Little Gems Child Development Center, Inc.

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2024 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 9/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 142 Time In: 10:08 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Georgiana Hartgrove, Owner, assisted me with the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective January 20, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, 2nd shift, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked on September 4, 2024, and your business Little Gems Child Development Center, 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, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group story time, free play in activity areas, lunch, and outdoor playtime. The center's compliance history was at 94% prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A sample of four children’s files were reviewed. One new staff file was reviewed. A sample of one existing staff file was reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 8/12/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 8/15/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 8/9/24. Your program uses Creative Curriculum for all four-year-old children are enrolled. Lead water testing must be completed every three years. You may review your program’s most recent testing by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The lead water testing is a requirement for environmental health. Programs may receive a provisional sanitation status if lead water testing has not been completed within the last three years. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 3, 2024. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 14, 2024. The facility was approved for day and night time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 475 Sand and water play activities were not available weekly to each group. In Space #1, there was no sand and water activity listed for the week of 9/3-9/6/24. .0510(c)(3) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 2/21/23 had a medical report dated 4/14/23 on file. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 2/21/23, had an immunization report dated 4/14/23 on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) The violation(s) documented were corrected during the visit. No compliance letter is required. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Sand and water play activities must be offered weekly to each group. I encouraged you to review activity plans for the upcoming week to ensure that all required activities are included. Required sand/water activities were added to the activity plan for Space #1. This violation was corrected during the visit. Medical Reports and Immunizations must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. We discussed that this requirement may be discussed with parents during the pre-enrollment orientation to ensure understanding of the requirement. There is a medical report and immunization report on file dated 4/14/23, both violations were corrected during visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today: We discussed that attendance reports should be reviewed at the beginning of each month to make sure that only the currently enrolled children on the report. Lead & Asbestos Testing The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program is providing free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket cost to child care centers and public schools. Enroll today at www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by November 1, 2024. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement. You must enroll in both sections including lead based paint and asbestos testing to comply with the rule requirements. As a reminder: The required water testing for child care centers is not affected by the November 1, 2024 deadline. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You complete this process by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2024 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 9/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 142 Time In: 10:08 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Georgiana Hartgrove, Owner, assisted me with the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective January 20, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, 2nd shift, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked on September 4, 2024, and your business Little Gems Child Development Center, 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, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group story time, free play in activity areas, lunch, and outdoor playtime. The center's compliance history was at 94% prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A sample of four children’s files were reviewed. One new staff file was reviewed. A sample of one existing staff file was reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 8/12/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 8/15/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 8/9/24. Your program uses Creative Curriculum for all four-year-old children are enrolled. Lead water testing must be completed every three years. You may review your program’s most recent testing by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The lead water testing is a requirement for environmental health. Programs may receive a provisional sanitation status if lead water testing has not been completed within the last three years. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 3, 2024. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 14, 2024. The facility was approved for day and night time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 475 Sand and water play activities were not available weekly to each group. In Space #1, there was no sand and water activity listed for the week of 9/3-9/6/24. .0510(c)(3) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 2/21/23 had a medical report dated 4/14/23 on file. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 2/21/23, had an immunization report dated 4/14/23 on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) The violation(s) documented were corrected during the visit. No compliance letter is required. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Sand and water play activities must be offered weekly to each group. I encouraged you to review activity plans for the upcoming week to ensure that all required activities are included. Required sand/water activities were added to the activity plan for Space #1. This violation was corrected during the visit. Medical Reports and Immunizations must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. We discussed that this requirement may be discussed with parents during the pre-enrollment orientation to ensure understanding of the requirement. There is a medical report and immunization report on file dated 4/14/23, both violations were corrected during visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today: We discussed that attendance reports should be reviewed at the beginning of each month to make sure that only the currently enrolled children on the report. Lead & Asbestos Testing The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program is providing free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket cost to child care centers and public schools. Enroll today at www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by November 1, 2024. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement. You must enroll in both sections including lead based paint and asbestos testing to comply with the rule requirements. As a reminder: The required water testing for child care centers is not affected by the November 1, 2024 deadline. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You complete this process by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@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: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/4/2024 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 9/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 142 Time In: 10:08 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Georgiana Hartgrove, Owner, assisted me with the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective January 20, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, 2nd shift, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked on September 4, 2024, and your business Little Gems Child Development Center, 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, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group story time, free play in activity areas, lunch, and outdoor playtime. The center's compliance history was at 94% prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A sample of four children’s files were reviewed. One new staff file was reviewed. A sample of one existing staff file was reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 8/12/24. The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 8/15/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 8/9/24. Your program uses Creative Curriculum for all four-year-old children are enrolled. Lead water testing must be completed every three years. You may review your program’s most recent testing by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The lead water testing is a requirement for environmental health. Programs may receive a provisional sanitation status if lead water testing has not been completed within the last three years. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 3, 2024. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 14, 2024. The facility was approved for day and night time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 475 Sand and water play activities were not available weekly to each group. In Space #1, there was no sand and water activity listed for the week of 9/3-9/6/24. .0510(c)(3) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 2/21/23 had a medical report dated 4/14/23 on file. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 2/21/23, had an immunization report dated 4/14/23 on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) The violation(s) documented were corrected during the visit. No compliance letter is required. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Sand and water play activities must be offered weekly to each group. I encouraged you to review activity plans for the upcoming week to ensure that all required activities are included. Required sand/water activities were added to the activity plan for Space #1. This violation was corrected during the visit. Medical Reports and Immunizations must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. We discussed that this requirement may be discussed with parents during the pre-enrollment orientation to ensure understanding of the requirement. There is a medical report and immunization report on file dated 4/14/23, both violations were corrected during visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today: We discussed that attendance reports should be reviewed at the beginning of each month to make sure that only the currently enrolled children on the report. Lead & Asbestos Testing The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program is providing free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket cost to child care centers and public schools. Enroll today at www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by November 1, 2024. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement. You must enroll in both sections including lead based paint and asbestos testing to comply with the rule requirements. As a reminder: The required water testing for child care centers is not affected by the November 1, 2024 deadline. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You complete this process by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@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 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: JENNIFER HILL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-222A Visit Date: 11/21/2023 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Georgiana Hartgrove, owner, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Hartgrove, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. On November 17, 2023, infant children were grouped with children two-years-old and older. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 404 All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash their hands after diapering each child. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 405 A child's hands were not washed after each diaper change. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash children's hands after diapering. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c)(2) 482 For children under three years of age, the caregiver did not provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development, on a daily basis. On November 17, 2023, staff members left multiple children in feeding chairs for extended periods of time when children were not eating. .0510(e)(4) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. On November 17, 2023, a staff member provided and allowed screen time for children 0-2 years of age. .0510(f) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash their hands prior to handling and serving food to children. Additionally, a staff member did not wash their hands after cleaning a child's nose. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. On November 17, 2023, staff did not clean or disinfect between each diaper change. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On November 17, 2023, a staff member grabbed and pulled a child's arm. Another staff member used their foot to move a child while the child was seated on the floor. G.S. 110-91(10) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On November 17, 2023, three staff members cared for 11 children ages 0-4. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 You may contact me at Jennifer Hill, Investigations Consultant, 828-358-5387, Jennifer.Hill@dhhs.nc.gov or Natosha Lambeth, Western Investigations Team Supervisor, Natosha.Lambeth@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: JENNIFER HILL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-222A Visit Date: 11/21/2023 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Georgiana Hartgrove, owner, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Hartgrove, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. On November 17, 2023, infant children were grouped with children two-years-old and older. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 404 All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash their hands after diapering each child. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 405 A child's hands were not washed after each diaper change. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash children's hands after diapering. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c)(2) 482 For children under three years of age, the caregiver did not provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development, on a daily basis. On November 17, 2023, staff members left multiple children in feeding chairs for extended periods of time when children were not eating. .0510(e)(4) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. On November 17, 2023, a staff member provided and allowed screen time for children 0-2 years of age. .0510(f) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash their hands prior to handling and serving food to children. Additionally, a staff member did not wash their hands after cleaning a child's nose. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. On November 17, 2023, staff did not clean or disinfect between each diaper change. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On November 17, 2023, a staff member grabbed and pulled a child's arm. Another staff member used their foot to move a child while the child was seated on the floor. G.S. 110-91(10) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On November 17, 2023, three staff members cared for 11 children ages 0-4. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 You may contact me at Jennifer Hill, Investigations Consultant, 828-358-5387, Jennifer.Hill@dhhs.nc.gov or Natosha Lambeth, Western Investigations Team Supervisor, Natosha.Lambeth@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: JENNIFER HILL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-222A Visit Date: 11/21/2023 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Georgiana Hartgrove, owner, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Hartgrove, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. On November 17, 2023, infant children were grouped with children two-years-old and older. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 404 All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash their hands after diapering each child. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 405 A child's hands were not washed after each diaper change. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash children's hands after diapering. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c)(2) 482 For children under three years of age, the caregiver did not provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development, on a daily basis. On November 17, 2023, staff members left multiple children in feeding chairs for extended periods of time when children were not eating. .0510(e)(4) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. On November 17, 2023, a staff member provided and allowed screen time for children 0-2 years of age. .0510(f) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. On November 17, 2023, staff did not wash their hands prior to handling and serving food to children. Additionally, a staff member did not wash their hands after cleaning a child's nose. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. On November 17, 2023, staff did not clean or disinfect between each diaper change. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On November 17, 2023, a staff member grabbed and pulled a child's arm. Another staff member used their foot to move a child while the child was seated on the floor. G.S. 110-91(10) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On November 17, 2023, three staff members cared for 11 children ages 0-4. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 You may contact me at Jennifer Hill, Investigations Consultant, 828-358-5387, Jennifer.Hill@dhhs.nc.gov or Natosha Lambeth, Western Investigations Team Supervisor, Natosha.Lambeth@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Georgiana Hartgrove, Owner. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective January 20, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, 2nd shift, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 19, 2023 and Little Gems Child Development Center, Inc. was listed as current/active. You reported no changes to the ownership of the facility. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time and outdoor time. One infant child was in care during the visit. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97 percent as of September 19, 2023. 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. Two staff files were reviewed. There are no new staff members since the routine unannounced visit on June 8, 2023. Four children’s records were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 29, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 24, 2023. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member employed 12/14/20, did not have any documented ongoing training since 2/2022. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 7/24/23 had verification of a medical exam on file 9/21/23. GS110-91(1) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, employed 3/22/22, completed health and safety trainings 6/13/23. .1102(a) Comments Section: The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 5, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with 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 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: On-going Training: Staff must receive the required number of on-going training hours, according to their education/experience. Staff may receive training in person or on-line. There are on-line trainings available through Moodle. 10A NCAC 09 .1103(a) Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. GS 110-91(1). I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. The medical exam was provided to the center during the visit. This violation was corrected during the visit. Health and Safety Training: Healthy and Safety training must be completed within one year of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a) Consider using a calendar for training due dates for employee trainings. The staff member completed all health and safety trainings on 6/13/23. This violation was corrected at visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed resources for ongoing training through the local partnership, Child Care Connections and on-line through Moodle and NCRLAP.org. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@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 .1103 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Georgiana Hartgrove, Owner. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective January 20, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, 2nd shift, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 19, 2023 and Little Gems Child Development Center, Inc. was listed as current/active. You reported no changes to the ownership of the facility. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time and outdoor time. One infant child was in care during the visit. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97 percent as of September 19, 2023. 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. Two staff files were reviewed. There are no new staff members since the routine unannounced visit on June 8, 2023. Four children’s records were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 29, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 24, 2023. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member employed 12/14/20, did not have any documented ongoing training since 2/2022. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 7/24/23 had verification of a medical exam on file 9/21/23. GS110-91(1) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, employed 3/22/22, completed health and safety trainings 6/13/23. .1102(a) Comments Section: The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 5, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with 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 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: On-going Training: Staff must receive the required number of on-going training hours, according to their education/experience. Staff may receive training in person or on-line. There are on-line trainings available through Moodle. 10A NCAC 09 .1103(a) Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. GS 110-91(1). I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. The medical exam was provided to the center during the visit. This violation was corrected during the visit. Health and Safety Training: Healthy and Safety training must be completed within one year of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a) Consider using a calendar for training due dates for employee trainings. The staff member completed all health and safety trainings on 6/13/23. This violation was corrected at visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed resources for ongoing training through the local partnership, Child Care Connections and on-line through Moodle and NCRLAP.org. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Georgiana Hartgrove, Owner. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective January 20, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, 2nd shift, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 19, 2023 and Little Gems Child Development Center, Inc. was listed as current/active. You reported no changes to the ownership of the facility. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time and outdoor time. One infant child was in care during the visit. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97 percent as of September 19, 2023. 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. Two staff files were reviewed. There are no new staff members since the routine unannounced visit on June 8, 2023. Four children’s records were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 29, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 24, 2023. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member employed 12/14/20, did not have any documented ongoing training since 2/2022. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 7/24/23 had verification of a medical exam on file 9/21/23. GS110-91(1) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, employed 3/22/22, completed health and safety trainings 6/13/23. .1102(a) Comments Section: The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 5, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with 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 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: On-going Training: Staff must receive the required number of on-going training hours, according to their education/experience. Staff may receive training in person or on-line. There are on-line trainings available through Moodle. 10A NCAC 09 .1103(a) Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. GS 110-91(1). I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. The medical exam was provided to the center during the visit. This violation was corrected during the visit. Health and Safety Training: Healthy and Safety training must be completed within one year of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a) Consider using a calendar for training due dates for employee trainings. The staff member completed all health and safety trainings on 6/13/23. This violation was corrected at visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed resources for ongoing training through the local partnership, Child Care Connections and on-line through Moodle and NCRLAP.org. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Georgiana Hartgrove, Owner. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective January 20, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, 2nd shift, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 19, 2023 and Little Gems Child Development Center, Inc. was listed as current/active. You reported no changes to the ownership of the facility. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time and outdoor time. One infant child was in care during the visit. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97 percent as of September 19, 2023. 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. Two staff files were reviewed. There are no new staff members since the routine unannounced visit on June 8, 2023. Four children’s records were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 29, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 24, 2023. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member employed 12/14/20, did not have any documented ongoing training since 2/2022. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 7/24/23 had verification of a medical exam on file 9/21/23. GS110-91(1) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, employed 3/22/22, completed health and safety trainings 6/13/23. .1102(a) Comments Section: The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 5, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with 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 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: On-going Training: Staff must receive the required number of on-going training hours, according to their education/experience. Staff may receive training in person or on-line. There are on-line trainings available through Moodle. 10A NCAC 09 .1103(a) Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. GS 110-91(1). I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. The medical exam was provided to the center during the visit. This violation was corrected during the visit. Health and Safety Training: Healthy and Safety training must be completed within one year of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a) Consider using a calendar for training due dates for employee trainings. The staff member completed all health and safety trainings on 6/13/23. This violation was corrected at visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed resources for ongoing training through the local partnership, Child Care Connections and on-line through Moodle and NCRLAP.org. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@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: LITTLE GEMS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 23000154 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Georgiana Hartgrove, Owner. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective January 20, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, 2nd shift, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 19, 2023 and Little Gems Child Development Center, Inc. was listed as current/active. You reported no changes to the ownership of the facility. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time and outdoor time. One infant child was in care during the visit. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97 percent as of September 19, 2023. 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. Two staff files were reviewed. There are no new staff members since the routine unannounced visit on June 8, 2023. Four children’s records were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 29, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 24, 2023. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member employed 12/14/20, did not have any documented ongoing training since 2/2022. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 7/24/23 had verification of a medical exam on file 9/21/23. GS110-91(1) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member, employed 3/22/22, completed health and safety trainings 6/13/23. .1102(a) Comments Section: The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 5, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with 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 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: On-going Training: Staff must receive the required number of on-going training hours, according to their education/experience. Staff may receive training in person or on-line. There are on-line trainings available through Moodle. 10A NCAC 09 .1103(a) Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. GS 110-91(1). I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. The medical exam was provided to the center during the visit. This violation was corrected during the visit. Health and Safety Training: Healthy and Safety training must be completed within one year of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a) Consider using a calendar for training due dates for employee trainings. The staff member completed all health and safety trainings on 6/13/23. This violation was corrected at visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed resources for ongoing training through the local partnership, Child Care Connections and on-line through Moodle and NCRLAP.org. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@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