/child ratios at all times. I also suggested that if you are short staff that you only care for the number of children based on the number of staff present. Documenting Attendance, Arrival/Departure Times) I discussed with you that accurate attendance, arrival, and departure records must be maintained and available for review. I suggested using the DCDEE attendance record sheet, sign in/sign out sheet, your program’s Face to Name Transition Form created to use at your facility, and printout from the SproutAbout App of sign-in/sign-out that parents use to log their children’s arrival and departure times to ensure accurate records are maintained. 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-nine percent (89%). 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 July 10, 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: Documenting Records: We discussed keeping accurate records of documentation for compliance letters, and children and program records. These records need to be made available for review by a representative of the Division of Child Development and Eary Education upon request. We also discussed the North Carolina General Statute 110-91 (14) Mandatory Standards for a License which stated “all child care facilities shall comply with all State laws and federal laws and local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the standards in this section shall be complied with by all child care facilities. However, none of the standards in this section apply to the school-age children of the operator of a child care facility but do apply to the preschool-age children of the operator. Children 13 years of age or older may receive child care on a voluntary basis provided all applicable required standards are met. The standards in this section, along with any other applicable State laws and federal laws or local ordinances, shall be the required standards for the issuance of a license by the Secretary under the policies and procedures of the Commission except that the Commission may, in its discretion, adopt less stringent standards for the licensing of facilities which provide care on a temporary, part-time, drop-in, seasonal, after-school or other than a full-time basis. (14) Any effort to falsify information provided to the Department shall be considered by the Secretary to be evidence of violation of this Article on the part of the operator or sponsor of the child care facility and shall constitute a cause for revoking or denying a license to such child care facility.” 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. A follow-up visit will be conducted. An administrative action may be taken due to the substantiation of allegation in the complaint. 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 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0524-010L Visit Date: 5/16/2024 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 5/16/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced complaint follow-up visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Whitney Setzer, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on May 8, 2024, and your business La Petite Academy Inc., is still 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 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. During the visit today, I observed children during hand washing routines, lunch time, group time, bottle feeding, nap time, and snack time. On May 2, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that Unapproved space continues to be used for child care, some children are not signed in on the name to face sheet in the classroom. (to avoid documentation of ratio violations), and groups are out of ratio. On May 10, 2024, the allegations were discussed with you and thirteen (13) staff members present during the visit. You and all staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegations. On May 10, 2024, you and the staff were interviewed and stated that the unapproved spaces (offices) are not used to provide child care to children in care. You and staff also stated if “behavioral issues” occur in a classroom, administrative staff are notified through the walkie talkies and administrative staff goes to the classroom to help handle any concerns with the children. Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding unapproved space was unconfirmed and therefore, unsubstantiated. On May 10, 2024, you stated documentation of staff/child ratios are recorded by staff on the SproutAbout App if the app is working correctly, on the Face to Name Transition forms, and on the sign in and sign out sheets. You and the staff stated that the Face to Name Transition forms are completed by the staff, at the time of the children's arrival. You and staff also stated they are responsible to document children’s transitions times to other classrooms on the Face to Name Transition form when children are moved from one classroom to another classrooms during the day. Based on observations, staff interviews, and review of documentation that you provided me with during the visit on May 10, 2024, the allegation regarding some children are not signed in on the name to face sheet in the classroom (to avoid documentation of ratio violations), was unconfirmed and therefore, unsubstantiated. On May 10, 2024, I observed the arrival times of children in care during the visit. I reviewed the Face to Name Transition forms, and documented the ages of children and staff during the morning arrival times to document staff/child ratios. I also documented staff/child ratios when each classroom was opened and when children were transitioned to new classrooms during the morning times from 7:15am - 9:30am. I reviewed Face-to-Name Transition sheets during the visit. I observed staff child ratios were in compliance during the visit with child care rules. During today’s visit at 11:00am, I conducted a walkthrough of the facility and monitored and documented staff/child ratios for seven classrooms. At the time of my arrival, I observed staff/child ratios and found that staff/children ratios to be in compliance with child care rules. I also reviewed the Face to Name Transition Sheets for the week of May 13, 2024, through May 16, 2024, to verify staff/child ratios. The documentation was made available for me to review and copies of the Face to Name Transition Sheet were made at my request for early morning arrival times for Space #7 and Space #1 for May 13, 2024, early morning arrival times for Space #7 for May 14, 2024, and the second Face to Name Transition Sheet for Space #1 for May 16, 2024. Based on observation, staff interviews, and review of documentation that you provided me with during the visit on May 10, 2024, and today, May 16, 2024, the allegation regarding groups are out of ratio, was confirmed and therefore, substantiated. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. On May 8, 2024, in Space #1. I reviewed the Face-To Name Transition Sheets documentation for staff/child ratios. In Space #1, at 7:05am one child, three years of age was signed into the classroom. The staff/child ratio in Space #1 was documented from 7:05am to 8:00am as two staff members with twelve children, one to three years of age. Documentation reviewed from 7:05am to 8:00am recorded that there was one child, three years of age, five children, two years of age, and six children, one year of age. On May 8, 2024, in Space #1, at 8:00am, a second Face-To-Name Transition Sheet was completed, and staff/child ratios were documented. From 9:27am to 3:27pm, the staff/child ratios were documented as two staff members to twelve children, one child, three years of age, six children, two years of age, and five children one year of age. One child, three years of age departure time was documented at 3:27pm. On May 13, 2024, in Space #1, I reviewed the Face-To Name Transition Sheets documentation for staff/child ratios. In Space #1, one child, three years of age was signed into the classroom at 8:01am. The staff/child ratio in Space #1 for children in care was documented from 9:10am to 9:20am with two staff members caring for fourteen children, one to three years of age. Children present were five children, one year of age, eight children, two years of age, and one child, three years of age. One child, three years of age departure time was documented at 9:20am. On May 16, 2024, in Space #1, I reviewed the Face-To Name Transition Sheets documentation for staff/child ratios. In Space #1, one child, three years of age was signed into the classroom at 9:33am. The staff/child ratio in Space #1 for children in care was documented from 9:33am to 10:00am with two staff members caring for twelve children, one to three years of age. Children present were three children, one year of age, eight children, two years of age, and one child, three years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On May 6, 2024, in Space #7, fourteen children, one year of age to school-age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition Sheet from 6:14am to 6:43am. The children present were two children, one year of age, two children, two years of age, one child, three years of age, three children, four years of age, two children, five years of age, and four children, school-age. On May 6, 2024, in Space #3, thirteen children, one year of age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition Sheet from 6:14am to 6:43am. On May 7, 2024, in Space #7, fifteen children, one year of age to school-age with two staff were documented on the Face to Name Transition Sheet from 6:29am to 6:44am. The children present were one child, one year of age, three children, two years of age, three children, three years of age, three children, four years of age, one child, five years of age, and four children, school-age. On May 13, 2024, in Space #7, fifteen children, one year of age to school-age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition sheets from 6:35am to 6:43am. The children present were one child, one year of age, one child, two years of age, four children, three years of age, two children, four years of age, two children, five years of age, and five children, school-age. On May 13, 2024, in Space #1, fourteen children, one year of age to three years of age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition sheets from 9:10am-9:20am. The children present were five children, one year of age, eight children, two years of age, and one child, three years of age. On May 14, 2024, in Space #7, fourteen children, one year of age to school-age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition sheets from 6:31am to 6:43am. The children present were one child, one year of age, two children, two years of age, four children, three years of age, four children, four years of age, and three children, five years of age, and five children, school-age. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical Assistance from the violations cited: - Staff/Child Ratios and Group Size I reviewed the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Enhance Staff/Child Ratios for a Rated License for Child Care Centers (a)(b) which states “(a) This Rule shall apply to evaluating the staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes for a rated license for child care centers and (b) (b) The center shall comply with the following staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes. Age Ratio Staff/Children Maximum Group Size 0 to 12 Months 1/5 10 1 to 2 Years 1/6 12 2 to 3 Years 1/9 18 3 to 4 Years 1/10 20 4 to 5 Years 1/13 25 5 to 6 Years 1/15 25 6 Years and Older 1/20 25 I also reviewed the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Enhance Staff/Child Ratios for a Rated License for Child Care Centers (a)(6) which states “(a) this Rule shall apply to evaluating the staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes for a rated license for child care centers and (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age. I suggested reviewing the appropriate staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes with all staff members to ensure compliance is maintained at all times. Ensure the staff/child ratio worksheet is posted at all times in all spaces to ensure staff has quick reference of information regarding appropriate staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes. I also suggested reviewing with staff the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Enhance Staff/Child Ratios for a Rated License for Child Care Centers (a)(6) children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age. We discussed that children can be combined during the first and last operating hours of child care program as long as the staff/child ratios of the youngest child is maintained. 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-nine percent (89%). 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 May 30, 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: -Unapproved Space: I reminded you that children are not permitted to occupy space that is not approved for child care. Office space is not considered “primary space” and; therefore, may not be licensed or occupied by children. I informed you that effective immediately, children may not occupy the office for any reason. Documenting Records: We discussed keeping accurate records of documentation for compliance letters, and children and program records. These records need to be made available for review by a representative of the Division of Child Development and Eary Education upon request. We also discussed the North Carolina General Statute 110-91 (14) Mandatory Standards for a License which stated “all child care facilities shall comply with all State laws and federal laws and local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the standards in this section shall be complied with by all child care facilities. However, none of the standards in this section apply to the school-age children of the operator of a child care facility but do apply to the preschool-age children of the operator. Children 13 years of age or older may receive child care on a voluntary basis provided all applicable required standards are met. The standards in this section, along with any other applicable State laws and federal laws or local ordinances, shall be the required standards for the issuance of a license by the Secretary under the policies and procedures of the Commission except that the Commission may, in its discretion, adopt less stringent standards for the licensing of facilities which provide care on a temporary, part-time, drop-in, seasonal, after-school or other than a full-time basis. (14) Any effort to falsify information provided to the Department shall be considered by the Secretary to be evidence of violation of this Article on the part of the operator or sponsor of the child care facility and shall constitute a cause for revoking or denying a license to such child care facility.” 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. A follow-up visit will be conducted at a later date. An administrative action may be taken due to the substantiation of allegations in the complaint. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: LA PETITE ACADEMY Facility ID: 2355040 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0524-010L Visit Date: 5/16/2024 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 5/16/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced complaint follow-up visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. You, Kenyata Allison, Administrator, and Whitney Setzer, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on May 8, 2024, and your business La Petite Academy Inc., is still 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 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. During the visit today, I observed children during hand washing routines, lunch time, group time, bottle feeding, nap time, and snack time. On May 2, 2024, the following allegations were received that there are concerns that Unapproved space continues to be used for child care, some children are not signed in on the name to face sheet in the classroom. (to avoid documentation of ratio violations), and groups are out of ratio. On May 10, 2024, the allegations were discussed with you and thirteen (13) staff members present during the visit. You and all staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegations. On May 10, 2024, you and the staff were interviewed and stated that the unapproved spaces (offices) are not used to provide child care to children in care. You and staff also stated if “behavioral issues” occur in a classroom, administrative staff are notified through the walkie talkies and administrative staff goes to the classroom to help handle any concerns with the children. Based on observations and staff interviews, the allegation regarding unapproved space was unconfirmed and therefore, unsubstantiated. On May 10, 2024, you stated documentation of staff/child ratios are recorded by staff on the SproutAbout App if the app is working correctly, on the Face to Name Transition forms, and on the sign in and sign out sheets. You and the staff stated that the Face to Name Transition forms are completed by the staff, at the time of the children's arrival. You and staff also stated they are responsible to document children’s transitions times to other classrooms on the Face to Name Transition form when children are moved from one classroom to another classrooms during the day. Based on observations, staff interviews, and review of documentation that you provided me with during the visit on May 10, 2024, the allegation regarding some children are not signed in on the name to face sheet in the classroom (to avoid documentation of ratio violations), was unconfirmed and therefore, unsubstantiated. On May 10, 2024, I observed the arrival times of children in care during the visit. I reviewed the Face to Name Transition forms, and documented the ages of children and staff during the morning arrival times to document staff/child ratios. I also documented staff/child ratios when each classroom was opened and when children were transitioned to new classrooms during the morning times from 7:15am - 9:30am. I reviewed Face-to-Name Transition sheets during the visit. I observed staff child ratios were in compliance during the visit with child care rules. During today’s visit at 11:00am, I conducted a walkthrough of the facility and monitored and documented staff/child ratios for seven classrooms. At the time of my arrival, I observed staff/child ratios and found that staff/children ratios to be in compliance with child care rules. I also reviewed the Face to Name Transition Sheets for the week of May 13, 2024, through May 16, 2024, to verify staff/child ratios. The documentation was made available for me to review and copies of the Face to Name Transition Sheet were made at my request for early morning arrival times for Space #7 and Space #1 for May 13, 2024, early morning arrival times for Space #7 for May 14, 2024, and the second Face to Name Transition Sheet for Space #1 for May 16, 2024. Based on observation, staff interviews, and review of documentation that you provided me with during the visit on May 10, 2024, and today, May 16, 2024, the allegation regarding groups are out of ratio, was confirmed and therefore, substantiated. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. On May 8, 2024, in Space #1. I reviewed the Face-To Name Transition Sheets documentation for staff/child ratios. In Space #1, at 7:05am one child, three years of age was signed into the classroom. The staff/child ratio in Space #1 was documented from 7:05am to 8:00am as two staff members with twelve children, one to three years of age. Documentation reviewed from 7:05am to 8:00am recorded that there was one child, three years of age, five children, two years of age, and six children, one year of age. On May 8, 2024, in Space #1, at 8:00am, a second Face-To-Name Transition Sheet was completed, and staff/child ratios were documented. From 9:27am to 3:27pm, the staff/child ratios were documented as two staff members to twelve children, one child, three years of age, six children, two years of age, and five children one year of age. One child, three years of age departure time was documented at 3:27pm. On May 13, 2024, in Space #1, I reviewed the Face-To Name Transition Sheets documentation for staff/child ratios. In Space #1, one child, three years of age was signed into the classroom at 8:01am. The staff/child ratio in Space #1 for children in care was documented from 9:10am to 9:20am with two staff members caring for fourteen children, one to three years of age. Children present were five children, one year of age, eight children, two years of age, and one child, three years of age. One child, three years of age departure time was documented at 9:20am. On May 16, 2024, in Space #1, I reviewed the Face-To Name Transition Sheets documentation for staff/child ratios. In Space #1, one child, three years of age was signed into the classroom at 9:33am. The staff/child ratio in Space #1 for children in care was documented from 9:33am to 10:00am with two staff members caring for twelve children, one to three years of age. Children present were three children, one year of age, eight children, two years of age, and one child, three years of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On May 6, 2024, in Space #7, fourteen children, one year of age to school-age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition Sheet from 6:14am to 6:43am. The children present were two children, one year of age, two children, two years of age, one child, three years of age, three children, four years of age, two children, five years of age, and four children, school-age. On May 6, 2024, in Space #3, thirteen children, one year of age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition Sheet from 6:14am to 6:43am. On May 7, 2024, in Space #7, fifteen children, one year of age to school-age with two staff were documented on the Face to Name Transition Sheet from 6:29am to 6:44am. The children present were one child, one year of age, three children, two years of age, three children, three years of age, three children, four years of age, one child, five years of age, and four children, school-age. On May 13, 2024, in Space #7, fifteen children, one year of age to school-age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition sheets from 6:35am to 6:43am. The children present were one child, one year of age, one child, two years of age, four children, three years of age, two children, four years of age, two children, five years of age, and five children, school-age. On May 13, 2024, in Space #1, fourteen children, one year of age to three years of age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition sheets from 9:10am-9:20am. The children present were five children, one year of age, eight children, two years of age, and one child, three years of age. On May 14, 2024, in Space #7, fourteen children, one year of age to school-age with two staff members were documented on the Face to Name Transition sheets from 6:31am to 6:43am. The children present were one child, one year of age, two children, two years of age, four children, three years of age, four children, four years of age, and three children, five years of age, and five children, school-age. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical Assistance from the violations cited: - Staff/Child Ratios and Group Size I reviewed the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Enhance Staff/Child Ratios for a Rated License for Child Care Centers (a)(b) which states “(a) This Rule shall apply to evaluating the staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes for a rated license for child care centers and (b) (b) The center shall comply with the following staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes. Age Ratio Staff/Children Maximum Group Size 0 to 12 Months 1/5 10 1 to 2 Years 1/6 12 2 to 3 Years 1/9 18 3 to 4 Years 1/10 20 4 to 5 Years 1/13 25 5 to 6 Years 1/15 25 6 Years and Older 1/20 25 I also reviewed the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Enhance Staff/Child Ratios for a Rated License for Child Care Centers (a)(6) which states “(a) this Rule shall apply to evaluating the staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes for a rated license for child care centers and (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age. I suggested reviewing the appropriate staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes with all staff members to ensure compliance is maintained at all times. Ensure the staff/child ratio worksheet is posted at all times in all spaces to ensure staff has quick reference of information regarding appropriate staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes. I also suggested reviewing with staff the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Enhance Staff/Child Ratios for a Rated License for Child Care Centers (a)(6) children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age. We discussed that children can be combined during the first and last operating hours of child care program as long as the staff/child ratios of the youngest child is maintained. 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-nine percent (89%). 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 May 30, 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: -Unapproved Space: I reminded you that children are not permitted to occupy space that is not approved for child care. Office space is not considered “primary space” and; therefore, may not be licensed or occupied by children. I informed you that effective immediately, children may not occupy the office for any reason. Documenting Records: We discussed keeping accurate records of documentation for compliance letters, and children and program records. These records need to be made available for review by a representative of the Division of Child Development and Eary Education upon request. We also discussed the North Carolina General Statute 110-91 (14) Mandatory Standards for a License which stated “all child care facilities shall comply with all State laws and federal laws and local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the standards in this section shall be complied with by all child care facilities. However, none of the standards in this section apply to the school-age children of the operator of a child care facility but do apply to the preschool-age children of the operator. Children 13 years of age or older may receive child care on a voluntary basis provided all applicable required standards are met. The standards in this section, along with any other applicable State laws and federal laws or local ordinances, shall be the required standards for the issuance of a license by the Secretary under the policies and procedures of the Commission except that the Commission may, in its discretion, adopt less stringent standards for the licensing of facilities which provide care on a temporary, part-time, drop-in, seasonal, after-school or other than a full-time basis. (14) Any effort to falsify information provided to the Department shall be considered by the Secretary to be evidence of violation of this Article on the part of the operator or sponsor of the child care facility and shall constitute a cause for revoking or denying a license to such child care facility.” 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. A follow-up visit will be conducted at a later date. An administrative action may be taken due to the substantiation of allegations in the complaint. 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