TLC Center

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/2/2026 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/2/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 24, 2025. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on February 16, 2026. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two (2) demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 14, 2026, for daytime care only. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on May 4, 2026, at 7:30am and recorded. The most recent quarterly lockdown emergency drill was conducted on April 23, 2026, at 10:30am and recorded. The facilities EPR Plan was updated on May 3, 2026, and reviewed with staff on May 4, 2026. The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on May 18, 2026, by Krista Whitaker. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety (90%) percent as of June 1, 2026. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 1, 2026, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and current. Please keep me informed of your status 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. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance with child care rules. All classrooms were opened during today's visit. Children were observed during in indoor free play, art activities, music and movement, story time, diapering, bottle feeding, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, and naptime. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children in care. Lunch time was observed and children were served tomato soup with crackers, cheese toast, cucumbers, mixed fruit, and milk. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was conducted May 30, 2026. Lead water testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. On June 1, 2026, 2026, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility was exempt for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ team determined that TLC CENTER was exempt from the lead-based paint assessment requirements. The facility provided the appropriate documentation to show all buildings were built after 1978 and no lead-based paint was used in order to meet the building age exemption criteria per 10A NCAC 41C.1004. No results were available for review stating that your facility was exempt for asbestos testing. You stated that you had contacted RTI concerning the asbestos testing and you are waiting on a return telephone call from them. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Files were reviewed for one (1) existing staff and one (1) new staff, and applicable records for all staff were reviewed. A sample of five (5) children’s records were reviewed. Rated License Information: You submitted your application for re-assessment on May 15, 2026 and revised during today’s visit, choosing Curriculum and Instructional Quality Pathway #2 option. The license is based on the QRIS Pathway to the Stars educational and programmatic requirements for Pathway #2. Your new Star License will be determined once all programmatic requirements and staff education have been verified. The program requested to apply for a Three (3) Star License. A new license will be mailed directly to you and must be posted upon receipt. At that time, return the old license to me as it remains the property of the State of North Carolina. I reviewed with you Pathway 2 Classroom & Instructional Quality Start Star Level Assessment for Child Care Centers during today’s visit. The following information for your QRIS Pathways to the Stars packet needs to be submitted to me by June 30, 2026. The following QRIS Pathway #2 documents were reviewed during today’s visit. •Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers was received on May 15, 2026 and revised during today’s visit. •Family and Community Engagement Standards plan that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. I reviewed and discussed with you your plan that you submitted on May 15, 2026, on the standards you plan to implement during today’s visit. •Staff Information and Education Worksheet was not completed but was available for review. We discussed which staff needed to be listed on the forms. I also answered your questions concerning what information needed to be documented on the forms for each staff. I discussed with you that not all staff DCDEE WORKS account was updated. We discussed that the new staff will need to send an official transcript to DCDEE WORKS. I also suggested that you review the steps on the DCDEE WORKS homepage to updated staff’s accounts. •Continuous Quality Improvement Plan for your facility that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. This document has not been completed. You stated that you will complete this document and email it to me once it has been completed. •Continuous Quality Improvement Plan/Professional Development Plan for your individual staff that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. I reviewed six (6) staff’s Individual CQI Plans and offered suggestions on possible goals. We discussed that staff’s CQI/Professional Development Plans will need to be revised to reflect professional goals. You were given an opportunity to ask questions. 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. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was left 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. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff employed on June 1, 2026, had documentation for review of an expired TB test. The TB test expired on May 7, 2025. The TB test was older than twelve months. .0701(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. One child one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, and one child four years of age and enrolled on September 3, 2025, did not have documentation on file and was not available for review a health assessment. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, and one child four years of age and enrolled on September 3, 2025, did not have documentation on file and was not available for review a health assessment. 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 one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, and one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, did not have documentation on file for available for review of immunization records. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) Technical Assistance Provided for the Violations Cited During Today’s Visit: Staff medical records (TB Test)- -Tuberculin (TB) Test or Screening must be received on or before the staff members first day of employment. Results indicating the individual is free of active tuberculosis shall be obtained within the 12 months prior to the date of employment. If the TB Screening questions are all answered no and signed by a health care professional, then a TB test is not required. I suggested that you utilize the staff's file checklist available on the DCDEE website to ensure all applicable documents that are required prior to employment are on file prior to the staff beginning work. Children’s medical & immunization records- -Children’s medical exam or health assessment and immunization records must be received and on file within thirty days of the child’s enrollment. I suggested that you request children’s medical exams and immunization records prior to enrollment to ensure compliance with this requirement. I also suggested that you use the children’s file checklist to help you to organize children’s files. 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 June 16, 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 Consultation: -Updating DCDEE WORKS Account: We discussed updating accounts on the DCDEE WORKS portal for staff’s education to be evaluated to complete the Pathways to the Stars packets. 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. -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 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/2/2026 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/2/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 24, 2025. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on February 16, 2026. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two (2) demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 14, 2026, for daytime care only. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on May 4, 2026, at 7:30am and recorded. The most recent quarterly lockdown emergency drill was conducted on April 23, 2026, at 10:30am and recorded. The facilities EPR Plan was updated on May 3, 2026, and reviewed with staff on May 4, 2026. The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on May 18, 2026, by Krista Whitaker. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety (90%) percent as of June 1, 2026. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 1, 2026, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and current. Please keep me informed of your status 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. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance with child care rules. All classrooms were opened during today's visit. Children were observed during in indoor free play, art activities, music and movement, story time, diapering, bottle feeding, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, and naptime. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children in care. Lunch time was observed and children were served tomato soup with crackers, cheese toast, cucumbers, mixed fruit, and milk. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was conducted May 30, 2026. Lead water testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. On June 1, 2026, 2026, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility was exempt for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ team determined that TLC CENTER was exempt from the lead-based paint assessment requirements. The facility provided the appropriate documentation to show all buildings were built after 1978 and no lead-based paint was used in order to meet the building age exemption criteria per 10A NCAC 41C.1004. No results were available for review stating that your facility was exempt for asbestos testing. You stated that you had contacted RTI concerning the asbestos testing and you are waiting on a return telephone call from them. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Files were reviewed for one (1) existing staff and one (1) new staff, and applicable records for all staff were reviewed. A sample of five (5) children’s records were reviewed. Rated License Information: You submitted your application for re-assessment on May 15, 2026 and revised during today’s visit, choosing Curriculum and Instructional Quality Pathway #2 option. The license is based on the QRIS Pathway to the Stars educational and programmatic requirements for Pathway #2. Your new Star License will be determined once all programmatic requirements and staff education have been verified. The program requested to apply for a Three (3) Star License. A new license will be mailed directly to you and must be posted upon receipt. At that time, return the old license to me as it remains the property of the State of North Carolina. I reviewed with you Pathway 2 Classroom & Instructional Quality Start Star Level Assessment for Child Care Centers during today’s visit. The following information for your QRIS Pathways to the Stars packet needs to be submitted to me by June 30, 2026. The following QRIS Pathway #2 documents were reviewed during today’s visit. •Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers was received on May 15, 2026 and revised during today’s visit. •Family and Community Engagement Standards plan that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. I reviewed and discussed with you your plan that you submitted on May 15, 2026, on the standards you plan to implement during today’s visit. •Staff Information and Education Worksheet was not completed but was available for review. We discussed which staff needed to be listed on the forms. I also answered your questions concerning what information needed to be documented on the forms for each staff. I discussed with you that not all staff DCDEE WORKS account was updated. We discussed that the new staff will need to send an official transcript to DCDEE WORKS. I also suggested that you review the steps on the DCDEE WORKS homepage to updated staff’s accounts. •Continuous Quality Improvement Plan for your facility that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. This document has not been completed. You stated that you will complete this document and email it to me once it has been completed. •Continuous Quality Improvement Plan/Professional Development Plan for your individual staff that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. I reviewed six (6) staff’s Individual CQI Plans and offered suggestions on possible goals. We discussed that staff’s CQI/Professional Development Plans will need to be revised to reflect professional goals. You were given an opportunity to ask questions. 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. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was left 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. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff employed on June 1, 2026, had documentation for review of an expired TB test. The TB test expired on May 7, 2025. The TB test was older than twelve months. .0701(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. One child one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, and one child four years of age and enrolled on September 3, 2025, did not have documentation on file and was not available for review a health assessment. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, and one child four years of age and enrolled on September 3, 2025, did not have documentation on file and was not available for review a health assessment. 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 one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, and one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, did not have documentation on file for available for review of immunization records. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) Technical Assistance Provided for the Violations Cited During Today’s Visit: Staff medical records (TB Test)- -Tuberculin (TB) Test or Screening must be received on or before the staff members first day of employment. Results indicating the individual is free of active tuberculosis shall be obtained within the 12 months prior to the date of employment. If the TB Screening questions are all answered no and signed by a health care professional, then a TB test is not required. I suggested that you utilize the staff's file checklist available on the DCDEE website to ensure all applicable documents that are required prior to employment are on file prior to the staff beginning work. Children’s medical & immunization records- -Children’s medical exam or health assessment and immunization records must be received and on file within thirty days of the child’s enrollment. I suggested that you request children’s medical exams and immunization records prior to enrollment to ensure compliance with this requirement. I also suggested that you use the children’s file checklist to help you to organize children’s files. 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 June 16, 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 Consultation: -Updating DCDEE WORKS Account: We discussed updating accounts on the DCDEE WORKS portal for staff’s education to be evaluated to complete the Pathways to the Stars packets. 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. -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 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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/2/2026 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/2/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 24, 2025. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on February 16, 2026. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two (2) demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 14, 2026, for daytime care only. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on May 4, 2026, at 7:30am and recorded. The most recent quarterly lockdown emergency drill was conducted on April 23, 2026, at 10:30am and recorded. The facilities EPR Plan was updated on May 3, 2026, and reviewed with staff on May 4, 2026. The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on May 18, 2026, by Krista Whitaker. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety (90%) percent as of June 1, 2026. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 1, 2026, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and current. Please keep me informed of your status 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. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance with child care rules. All classrooms were opened during today's visit. Children were observed during in indoor free play, art activities, music and movement, story time, diapering, bottle feeding, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, and naptime. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children in care. Lunch time was observed and children were served tomato soup with crackers, cheese toast, cucumbers, mixed fruit, and milk. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was conducted May 30, 2026. Lead water testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. On June 1, 2026, 2026, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility was exempt for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ team determined that TLC CENTER was exempt from the lead-based paint assessment requirements. The facility provided the appropriate documentation to show all buildings were built after 1978 and no lead-based paint was used in order to meet the building age exemption criteria per 10A NCAC 41C.1004. No results were available for review stating that your facility was exempt for asbestos testing. You stated that you had contacted RTI concerning the asbestos testing and you are waiting on a return telephone call from them. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Files were reviewed for one (1) existing staff and one (1) new staff, and applicable records for all staff were reviewed. A sample of five (5) children’s records were reviewed. Rated License Information: You submitted your application for re-assessment on May 15, 2026 and revised during today’s visit, choosing Curriculum and Instructional Quality Pathway #2 option. The license is based on the QRIS Pathway to the Stars educational and programmatic requirements for Pathway #2. Your new Star License will be determined once all programmatic requirements and staff education have been verified. The program requested to apply for a Three (3) Star License. A new license will be mailed directly to you and must be posted upon receipt. At that time, return the old license to me as it remains the property of the State of North Carolina. I reviewed with you Pathway 2 Classroom & Instructional Quality Start Star Level Assessment for Child Care Centers during today’s visit. The following information for your QRIS Pathways to the Stars packet needs to be submitted to me by June 30, 2026. The following QRIS Pathway #2 documents were reviewed during today’s visit. •Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers was received on May 15, 2026 and revised during today’s visit. •Family and Community Engagement Standards plan that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. I reviewed and discussed with you your plan that you submitted on May 15, 2026, on the standards you plan to implement during today’s visit. •Staff Information and Education Worksheet was not completed but was available for review. We discussed which staff needed to be listed on the forms. I also answered your questions concerning what information needed to be documented on the forms for each staff. I discussed with you that not all staff DCDEE WORKS account was updated. We discussed that the new staff will need to send an official transcript to DCDEE WORKS. I also suggested that you review the steps on the DCDEE WORKS homepage to updated staff’s accounts. •Continuous Quality Improvement Plan for your facility that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. This document has not been completed. You stated that you will complete this document and email it to me once it has been completed. •Continuous Quality Improvement Plan/Professional Development Plan for your individual staff that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. I reviewed six (6) staff’s Individual CQI Plans and offered suggestions on possible goals. We discussed that staff’s CQI/Professional Development Plans will need to be revised to reflect professional goals. You were given an opportunity to ask questions. 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. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was left 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. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff employed on June 1, 2026, had documentation for review of an expired TB test. The TB test expired on May 7, 2025. The TB test was older than twelve months. .0701(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. One child one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, and one child four years of age and enrolled on September 3, 2025, did not have documentation on file and was not available for review a health assessment. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, and one child four years of age and enrolled on September 3, 2025, did not have documentation on file and was not available for review a health assessment. 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 one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, and one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, did not have documentation on file for available for review of immunization records. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) Technical Assistance Provided for the Violations Cited During Today’s Visit: Staff medical records (TB Test)- -Tuberculin (TB) Test or Screening must be received on or before the staff members first day of employment. Results indicating the individual is free of active tuberculosis shall be obtained within the 12 months prior to the date of employment. If the TB Screening questions are all answered no and signed by a health care professional, then a TB test is not required. I suggested that you utilize the staff's file checklist available on the DCDEE website to ensure all applicable documents that are required prior to employment are on file prior to the staff beginning work. Children’s medical & immunization records- -Children’s medical exam or health assessment and immunization records must be received and on file within thirty days of the child’s enrollment. I suggested that you request children’s medical exams and immunization records prior to enrollment to ensure compliance with this requirement. I also suggested that you use the children’s file checklist to help you to organize children’s files. 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 June 16, 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 Consultation: -Updating DCDEE WORKS Account: We discussed updating accounts on the DCDEE WORKS portal for staff’s education to be evaluated to complete the Pathways to the Stars packets. 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. -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 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/2/2026 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/2/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 24, 2025. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on February 16, 2026. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two (2) demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on May 14, 2026, for daytime care only. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on May 4, 2026, at 7:30am and recorded. The most recent quarterly lockdown emergency drill was conducted on April 23, 2026, at 10:30am and recorded. The facilities EPR Plan was updated on May 3, 2026, and reviewed with staff on May 4, 2026. The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on May 18, 2026, by Krista Whitaker. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety (90%) percent as of June 1, 2026. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 1, 2026, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and current. Please keep me informed of your status 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. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance with child care rules. All classrooms were opened during today's visit. Children were observed during in indoor free play, art activities, music and movement, story time, diapering, bottle feeding, bathroom routines, hand washing, lunch, and naptime. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children in care. Lunch time was observed and children were served tomato soup with crackers, cheese toast, cucumbers, mixed fruit, and milk. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was conducted May 30, 2026. Lead water testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. On June 1, 2026, 2026, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility was exempt for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ team determined that TLC CENTER was exempt from the lead-based paint assessment requirements. The facility provided the appropriate documentation to show all buildings were built after 1978 and no lead-based paint was used in order to meet the building age exemption criteria per 10A NCAC 41C.1004. No results were available for review stating that your facility was exempt for asbestos testing. You stated that you had contacted RTI concerning the asbestos testing and you are waiting on a return telephone call from them. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Files were reviewed for one (1) existing staff and one (1) new staff, and applicable records for all staff were reviewed. A sample of five (5) children’s records were reviewed. Rated License Information: You submitted your application for re-assessment on May 15, 2026 and revised during today’s visit, choosing Curriculum and Instructional Quality Pathway #2 option. The license is based on the QRIS Pathway to the Stars educational and programmatic requirements for Pathway #2. Your new Star License will be determined once all programmatic requirements and staff education have been verified. The program requested to apply for a Three (3) Star License. A new license will be mailed directly to you and must be posted upon receipt. At that time, return the old license to me as it remains the property of the State of North Carolina. I reviewed with you Pathway 2 Classroom & Instructional Quality Start Star Level Assessment for Child Care Centers during today’s visit. The following information for your QRIS Pathways to the Stars packet needs to be submitted to me by June 30, 2026. The following QRIS Pathway #2 documents were reviewed during today’s visit. •Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers was received on May 15, 2026 and revised during today’s visit. •Family and Community Engagement Standards plan that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. I reviewed and discussed with you your plan that you submitted on May 15, 2026, on the standards you plan to implement during today’s visit. •Staff Information and Education Worksheet was not completed but was available for review. We discussed which staff needed to be listed on the forms. I also answered your questions concerning what information needed to be documented on the forms for each staff. I discussed with you that not all staff DCDEE WORKS account was updated. We discussed that the new staff will need to send an official transcript to DCDEE WORKS. I also suggested that you review the steps on the DCDEE WORKS homepage to updated staff’s accounts. •Continuous Quality Improvement Plan for your facility that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. This document has not been completed. You stated that you will complete this document and email it to me once it has been completed. •Continuous Quality Improvement Plan/Professional Development Plan for your individual staff that will be implemented once your new license has been issued. I reviewed six (6) staff’s Individual CQI Plans and offered suggestions on possible goals. We discussed that staff’s CQI/Professional Development Plans will need to be revised to reflect professional goals. You were given an opportunity to ask questions. 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. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the electronic Visit Summary was left 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. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff employed on June 1, 2026, had documentation for review of an expired TB test. The TB test expired on May 7, 2025. The TB test was older than twelve months. .0701(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. One child one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, and one child four years of age and enrolled on September 3, 2025, did not have documentation on file and was not available for review a health assessment. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, and one child four years of age and enrolled on September 3, 2025, did not have documentation on file and was not available for review a health assessment. 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 one year of age and enrolled on July 21, 2025, and one child one year old and nine months of age and enrolled on August 11, 2025, did not have documentation on file for available for review of immunization records. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) Technical Assistance Provided for the Violations Cited During Today’s Visit: Staff medical records (TB Test)- -Tuberculin (TB) Test or Screening must be received on or before the staff members first day of employment. Results indicating the individual is free of active tuberculosis shall be obtained within the 12 months prior to the date of employment. If the TB Screening questions are all answered no and signed by a health care professional, then a TB test is not required. I suggested that you utilize the staff's file checklist available on the DCDEE website to ensure all applicable documents that are required prior to employment are on file prior to the staff beginning work. Children’s medical & immunization records- -Children’s medical exam or health assessment and immunization records must be received and on file within thirty days of the child’s enrollment. I suggested that you request children’s medical exams and immunization records prior to enrollment to ensure compliance with this requirement. I also suggested that you use the children’s file checklist to help you to organize children’s files. 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 June 16, 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 Consultation: -Updating DCDEE WORKS Account: We discussed updating accounts on the DCDEE WORKS portal for staff’s education to be evaluated to complete the Pathways to the Stars packets. 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. -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 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 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. Tammy McGalliard, Supervisor, assisted me with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 23, 2025, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and not current. Please keep me informed of your status if any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. 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 during free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, music and movement, lunch, and nap time. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on June 3, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 27, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on April 8, 2025, at 3:15pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 19, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on June 2, 2025, at 8:31am. 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. Three (3) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed and no 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. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection documentation on file and available for review was dated June 3, 2025. The fire inspection was received during today’s visit 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the fence separating the playground from the woods was not secured to the pole. The corner of the fence separating the playground used by children preschool aged and the infant/toddler was not secured to the pole. The fence height on the playground used by preschool aged children measured less than the required four feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the play kitchen has a broken knob, and the dollhouse has a broken section where the gate once hanged that can cause injury to children. The dollhouse is also cluttered and filled with toys that is hazardous. On the playground used by children two and three years of age broken toys were found that can be hazardous to children. The following broken toys found on the playground were magenta sifter lid, green tractor, pink transfer truck, blue container, and a red sifter. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In Space 2, twenty (20) giant foam blocks with a disclaimer stating the approved ages to play with the blocks are for children three years old and older. The classroom had six children two years of age present. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on May 23, 2025, at 1:15pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 3, 2025, at 1:30pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 13, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age sleep position was not documented. .0606(g) 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 #3, on May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant ten months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 29, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 4, 2025, at 1:20pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:00pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 5, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. As of June 24, 2025, the child care program had not completed the requirements for establishing the child care program’s account and linking staff to the ABCMS system. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Two staff members employed on August 2, 2002, and September 1, 2017, did not have on file available for review a health questionnaire. .0701(d) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Fire Inspection: I reminded you concerning the child care rule that requires you to submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggested that you use a sticky note with the reminder notice to send the fire inspection to your license consultant by the required due date. I also suggested that you receive the fire inspection electronically to email it to your license consultant. -Provider Access to ABCMS North Carolina Child Care Providers can obtain access to the Provider Access to ABCMS after completing the Moodle training and completing the form afterward. Once you are logged in, you can access codes to allow your staff and applicants to create a connecting application to link themselves to your facility. The links include helpful documents to assist you. I accessed the ABCMS Portal on June 23, 2025, and your staff roster was not available for review. Three out of seven staff employed had started the linking process, but it was not completed. I reminded you about the email I sent you on June 23, 2025, with the screenshot attachment and a resource guide. I also suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Unit for technical assistance. The contact information is 919.814.6401 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Foam Materials: Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed must be inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that administrative staff monitor all classrooms for children under three years of age daily to ensure plastic grocery bags, plastic packaging, small toys, small art supplies, and other potential choking hazards are inaccessible to children or removed from the classroom. I suggested that you review safety requirements with all staff members individually and during an upcoming staff meeting. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Broken Equipment on Playground Per Child Care Requirement 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p), you must monitor indoor and outdoor areas prior to children utilizing the playground to ensure debris and broken equipment is discarded. I suggested that each staff member or a designated staff member monitor classrooms and playgrounds each morning to discard trash and any broken items before children arrive or access the playground. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Playground Fence: We discussed that the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) which states that the outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence and the height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. We also discussed the fence that must be secured to the fence pole. I suggested reminding staff when there are hazards on the playground that the tell you immediately so the issues can be addressed and corrected. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information: I suggested that you create a schedule of when specific documents are required to be completed and placed in staff’s files by using the staff file checklist available on the DCDEE website under Provider Forms and Documents. I also suggested using a calendar and color code with a highlighter for when staff documentation needed to be completed. Documenting Safe Sleep Checks: Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. .0606(g). Documents that verify staff members’ compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual safe sleep check records for one infant were unable to be located during the visit. Visually checking on sleeping infants every fifteen minutes, per your facilities safe sleep policy, is critical in protecting sleeping infants from sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested that you discuss requirements for safe sleep checks as well as sudden infant death syndrome with all staff, especially all staff who work in the classroom for infants. I suggested utilizing the Caring for Our Children resource book for more information pertaining to safe sleep practices and sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks prior to filing. Create a system for enhancing your filing system for safe sleep checks so that records do not become misplaced. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks weekly and prior to filing. I suggested that safe sleep checks may be conducted more frequently, such as every ten minutes, and utilizing a timer to assist you with remembering to visually check sleeping infants. Documenting Safe Sleep Positions: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping. I suggested reviewing with all staff your safe sleep policy and document the review of the safe sleep policy and place it a file and have available for review. 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-two percent (92%). 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 8, 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: -Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training To access the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, please review the following information: •This training does not use your NCID username and password •For this training providers must create a separate username and password for this course. •If you need further assistance, contact info@preventchildabusenc.org or call 919-829-8009. •The link to access Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, is the following https://preventchildabusenc-lms.org/ -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 May 30, 2024. On June 23, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility had no results available for review for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. You stated that you have not completed these tests at this time, but will contact the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids for guidance. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website. On the home page scroll down on the link for What’s New and click on the link QRIS Moderation. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Additional Training Available on the NC Rated License Assessment Project on the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition. The website is www.ncrlap.org. -Daily Schedules You asked questions concerning each classrooms daily schedule. We discussed that you can create winter and summer to document specific times for outdoor activities. I also suggested to track daily activities to ensure that the daily times posted match the activities occurring. -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 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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 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. Tammy McGalliard, Supervisor, assisted me with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 23, 2025, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and not current. Please keep me informed of your status if any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. 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 during free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, music and movement, lunch, and nap time. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on June 3, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 27, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on April 8, 2025, at 3:15pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 19, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on June 2, 2025, at 8:31am. 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. Three (3) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed and no 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. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection documentation on file and available for review was dated June 3, 2025. The fire inspection was received during today’s visit 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the fence separating the playground from the woods was not secured to the pole. The corner of the fence separating the playground used by children preschool aged and the infant/toddler was not secured to the pole. The fence height on the playground used by preschool aged children measured less than the required four feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the play kitchen has a broken knob, and the dollhouse has a broken section where the gate once hanged that can cause injury to children. The dollhouse is also cluttered and filled with toys that is hazardous. On the playground used by children two and three years of age broken toys were found that can be hazardous to children. The following broken toys found on the playground were magenta sifter lid, green tractor, pink transfer truck, blue container, and a red sifter. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In Space 2, twenty (20) giant foam blocks with a disclaimer stating the approved ages to play with the blocks are for children three years old and older. The classroom had six children two years of age present. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on May 23, 2025, at 1:15pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 3, 2025, at 1:30pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 13, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age sleep position was not documented. .0606(g) 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 #3, on May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant ten months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 29, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 4, 2025, at 1:20pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:00pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 5, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. As of June 24, 2025, the child care program had not completed the requirements for establishing the child care program’s account and linking staff to the ABCMS system. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Two staff members employed on August 2, 2002, and September 1, 2017, did not have on file available for review a health questionnaire. .0701(d) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Fire Inspection: I reminded you concerning the child care rule that requires you to submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggested that you use a sticky note with the reminder notice to send the fire inspection to your license consultant by the required due date. I also suggested that you receive the fire inspection electronically to email it to your license consultant. -Provider Access to ABCMS North Carolina Child Care Providers can obtain access to the Provider Access to ABCMS after completing the Moodle training and completing the form afterward. Once you are logged in, you can access codes to allow your staff and applicants to create a connecting application to link themselves to your facility. The links include helpful documents to assist you. I accessed the ABCMS Portal on June 23, 2025, and your staff roster was not available for review. Three out of seven staff employed had started the linking process, but it was not completed. I reminded you about the email I sent you on June 23, 2025, with the screenshot attachment and a resource guide. I also suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Unit for technical assistance. The contact information is 919.814.6401 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Foam Materials: Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed must be inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that administrative staff monitor all classrooms for children under three years of age daily to ensure plastic grocery bags, plastic packaging, small toys, small art supplies, and other potential choking hazards are inaccessible to children or removed from the classroom. I suggested that you review safety requirements with all staff members individually and during an upcoming staff meeting. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Broken Equipment on Playground Per Child Care Requirement 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p), you must monitor indoor and outdoor areas prior to children utilizing the playground to ensure debris and broken equipment is discarded. I suggested that each staff member or a designated staff member monitor classrooms and playgrounds each morning to discard trash and any broken items before children arrive or access the playground. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Playground Fence: We discussed that the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) which states that the outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence and the height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. We also discussed the fence that must be secured to the fence pole. I suggested reminding staff when there are hazards on the playground that the tell you immediately so the issues can be addressed and corrected. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information: I suggested that you create a schedule of when specific documents are required to be completed and placed in staff’s files by using the staff file checklist available on the DCDEE website under Provider Forms and Documents. I also suggested using a calendar and color code with a highlighter for when staff documentation needed to be completed. Documenting Safe Sleep Checks: Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. .0606(g). Documents that verify staff members’ compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual safe sleep check records for one infant were unable to be located during the visit. Visually checking on sleeping infants every fifteen minutes, per your facilities safe sleep policy, is critical in protecting sleeping infants from sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested that you discuss requirements for safe sleep checks as well as sudden infant death syndrome with all staff, especially all staff who work in the classroom for infants. I suggested utilizing the Caring for Our Children resource book for more information pertaining to safe sleep practices and sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks prior to filing. Create a system for enhancing your filing system for safe sleep checks so that records do not become misplaced. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks weekly and prior to filing. I suggested that safe sleep checks may be conducted more frequently, such as every ten minutes, and utilizing a timer to assist you with remembering to visually check sleeping infants. Documenting Safe Sleep Positions: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping. I suggested reviewing with all staff your safe sleep policy and document the review of the safe sleep policy and place it a file and have available for review. 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-two percent (92%). 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 8, 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: -Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training To access the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, please review the following information: •This training does not use your NCID username and password •For this training providers must create a separate username and password for this course. •If you need further assistance, contact info@preventchildabusenc.org or call 919-829-8009. •The link to access Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, is the following https://preventchildabusenc-lms.org/ -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 May 30, 2024. On June 23, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility had no results available for review for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. You stated that you have not completed these tests at this time, but will contact the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids for guidance. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website. On the home page scroll down on the link for What’s New and click on the link QRIS Moderation. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Additional Training Available on the NC Rated License Assessment Project on the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition. The website is www.ncrlap.org. -Daily Schedules You asked questions concerning each classrooms daily schedule. We discussed that you can create winter and summer to document specific times for outdoor activities. I also suggested to track daily activities to ensure that the daily times posted match the activities occurring. -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 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 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. Tammy McGalliard, Supervisor, assisted me with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 23, 2025, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and not current. Please keep me informed of your status if any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. 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 during free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, music and movement, lunch, and nap time. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on June 3, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 27, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on April 8, 2025, at 3:15pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 19, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on June 2, 2025, at 8:31am. 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. Three (3) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed and no 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. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection documentation on file and available for review was dated June 3, 2025. The fire inspection was received during today’s visit 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the fence separating the playground from the woods was not secured to the pole. The corner of the fence separating the playground used by children preschool aged and the infant/toddler was not secured to the pole. The fence height on the playground used by preschool aged children measured less than the required four feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the play kitchen has a broken knob, and the dollhouse has a broken section where the gate once hanged that can cause injury to children. The dollhouse is also cluttered and filled with toys that is hazardous. On the playground used by children two and three years of age broken toys were found that can be hazardous to children. The following broken toys found on the playground were magenta sifter lid, green tractor, pink transfer truck, blue container, and a red sifter. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In Space 2, twenty (20) giant foam blocks with a disclaimer stating the approved ages to play with the blocks are for children three years old and older. The classroom had six children two years of age present. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on May 23, 2025, at 1:15pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 3, 2025, at 1:30pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 13, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age sleep position was not documented. .0606(g) 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 #3, on May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant ten months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 29, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 4, 2025, at 1:20pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:00pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 5, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. As of June 24, 2025, the child care program had not completed the requirements for establishing the child care program’s account and linking staff to the ABCMS system. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Two staff members employed on August 2, 2002, and September 1, 2017, did not have on file available for review a health questionnaire. .0701(d) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Fire Inspection: I reminded you concerning the child care rule that requires you to submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggested that you use a sticky note with the reminder notice to send the fire inspection to your license consultant by the required due date. I also suggested that you receive the fire inspection electronically to email it to your license consultant. -Provider Access to ABCMS North Carolina Child Care Providers can obtain access to the Provider Access to ABCMS after completing the Moodle training and completing the form afterward. Once you are logged in, you can access codes to allow your staff and applicants to create a connecting application to link themselves to your facility. The links include helpful documents to assist you. I accessed the ABCMS Portal on June 23, 2025, and your staff roster was not available for review. Three out of seven staff employed had started the linking process, but it was not completed. I reminded you about the email I sent you on June 23, 2025, with the screenshot attachment and a resource guide. I also suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Unit for technical assistance. The contact information is 919.814.6401 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Foam Materials: Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed must be inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that administrative staff monitor all classrooms for children under three years of age daily to ensure plastic grocery bags, plastic packaging, small toys, small art supplies, and other potential choking hazards are inaccessible to children or removed from the classroom. I suggested that you review safety requirements with all staff members individually and during an upcoming staff meeting. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Broken Equipment on Playground Per Child Care Requirement 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p), you must monitor indoor and outdoor areas prior to children utilizing the playground to ensure debris and broken equipment is discarded. I suggested that each staff member or a designated staff member monitor classrooms and playgrounds each morning to discard trash and any broken items before children arrive or access the playground. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Playground Fence: We discussed that the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) which states that the outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence and the height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. We also discussed the fence that must be secured to the fence pole. I suggested reminding staff when there are hazards on the playground that the tell you immediately so the issues can be addressed and corrected. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information: I suggested that you create a schedule of when specific documents are required to be completed and placed in staff’s files by using the staff file checklist available on the DCDEE website under Provider Forms and Documents. I also suggested using a calendar and color code with a highlighter for when staff documentation needed to be completed. Documenting Safe Sleep Checks: Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. .0606(g). Documents that verify staff members’ compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual safe sleep check records for one infant were unable to be located during the visit. Visually checking on sleeping infants every fifteen minutes, per your facilities safe sleep policy, is critical in protecting sleeping infants from sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested that you discuss requirements for safe sleep checks as well as sudden infant death syndrome with all staff, especially all staff who work in the classroom for infants. I suggested utilizing the Caring for Our Children resource book for more information pertaining to safe sleep practices and sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks prior to filing. Create a system for enhancing your filing system for safe sleep checks so that records do not become misplaced. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks weekly and prior to filing. I suggested that safe sleep checks may be conducted more frequently, such as every ten minutes, and utilizing a timer to assist you with remembering to visually check sleeping infants. Documenting Safe Sleep Positions: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping. I suggested reviewing with all staff your safe sleep policy and document the review of the safe sleep policy and place it a file and have available for review. 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-two percent (92%). 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 8, 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: -Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training To access the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, please review the following information: •This training does not use your NCID username and password •For this training providers must create a separate username and password for this course. •If you need further assistance, contact info@preventchildabusenc.org or call 919-829-8009. •The link to access Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, is the following https://preventchildabusenc-lms.org/ -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 May 30, 2024. On June 23, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility had no results available for review for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. You stated that you have not completed these tests at this time, but will contact the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids for guidance. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website. On the home page scroll down on the link for What’s New and click on the link QRIS Moderation. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Additional Training Available on the NC Rated License Assessment Project on the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition. The website is www.ncrlap.org. -Daily Schedules You asked questions concerning each classrooms daily schedule. We discussed that you can create winter and summer to document specific times for outdoor activities. I also suggested to track daily activities to ensure that the daily times posted match the activities occurring. -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 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 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 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. Tammy McGalliard, Supervisor, assisted me with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 23, 2025, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and not current. Please keep me informed of your status if any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. 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 during free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, music and movement, lunch, and nap time. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on June 3, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 27, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on April 8, 2025, at 3:15pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 19, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on June 2, 2025, at 8:31am. 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. Three (3) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed and no 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. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection documentation on file and available for review was dated June 3, 2025. The fire inspection was received during today’s visit 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the fence separating the playground from the woods was not secured to the pole. The corner of the fence separating the playground used by children preschool aged and the infant/toddler was not secured to the pole. The fence height on the playground used by preschool aged children measured less than the required four feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the play kitchen has a broken knob, and the dollhouse has a broken section where the gate once hanged that can cause injury to children. The dollhouse is also cluttered and filled with toys that is hazardous. On the playground used by children two and three years of age broken toys were found that can be hazardous to children. The following broken toys found on the playground were magenta sifter lid, green tractor, pink transfer truck, blue container, and a red sifter. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In Space 2, twenty (20) giant foam blocks with a disclaimer stating the approved ages to play with the blocks are for children three years old and older. The classroom had six children two years of age present. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on May 23, 2025, at 1:15pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 3, 2025, at 1:30pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 13, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age sleep position was not documented. .0606(g) 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 #3, on May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant ten months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 29, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 4, 2025, at 1:20pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:00pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 5, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. As of June 24, 2025, the child care program had not completed the requirements for establishing the child care program’s account and linking staff to the ABCMS system. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Two staff members employed on August 2, 2002, and September 1, 2017, did not have on file available for review a health questionnaire. .0701(d) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Fire Inspection: I reminded you concerning the child care rule that requires you to submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggested that you use a sticky note with the reminder notice to send the fire inspection to your license consultant by the required due date. I also suggested that you receive the fire inspection electronically to email it to your license consultant. -Provider Access to ABCMS North Carolina Child Care Providers can obtain access to the Provider Access to ABCMS after completing the Moodle training and completing the form afterward. Once you are logged in, you can access codes to allow your staff and applicants to create a connecting application to link themselves to your facility. The links include helpful documents to assist you. I accessed the ABCMS Portal on June 23, 2025, and your staff roster was not available for review. Three out of seven staff employed had started the linking process, but it was not completed. I reminded you about the email I sent you on June 23, 2025, with the screenshot attachment and a resource guide. I also suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Unit for technical assistance. The contact information is 919.814.6401 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Foam Materials: Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed must be inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that administrative staff monitor all classrooms for children under three years of age daily to ensure plastic grocery bags, plastic packaging, small toys, small art supplies, and other potential choking hazards are inaccessible to children or removed from the classroom. I suggested that you review safety requirements with all staff members individually and during an upcoming staff meeting. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Broken Equipment on Playground Per Child Care Requirement 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p), you must monitor indoor and outdoor areas prior to children utilizing the playground to ensure debris and broken equipment is discarded. I suggested that each staff member or a designated staff member monitor classrooms and playgrounds each morning to discard trash and any broken items before children arrive or access the playground. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Playground Fence: We discussed that the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) which states that the outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence and the height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. We also discussed the fence that must be secured to the fence pole. I suggested reminding staff when there are hazards on the playground that the tell you immediately so the issues can be addressed and corrected. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information: I suggested that you create a schedule of when specific documents are required to be completed and placed in staff’s files by using the staff file checklist available on the DCDEE website under Provider Forms and Documents. I also suggested using a calendar and color code with a highlighter for when staff documentation needed to be completed. Documenting Safe Sleep Checks: Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. .0606(g). Documents that verify staff members’ compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual safe sleep check records for one infant were unable to be located during the visit. Visually checking on sleeping infants every fifteen minutes, per your facilities safe sleep policy, is critical in protecting sleeping infants from sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested that you discuss requirements for safe sleep checks as well as sudden infant death syndrome with all staff, especially all staff who work in the classroom for infants. I suggested utilizing the Caring for Our Children resource book for more information pertaining to safe sleep practices and sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks prior to filing. Create a system for enhancing your filing system for safe sleep checks so that records do not become misplaced. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks weekly and prior to filing. I suggested that safe sleep checks may be conducted more frequently, such as every ten minutes, and utilizing a timer to assist you with remembering to visually check sleeping infants. Documenting Safe Sleep Positions: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping. I suggested reviewing with all staff your safe sleep policy and document the review of the safe sleep policy and place it a file and have available for review. 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-two percent (92%). 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 8, 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: -Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training To access the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, please review the following information: •This training does not use your NCID username and password •For this training providers must create a separate username and password for this course. •If you need further assistance, contact info@preventchildabusenc.org or call 919-829-8009. •The link to access Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, is the following https://preventchildabusenc-lms.org/ -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 May 30, 2024. On June 23, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility had no results available for review for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. You stated that you have not completed these tests at this time, but will contact the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids for guidance. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website. On the home page scroll down on the link for What’s New and click on the link QRIS Moderation. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Additional Training Available on the NC Rated License Assessment Project on the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition. The website is www.ncrlap.org. -Daily Schedules You asked questions concerning each classrooms daily schedule. We discussed that you can create winter and summer to document specific times for outdoor activities. I also suggested to track daily activities to ensure that the daily times posted match the activities occurring. -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 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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 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. Tammy McGalliard, Supervisor, assisted me with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 23, 2025, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and not current. Please keep me informed of your status if any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. 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 during free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, music and movement, lunch, and nap time. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on June 3, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 27, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on April 8, 2025, at 3:15pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 19, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on June 2, 2025, at 8:31am. 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. Three (3) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed and no 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. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection documentation on file and available for review was dated June 3, 2025. The fire inspection was received during today’s visit 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the fence separating the playground from the woods was not secured to the pole. The corner of the fence separating the playground used by children preschool aged and the infant/toddler was not secured to the pole. The fence height on the playground used by preschool aged children measured less than the required four feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the play kitchen has a broken knob, and the dollhouse has a broken section where the gate once hanged that can cause injury to children. The dollhouse is also cluttered and filled with toys that is hazardous. On the playground used by children two and three years of age broken toys were found that can be hazardous to children. The following broken toys found on the playground were magenta sifter lid, green tractor, pink transfer truck, blue container, and a red sifter. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In Space 2, twenty (20) giant foam blocks with a disclaimer stating the approved ages to play with the blocks are for children three years old and older. The classroom had six children two years of age present. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on May 23, 2025, at 1:15pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 3, 2025, at 1:30pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 13, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age sleep position was not documented. .0606(g) 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 #3, on May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant ten months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 29, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 4, 2025, at 1:20pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:00pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 5, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. As of June 24, 2025, the child care program had not completed the requirements for establishing the child care program’s account and linking staff to the ABCMS system. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Two staff members employed on August 2, 2002, and September 1, 2017, did not have on file available for review a health questionnaire. .0701(d) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Fire Inspection: I reminded you concerning the child care rule that requires you to submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggested that you use a sticky note with the reminder notice to send the fire inspection to your license consultant by the required due date. I also suggested that you receive the fire inspection electronically to email it to your license consultant. -Provider Access to ABCMS North Carolina Child Care Providers can obtain access to the Provider Access to ABCMS after completing the Moodle training and completing the form afterward. Once you are logged in, you can access codes to allow your staff and applicants to create a connecting application to link themselves to your facility. The links include helpful documents to assist you. I accessed the ABCMS Portal on June 23, 2025, and your staff roster was not available for review. Three out of seven staff employed had started the linking process, but it was not completed. I reminded you about the email I sent you on June 23, 2025, with the screenshot attachment and a resource guide. I also suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Unit for technical assistance. The contact information is 919.814.6401 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Foam Materials: Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed must be inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that administrative staff monitor all classrooms for children under three years of age daily to ensure plastic grocery bags, plastic packaging, small toys, small art supplies, and other potential choking hazards are inaccessible to children or removed from the classroom. I suggested that you review safety requirements with all staff members individually and during an upcoming staff meeting. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Broken Equipment on Playground Per Child Care Requirement 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p), you must monitor indoor and outdoor areas prior to children utilizing the playground to ensure debris and broken equipment is discarded. I suggested that each staff member or a designated staff member monitor classrooms and playgrounds each morning to discard trash and any broken items before children arrive or access the playground. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Playground Fence: We discussed that the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) which states that the outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence and the height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. We also discussed the fence that must be secured to the fence pole. I suggested reminding staff when there are hazards on the playground that the tell you immediately so the issues can be addressed and corrected. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information: I suggested that you create a schedule of when specific documents are required to be completed and placed in staff’s files by using the staff file checklist available on the DCDEE website under Provider Forms and Documents. I also suggested using a calendar and color code with a highlighter for when staff documentation needed to be completed. Documenting Safe Sleep Checks: Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. .0606(g). Documents that verify staff members’ compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual safe sleep check records for one infant were unable to be located during the visit. Visually checking on sleeping infants every fifteen minutes, per your facilities safe sleep policy, is critical in protecting sleeping infants from sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested that you discuss requirements for safe sleep checks as well as sudden infant death syndrome with all staff, especially all staff who work in the classroom for infants. I suggested utilizing the Caring for Our Children resource book for more information pertaining to safe sleep practices and sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks prior to filing. Create a system for enhancing your filing system for safe sleep checks so that records do not become misplaced. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks weekly and prior to filing. I suggested that safe sleep checks may be conducted more frequently, such as every ten minutes, and utilizing a timer to assist you with remembering to visually check sleeping infants. Documenting Safe Sleep Positions: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping. I suggested reviewing with all staff your safe sleep policy and document the review of the safe sleep policy and place it a file and have available for review. 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-two percent (92%). 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 8, 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: -Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training To access the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, please review the following information: •This training does not use your NCID username and password •For this training providers must create a separate username and password for this course. •If you need further assistance, contact info@preventchildabusenc.org or call 919-829-8009. •The link to access Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, is the following https://preventchildabusenc-lms.org/ -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 May 30, 2024. On June 23, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility had no results available for review for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. You stated that you have not completed these tests at this time, but will contact the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids for guidance. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website. On the home page scroll down on the link for What’s New and click on the link QRIS Moderation. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Additional Training Available on the NC Rated License Assessment Project on the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition. The website is www.ncrlap.org. -Daily Schedules You asked questions concerning each classrooms daily schedule. We discussed that you can create winter and summer to document specific times for outdoor activities. I also suggested to track daily activities to ensure that the daily times posted match the activities occurring. -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 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 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. Tammy McGalliard, Supervisor, assisted me with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 23, 2025, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and not current. Please keep me informed of your status if any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. 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 during free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, music and movement, lunch, and nap time. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on June 3, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 27, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on April 8, 2025, at 3:15pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 19, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on June 2, 2025, at 8:31am. 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. Three (3) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed and no 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. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection documentation on file and available for review was dated June 3, 2025. The fire inspection was received during today’s visit 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the fence separating the playground from the woods was not secured to the pole. The corner of the fence separating the playground used by children preschool aged and the infant/toddler was not secured to the pole. The fence height on the playground used by preschool aged children measured less than the required four feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the play kitchen has a broken knob, and the dollhouse has a broken section where the gate once hanged that can cause injury to children. The dollhouse is also cluttered and filled with toys that is hazardous. On the playground used by children two and three years of age broken toys were found that can be hazardous to children. The following broken toys found on the playground were magenta sifter lid, green tractor, pink transfer truck, blue container, and a red sifter. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In Space 2, twenty (20) giant foam blocks with a disclaimer stating the approved ages to play with the blocks are for children three years old and older. The classroom had six children two years of age present. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on May 23, 2025, at 1:15pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 3, 2025, at 1:30pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 13, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age sleep position was not documented. .0606(g) 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 #3, on May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant ten months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 29, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 4, 2025, at 1:20pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:00pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 5, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. As of June 24, 2025, the child care program had not completed the requirements for establishing the child care program’s account and linking staff to the ABCMS system. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Two staff members employed on August 2, 2002, and September 1, 2017, did not have on file available for review a health questionnaire. .0701(d) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Fire Inspection: I reminded you concerning the child care rule that requires you to submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggested that you use a sticky note with the reminder notice to send the fire inspection to your license consultant by the required due date. I also suggested that you receive the fire inspection electronically to email it to your license consultant. -Provider Access to ABCMS North Carolina Child Care Providers can obtain access to the Provider Access to ABCMS after completing the Moodle training and completing the form afterward. Once you are logged in, you can access codes to allow your staff and applicants to create a connecting application to link themselves to your facility. The links include helpful documents to assist you. I accessed the ABCMS Portal on June 23, 2025, and your staff roster was not available for review. Three out of seven staff employed had started the linking process, but it was not completed. I reminded you about the email I sent you on June 23, 2025, with the screenshot attachment and a resource guide. I also suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Unit for technical assistance. The contact information is 919.814.6401 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Foam Materials: Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed must be inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that administrative staff monitor all classrooms for children under three years of age daily to ensure plastic grocery bags, plastic packaging, small toys, small art supplies, and other potential choking hazards are inaccessible to children or removed from the classroom. I suggested that you review safety requirements with all staff members individually and during an upcoming staff meeting. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Broken Equipment on Playground Per Child Care Requirement 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p), you must monitor indoor and outdoor areas prior to children utilizing the playground to ensure debris and broken equipment is discarded. I suggested that each staff member or a designated staff member monitor classrooms and playgrounds each morning to discard trash and any broken items before children arrive or access the playground. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Playground Fence: We discussed that the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) which states that the outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence and the height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. We also discussed the fence that must be secured to the fence pole. I suggested reminding staff when there are hazards on the playground that the tell you immediately so the issues can be addressed and corrected. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information: I suggested that you create a schedule of when specific documents are required to be completed and placed in staff’s files by using the staff file checklist available on the DCDEE website under Provider Forms and Documents. I also suggested using a calendar and color code with a highlighter for when staff documentation needed to be completed. Documenting Safe Sleep Checks: Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. .0606(g). Documents that verify staff members’ compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual safe sleep check records for one infant were unable to be located during the visit. Visually checking on sleeping infants every fifteen minutes, per your facilities safe sleep policy, is critical in protecting sleeping infants from sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested that you discuss requirements for safe sleep checks as well as sudden infant death syndrome with all staff, especially all staff who work in the classroom for infants. I suggested utilizing the Caring for Our Children resource book for more information pertaining to safe sleep practices and sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks prior to filing. Create a system for enhancing your filing system for safe sleep checks so that records do not become misplaced. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks weekly and prior to filing. I suggested that safe sleep checks may be conducted more frequently, such as every ten minutes, and utilizing a timer to assist you with remembering to visually check sleeping infants. Documenting Safe Sleep Positions: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping. I suggested reviewing with all staff your safe sleep policy and document the review of the safe sleep policy and place it a file and have available for review. 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-two percent (92%). 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 8, 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: -Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training To access the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, please review the following information: •This training does not use your NCID username and password •For this training providers must create a separate username and password for this course. •If you need further assistance, contact info@preventchildabusenc.org or call 919-829-8009. •The link to access Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, is the following https://preventchildabusenc-lms.org/ -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 May 30, 2024. On June 23, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility had no results available for review for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. You stated that you have not completed these tests at this time, but will contact the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids for guidance. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website. On the home page scroll down on the link for What’s New and click on the link QRIS Moderation. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Additional Training Available on the NC Rated License Assessment Project on the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition. The website is www.ncrlap.org. -Daily Schedules You asked questions concerning each classrooms daily schedule. We discussed that you can create winter and summer to document specific times for outdoor activities. I also suggested to track daily activities to ensure that the daily times posted match the activities occurring. -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 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: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 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. Tammy McGalliard, Supervisor, assisted me with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on June 23, 2025, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and not current. Please keep me informed of your status if any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. 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 during free play, art activities, teacher directed activities, music and movement, lunch, and nap time. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on June 3, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 27, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on April 8, 2025, at 3:15pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 19, 2025. The last fire drill was completed on June 2, 2025, at 8:31am. 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. Three (3) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed and no 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. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection documentation on file and available for review was dated June 3, 2025. The fire inspection was received during today’s visit 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the fence separating the playground from the woods was not secured to the pole. The corner of the fence separating the playground used by children preschool aged and the infant/toddler was not secured to the pole. The fence height on the playground used by preschool aged children measured less than the required four feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. On the playground used by children preschool aged, the play kitchen has a broken knob, and the dollhouse has a broken section where the gate once hanged that can cause injury to children. The dollhouse is also cluttered and filled with toys that is hazardous. On the playground used by children two and three years of age broken toys were found that can be hazardous to children. The following broken toys found on the playground were magenta sifter lid, green tractor, pink transfer truck, blue container, and a red sifter. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In Space 2, twenty (20) giant foam blocks with a disclaimer stating the approved ages to play with the blocks are for children three years old and older. The classroom had six children two years of age present. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on May 23, 2025, at 1:15pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 3, 2025, at 1:30pm an infant nine months of age sleep position was not documented. On June 13, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age sleep position was not documented. .0606(g) 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 #3, on May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant ten months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 27, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 29, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On May 30, 2025, at 12:30pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 4, 2025, at 1:20pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant nine months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as side. On June 4, 2025, at 12:00pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. On June 5, 2025, at 12:15pm an infant eleven months of age first sleep position was documented on the sleep chart as tummy. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. As of June 24, 2025, the child care program had not completed the requirements for establishing the child care program’s account and linking staff to the ABCMS system. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Two staff members employed on August 2, 2002, and September 1, 2017, did not have on file available for review a health questionnaire. .0701(d) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: Fire Inspection: I reminded you concerning the child care rule that requires you to submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggested that you use a sticky note with the reminder notice to send the fire inspection to your license consultant by the required due date. I also suggested that you receive the fire inspection electronically to email it to your license consultant. -Provider Access to ABCMS North Carolina Child Care Providers can obtain access to the Provider Access to ABCMS after completing the Moodle training and completing the form afterward. Once you are logged in, you can access codes to allow your staff and applicants to create a connecting application to link themselves to your facility. The links include helpful documents to assist you. I accessed the ABCMS Portal on June 23, 2025, and your staff roster was not available for review. Three out of seven staff employed had started the linking process, but it was not completed. I reminded you about the email I sent you on June 23, 2025, with the screenshot attachment and a resource guide. I also suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Unit for technical assistance. The contact information is 919.814.6401 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Foam Materials: Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed must be inaccessible to children under three years of age. I suggested that administrative staff monitor all classrooms for children under three years of age daily to ensure plastic grocery bags, plastic packaging, small toys, small art supplies, and other potential choking hazards are inaccessible to children or removed from the classroom. I suggested that you review safety requirements with all staff members individually and during an upcoming staff meeting. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Broken Equipment on Playground Per Child Care Requirement 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p), you must monitor indoor and outdoor areas prior to children utilizing the playground to ensure debris and broken equipment is discarded. I suggested that each staff member or a designated staff member monitor classrooms and playgrounds each morning to discard trash and any broken items before children arrive or access the playground. I suggested that you create a daily safety checklist for staff to utilize each day to ensure a safe environment. Playground Fence: We discussed that the child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (i) which states that the outdoor play area shall be protected by a fence and the height shall be a minimum of four feet and the top of the fence shall be free of protrusions. We also discussed the fence that must be secured to the fence pole. I suggested reminding staff when there are hazards on the playground that the tell you immediately so the issues can be addressed and corrected. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire/Emergency Information: I suggested that you create a schedule of when specific documents are required to be completed and placed in staff’s files by using the staff file checklist available on the DCDEE website under Provider Forms and Documents. I also suggested using a calendar and color code with a highlighter for when staff documentation needed to be completed. Documenting Safe Sleep Checks: Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. .0606(g). Documents that verify staff members’ compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual safe sleep check records for one infant were unable to be located during the visit. Visually checking on sleeping infants every fifteen minutes, per your facilities safe sleep policy, is critical in protecting sleeping infants from sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested that you discuss requirements for safe sleep checks as well as sudden infant death syndrome with all staff, especially all staff who work in the classroom for infants. I suggested utilizing the Caring for Our Children resource book for more information pertaining to safe sleep practices and sudden infant death syndrome. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks prior to filing. Create a system for enhancing your filing system for safe sleep checks so that records do not become misplaced. I suggested determining how safe sleep checks will be turned in to administrative staff and create a plan to review safe sleep checks weekly and prior to filing. I suggested that safe sleep checks may be conducted more frequently, such as every ten minutes, and utilizing a timer to assist you with remembering to visually check sleeping infants. Documenting Safe Sleep Positions: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (a) each center licensed to care for infants aged 12 months or younger shall develop, adopt, and comply with a written safe sleep policy that: (1) specifies that caregivers shall place infants aged 12 months or younger on their backs for sleeping. I suggested reviewing with all staff your safe sleep policy and document the review of the safe sleep policy and place it a file and have available for review. 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-two percent (92%). 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 8, 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: -Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training To access the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, please review the following information: •This training does not use your NCID username and password •For this training providers must create a separate username and password for this course. •If you need further assistance, contact info@preventchildabusenc.org or call 919-829-8009. •The link to access Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment Training, is the following https://preventchildabusenc-lms.org/ -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 May 30, 2024. On June 23, 2025, I checked the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, and it stated that your facility had no results available for review for lead-based paint or asbestos testing. You stated that you have not completed these tests at this time, but will contact the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids for guidance. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS system is implemented. Programs still have the option to choose to voluntarily complete the star rated license reassessment if they so desire. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website. On the home page scroll down on the link for What’s New and click on the link QRIS Moderation. -On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Additional Training Available on the NC Rated License Assessment Project on the Environment Rating Scales Third Edition. The website is www.ncrlap.org. -Daily Schedules You asked questions concerning each classrooms daily schedule. We discussed that you can create winter and summer to document specific times for outdoor activities. I also suggested to track daily activities to ensure that the daily times posted match the activities occurring. -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 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/9/2024 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 7/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements including health and safety requirements. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The Secretary of State website was checked on July 8, 2924, and your business TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc., is active and not current. Please keep me informed of your statusIf any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. During today’s visit, the children were observed indoor and outdoor free play, story time, music, breakfast, lunch, teacher directed activities, and naptime. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was completed on June 7, 2024. The next fire inspection is due by June 7, 2025. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was completed on April 8, 2024. A “superior” classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. The next sanitation inspection needs to be completed by April 30, 2024. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last lockdown drill was completed on July 8, 2024, at 8:15am and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 28, 2024. The last fire drill was completed on July 8, 2024, at 8:00am 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. Four (4) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two (2) staff files were reviewed today. No new staff have been hired since your last annual compliance visit conducted on July 11, 2023. 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 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Two staff members employed on February 6, 2023, and August 21, 2021, did not have on file and available for review their annual staff evaluation or their staff development plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) The following Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit was provided: -Staff Development Plans & Annual Staff Evaluation Documentation: I suggested using the staff file checklist available on the DCDEE website under the Provider documents and forms tab and highlight when each staff’s staff development plan and annual staff evaluations are needed to be completed. I also suggested using a calendar to write on when the staff development plans and annual staff evaluations are due to ensure proper documentation is on file and available for review. 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-four percent (84%). 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 23, 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: -Cicadas and Snakes Copperheads are prevalent right now due to all the cicadas emerging and may be found around bases of trees and at the base of playground slides -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 Lead Testing: I discussed with you that your last lead water testing was conducted in August and September of 2020. I also discussed with you that the Clean Water for Carolina Kids website stated that your lead testing status was in progress. You stated that you had checked the website yesterday and no lead testing information was available at this time and that you will keep me up to date on the progress. 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. In addition to the updates to this rule, 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816 require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking, water, identify lead-based paint hazard, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. 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 All licensed child care programs must register by November 1, 2024, at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina and watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars. Child Care Centers have until July 1, 2024, to complete the required lead testing. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information I shared information concerning resuming the star rated license reassessment. TLC Center is in cohort #2 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. You will then scroll to Licensing tab, scroll to the Star Rated License tab, and then click on to the Resuming Star Rated License tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License -Children’s Application: You asked me a question concerning the children’s application and I reminded you that all questions on the children's application needed to be answered and that there should be no blanks. -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. -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. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me at Tiffani Sims; PO Box 185, Glen Alpine, NC 28628; (828) 417-1648; tiffani.sims@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of North Carolina. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 1/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 179 Time In: 12:45 PM Time Out: 03:44 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements, including health and safety for a routine unannounced visit. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator, of TLC Center assisted me with the visit. The facility currently operates with a three-stars rated license issued on June 27, 2029. earning four (4) points in staff education, two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point in the education option. The facility has the following restrictions: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked on January 2, 2024, and your business, TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc. was listed as current and active. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Tiffani Sims, your child care 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, and all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during indoor free play and naptime. Inspections/Drills: The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on September 7, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four (4) demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on July 13, 2023. The most recent fire drill was conducted on December 8, 2023, at 9:45am and recorded. The most recent shelter in place emergency drill was conducted on December 6, 2023, at 9:30am and recorded. The most recent playground safety inspection was conducted on December 6, 2023. No new staff have been hired since your most recent annual compliance visit conducted on July 11, 2023. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. You were given an opportunity to ask questions. The following violations of child care requirements were observed and documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. On December 2, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented; on December 12, 2023, one child’s arrival time was not documented; and on December 18, 2023, one child’s arrival time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In the hallway bathroom, the cabinet under the diaper changing station was unlocked and accessible to children two years of age and older. The following over the counter medications were accessible to children 2 jars A+D ointment, 2 bottles of Boogie Zinc Oxide Spray, 1 tube of Parents Choice Diaper Rash Ointment, and 1 tube of Flander Buttocks Ointment. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 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. The leftover medications were not returned to parents within 72 hours. The following leftover over the counter medications included 2 jars of A+D ointment, 2 bottles of Boogie Zinc Oxide Spray, 1 tube of Parents Choice Diaper Rash Ointment, and 1 tube of Flander Buttocks Ointment. .0803(12) Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: -Arrival/Departure Times As a reminder, daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system and review with staff of the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times. -Locking Medications As a reminder, review with staff all medications must be kept in locked storage at all times. Leftover Medication As a reminder, review with staff that medication must be returned to parents within 72 hours after the end of course of treatment. 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-seven percent (87%) as of January 2, 2024. Please note any violations cited during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to administrative action. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the violation item number, statement of compliance, date of the visit and license ID number in the letter. I must receive your compliance statement by January 17, 2024. Please send your compliance letter to Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation: -COVID-19 Information and Resources: I share information and resources about COVID-19 vaccines, visit MySpot.nc.gov, call the CDC-INFO Contact Center at 800-CDC-INFO, or visit ncdhhs.gov/LHD to contact a local health department. Read the CDC’s full statement about recommending the updated COVID-19 vaccine for the fall/winter virus season. Info/Guidance for Educators & Child Care Providers Link: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/guidance-for-educators-and-child-care-providers Current Guidance for COVID-19 Protection – link below https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information I shared information concerning resuming the star rated license reassessment TLC Center, Inc is in cohort #2 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. You will then scroll to Licensing tab, scroll to the Star Rated License tab, and then click on to the Resuming Star Rated License tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License -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 Star Rated License Reassessment process. The link is the following: https://dcdee.works.nc.gov/ and scroll down to the DCDEE WORKS logon link. -Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. or more information, visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available. -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. -On-going Trainings/Health and Safety Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. I reminded you to review the due dates when staff Health and Safety trainings are required to be completed. -Criminal Background Check Legislative Changes: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. 1. The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. 2. The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. DCDEE Updates (What’s New Tab): -Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest 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 or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 (828) 417-1648 Tiffani.Sims@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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/11/2023 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 7/11/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements including health and safety. Nicole Fulwood, Child Care Consultant, assisted with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on July 7, 2023, and TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc. was listed as current and active. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was conducted on July 18, 2022, is due by July 18, 2023. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was made on April 13, 2023. A “superior” classification was issued with six (6) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last shelter in place drill was conducted on May 7, 2023, at 1:45pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 15, 2023. The last fire drill was conducted on June 9, 2023, at 10:00am. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during group time, outdoor gross motor play, indoor free play, lunch, and nap time. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Four (4) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two staff’s files were reviewed during today’s visit. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, the Staff and Training Worksheet and the Children’s Records form with you today. Both forms were completed and verified during the visit. The following violation was observed during the walk through today. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space #3, on June 14, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 15, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 16, one child’s departure time was not documented, and on June 20, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In Space #1, a boxed electric fan was in use in the classroom. The electric fan was not mounted on the wall but stored on top of a tote and file boxes. The boxed fan did have mesh guard on the front. The box electric fan was accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Hazardous materials with written warnings were stored in the kitchen in a cabinet located under the sink with a child’s safety lock. The hazardous materials included one jar of GOOP Hand Cleaner, one bottle of Sparchlor Chlorinated Sanitizer, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Multiple Temperature Detergent, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Concentrated Rinse Additive, one bottle of Mr. Clean Multi Surface Cleaner, and two bottles of Clorox Germicidal Bleach Concentrated. .2820(b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection forms from August 2022 through December 2022 were not documented and available for review. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on June 6, 2023, at 10am, the sleep position was not documented for one child. On June 15, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 23, 2023, at 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:15pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 27, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. .0606(g) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current emergency information form available for review. The last emergency information form available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not have a current staff development plan of file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current staff development plan on file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff employed on August 2, 2002, and one staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have on file for review an annual staff evaluation documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 on April 12, 2021, shot record available for review was dated June 9, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place drill was completed on July 31, 2022, and another documented Shelter-in-place drill was not completed until on December 23, 2022. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the annual Emergency Preparedness and Response plan. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day of employment. .0608(d)(1-4) 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 August 2, 2002, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 9, 2022. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(d) 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 administrative action. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: Arrival/Departure Times We discussed daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system and review with staff of the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times daily to ensure accurate records are kept. Electric Fans We discussed boxed fans must be mounted and have a mesh guard and made inaccessible to children. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS which states (d) “electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children”. Hazardous Materials We discussed a child’s safety lock is not an approved lock to lock up hazardous materials with written warnings. The approved locks are a combination lock, key lock, and/or a magnetic lock. Playground Inspections We discussed playground inspection forms must be completed monthly and kept on file for review. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) which states “…the checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division”. Safe Sleep Checks I suggested you review with staff how to complete the safe sleep checks properly. I also suggested you create a plan to check to ensure documentations is recorded correctly. I have referenced Child Care Rule (g) which states “documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month”. We discussed for documentation review keeping safe sleep checks for the prior and current month. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire /Emergency Information Form/Staff Development Plan/Review of EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan: I suggested you create a schedule to ensure required documents are completed, reviewed, and place in staff’s files for review. I also suggested you use the DCDEE file checklist for Staff to setup staff’s files. I will email you a copy of this document. Staff's Medical Information: We discussed all staff's medical information must be kept in a separate file and be available for review. Children Immunizations: I suggested you create a schedule of when immunization records are due when enrolling new children to ensure the immunization records are received prior to the thirty-days after the first day of enrollment requirement. Emergency Drills We discussed Emergency Drills must be conducted and documented every three months. I suggested you create a schedule to ensure documentation of emergency drills are recorded correctly. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy We discussed documentation must be kept on file for staff’s review of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day employment. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 25, 2023. 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. Consultation: Fire Inspection I reminded you, Kathy Hipps, your fire inspection is due by July 18, 2023. I recommended you contact the Fire Marshall’s office to let them know your fire inspection is due soon. Please send me a copy of the update fire inspection once you have received it within 7 days. Safe Arrival and Departure Policy We discussed creating a safe arrival and departure policy specifically for the facility using the document found on the DCDEE Provider Forms tab as reference. Children’s Applications: We discussed all blanks on a child’s application must be complete. Plastics with Written Warnings: I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to check plastic packaging with the written warning keep out of reach of children needs to be made inaccessible in either locked storage and/or five feet off the ground to children under the age of three years old. Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. or more information, visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available. On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Health and Safety Trainings Documentation We discussed staff completing the required Health/Safety trainings by the required due date. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to document Health and Safety trainings completion on the Health and Safety Record form. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Criminal Background Check Legislative Changes: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. 1. The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. 2. The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 (828) 417-1646 Tiffani.Sims@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/11/2023 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 7/11/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements including health and safety. Nicole Fulwood, Child Care Consultant, assisted with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on July 7, 2023, and TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc. was listed as current and active. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was conducted on July 18, 2022, is due by July 18, 2023. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was made on April 13, 2023. A “superior” classification was issued with six (6) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last shelter in place drill was conducted on May 7, 2023, at 1:45pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 15, 2023. The last fire drill was conducted on June 9, 2023, at 10:00am. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during group time, outdoor gross motor play, indoor free play, lunch, and nap time. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Four (4) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two staff’s files were reviewed during today’s visit. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, the Staff and Training Worksheet and the Children’s Records form with you today. Both forms were completed and verified during the visit. The following violation was observed during the walk through today. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space #3, on June 14, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 15, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 16, one child’s departure time was not documented, and on June 20, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In Space #1, a boxed electric fan was in use in the classroom. The electric fan was not mounted on the wall but stored on top of a tote and file boxes. The boxed fan did have mesh guard on the front. The box electric fan was accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Hazardous materials with written warnings were stored in the kitchen in a cabinet located under the sink with a child’s safety lock. The hazardous materials included one jar of GOOP Hand Cleaner, one bottle of Sparchlor Chlorinated Sanitizer, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Multiple Temperature Detergent, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Concentrated Rinse Additive, one bottle of Mr. Clean Multi Surface Cleaner, and two bottles of Clorox Germicidal Bleach Concentrated. .2820(b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection forms from August 2022 through December 2022 were not documented and available for review. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on June 6, 2023, at 10am, the sleep position was not documented for one child. On June 15, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 23, 2023, at 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:15pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 27, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. .0606(g) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current emergency information form available for review. The last emergency information form available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not have a current staff development plan of file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current staff development plan on file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff employed on August 2, 2002, and one staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have on file for review an annual staff evaluation documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 on April 12, 2021, shot record available for review was dated June 9, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place drill was completed on July 31, 2022, and another documented Shelter-in-place drill was not completed until on December 23, 2022. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the annual Emergency Preparedness and Response plan. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day of employment. .0608(d)(1-4) 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 August 2, 2002, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 9, 2022. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(d) 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 administrative action. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: Arrival/Departure Times We discussed daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system and review with staff of the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times daily to ensure accurate records are kept. Electric Fans We discussed boxed fans must be mounted and have a mesh guard and made inaccessible to children. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS which states (d) “electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children”. Hazardous Materials We discussed a child’s safety lock is not an approved lock to lock up hazardous materials with written warnings. The approved locks are a combination lock, key lock, and/or a magnetic lock. Playground Inspections We discussed playground inspection forms must be completed monthly and kept on file for review. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) which states “…the checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division”. Safe Sleep Checks I suggested you review with staff how to complete the safe sleep checks properly. I also suggested you create a plan to check to ensure documentations is recorded correctly. I have referenced Child Care Rule (g) which states “documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month”. We discussed for documentation review keeping safe sleep checks for the prior and current month. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire /Emergency Information Form/Staff Development Plan/Review of EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan: I suggested you create a schedule to ensure required documents are completed, reviewed, and place in staff’s files for review. I also suggested you use the DCDEE file checklist for Staff to setup staff’s files. I will email you a copy of this document. Staff's Medical Information: We discussed all staff's medical information must be kept in a separate file and be available for review. Children Immunizations: I suggested you create a schedule of when immunization records are due when enrolling new children to ensure the immunization records are received prior to the thirty-days after the first day of enrollment requirement. Emergency Drills We discussed Emergency Drills must be conducted and documented every three months. I suggested you create a schedule to ensure documentation of emergency drills are recorded correctly. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy We discussed documentation must be kept on file for staff’s review of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day employment. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 25, 2023. 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. Consultation: Fire Inspection I reminded you, Kathy Hipps, your fire inspection is due by July 18, 2023. I recommended you contact the Fire Marshall’s office to let them know your fire inspection is due soon. Please send me a copy of the update fire inspection once you have received it within 7 days. Safe Arrival and Departure Policy We discussed creating a safe arrival and departure policy specifically for the facility using the document found on the DCDEE Provider Forms tab as reference. Children’s Applications: We discussed all blanks on a child’s application must be complete. Plastics with Written Warnings: I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to check plastic packaging with the written warning keep out of reach of children needs to be made inaccessible in either locked storage and/or five feet off the ground to children under the age of three years old. Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. or more information, visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available. On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Health and Safety Trainings Documentation We discussed staff completing the required Health/Safety trainings by the required due date. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to document Health and Safety trainings completion on the Health and Safety Record form. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Criminal Background Check Legislative Changes: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. 1. The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. 2. The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 (828) 417-1646 Tiffani.Sims@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children. 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: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/11/2023 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 7/11/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements including health and safety. Nicole Fulwood, Child Care Consultant, assisted with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on July 7, 2023, and TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc. was listed as current and active. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was conducted on July 18, 2022, is due by July 18, 2023. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was made on April 13, 2023. A “superior” classification was issued with six (6) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last shelter in place drill was conducted on May 7, 2023, at 1:45pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 15, 2023. The last fire drill was conducted on June 9, 2023, at 10:00am. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during group time, outdoor gross motor play, indoor free play, lunch, and nap time. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Four (4) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two staff’s files were reviewed during today’s visit. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, the Staff and Training Worksheet and the Children’s Records form with you today. Both forms were completed and verified during the visit. The following violation was observed during the walk through today. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space #3, on June 14, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 15, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 16, one child’s departure time was not documented, and on June 20, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In Space #1, a boxed electric fan was in use in the classroom. The electric fan was not mounted on the wall but stored on top of a tote and file boxes. The boxed fan did have mesh guard on the front. The box electric fan was accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Hazardous materials with written warnings were stored in the kitchen in a cabinet located under the sink with a child’s safety lock. The hazardous materials included one jar of GOOP Hand Cleaner, one bottle of Sparchlor Chlorinated Sanitizer, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Multiple Temperature Detergent, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Concentrated Rinse Additive, one bottle of Mr. Clean Multi Surface Cleaner, and two bottles of Clorox Germicidal Bleach Concentrated. .2820(b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection forms from August 2022 through December 2022 were not documented and available for review. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on June 6, 2023, at 10am, the sleep position was not documented for one child. On June 15, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 23, 2023, at 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:15pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 27, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. .0606(g) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current emergency information form available for review. The last emergency information form available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not have a current staff development plan of file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current staff development plan on file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff employed on August 2, 2002, and one staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have on file for review an annual staff evaluation documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 on April 12, 2021, shot record available for review was dated June 9, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place drill was completed on July 31, 2022, and another documented Shelter-in-place drill was not completed until on December 23, 2022. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the annual Emergency Preparedness and Response plan. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day of employment. .0608(d)(1-4) 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 August 2, 2002, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 9, 2022. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(d) 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 administrative action. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: Arrival/Departure Times We discussed daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system and review with staff of the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times daily to ensure accurate records are kept. Electric Fans We discussed boxed fans must be mounted and have a mesh guard and made inaccessible to children. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS which states (d) “electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children”. Hazardous Materials We discussed a child’s safety lock is not an approved lock to lock up hazardous materials with written warnings. The approved locks are a combination lock, key lock, and/or a magnetic lock. Playground Inspections We discussed playground inspection forms must be completed monthly and kept on file for review. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) which states “…the checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division”. Safe Sleep Checks I suggested you review with staff how to complete the safe sleep checks properly. I also suggested you create a plan to check to ensure documentations is recorded correctly. I have referenced Child Care Rule (g) which states “documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month”. We discussed for documentation review keeping safe sleep checks for the prior and current month. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire /Emergency Information Form/Staff Development Plan/Review of EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan: I suggested you create a schedule to ensure required documents are completed, reviewed, and place in staff’s files for review. I also suggested you use the DCDEE file checklist for Staff to setup staff’s files. I will email you a copy of this document. Staff's Medical Information: We discussed all staff's medical information must be kept in a separate file and be available for review. Children Immunizations: I suggested you create a schedule of when immunization records are due when enrolling new children to ensure the immunization records are received prior to the thirty-days after the first day of enrollment requirement. Emergency Drills We discussed Emergency Drills must be conducted and documented every three months. I suggested you create a schedule to ensure documentation of emergency drills are recorded correctly. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy We discussed documentation must be kept on file for staff’s review of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day employment. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 25, 2023. 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. Consultation: Fire Inspection I reminded you, Kathy Hipps, your fire inspection is due by July 18, 2023. I recommended you contact the Fire Marshall’s office to let them know your fire inspection is due soon. Please send me a copy of the update fire inspection once you have received it within 7 days. Safe Arrival and Departure Policy We discussed creating a safe arrival and departure policy specifically for the facility using the document found on the DCDEE Provider Forms tab as reference. Children’s Applications: We discussed all blanks on a child’s application must be complete. Plastics with Written Warnings: I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to check plastic packaging with the written warning keep out of reach of children needs to be made inaccessible in either locked storage and/or five feet off the ground to children under the age of three years old. Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. or more information, visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available. On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Health and Safety Trainings Documentation We discussed staff completing the required Health/Safety trainings by the required due date. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to document Health and Safety trainings completion on the Health and Safety Record form. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Criminal Background Check Legislative Changes: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. 1. The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. 2. The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 (828) 417-1646 Tiffani.Sims@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/11/2023 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 7/11/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements including health and safety. Nicole Fulwood, Child Care Consultant, assisted with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on July 7, 2023, and TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc. was listed as current and active. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was conducted on July 18, 2022, is due by July 18, 2023. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was made on April 13, 2023. A “superior” classification was issued with six (6) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last shelter in place drill was conducted on May 7, 2023, at 1:45pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 15, 2023. The last fire drill was conducted on June 9, 2023, at 10:00am. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during group time, outdoor gross motor play, indoor free play, lunch, and nap time. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Four (4) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two staff’s files were reviewed during today’s visit. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, the Staff and Training Worksheet and the Children’s Records form with you today. Both forms were completed and verified during the visit. The following violation was observed during the walk through today. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space #3, on June 14, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 15, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 16, one child’s departure time was not documented, and on June 20, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In Space #1, a boxed electric fan was in use in the classroom. The electric fan was not mounted on the wall but stored on top of a tote and file boxes. The boxed fan did have mesh guard on the front. The box electric fan was accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Hazardous materials with written warnings were stored in the kitchen in a cabinet located under the sink with a child’s safety lock. The hazardous materials included one jar of GOOP Hand Cleaner, one bottle of Sparchlor Chlorinated Sanitizer, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Multiple Temperature Detergent, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Concentrated Rinse Additive, one bottle of Mr. Clean Multi Surface Cleaner, and two bottles of Clorox Germicidal Bleach Concentrated. .2820(b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection forms from August 2022 through December 2022 were not documented and available for review. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on June 6, 2023, at 10am, the sleep position was not documented for one child. On June 15, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 23, 2023, at 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:15pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 27, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. .0606(g) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current emergency information form available for review. The last emergency information form available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not have a current staff development plan of file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current staff development plan on file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff employed on August 2, 2002, and one staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have on file for review an annual staff evaluation documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 on April 12, 2021, shot record available for review was dated June 9, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place drill was completed on July 31, 2022, and another documented Shelter-in-place drill was not completed until on December 23, 2022. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the annual Emergency Preparedness and Response plan. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day of employment. .0608(d)(1-4) 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 August 2, 2002, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 9, 2022. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(d) 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 administrative action. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: Arrival/Departure Times We discussed daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system and review with staff of the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times daily to ensure accurate records are kept. Electric Fans We discussed boxed fans must be mounted and have a mesh guard and made inaccessible to children. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS which states (d) “electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children”. Hazardous Materials We discussed a child’s safety lock is not an approved lock to lock up hazardous materials with written warnings. The approved locks are a combination lock, key lock, and/or a magnetic lock. Playground Inspections We discussed playground inspection forms must be completed monthly and kept on file for review. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) which states “…the checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division”. Safe Sleep Checks I suggested you review with staff how to complete the safe sleep checks properly. I also suggested you create a plan to check to ensure documentations is recorded correctly. I have referenced Child Care Rule (g) which states “documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month”. We discussed for documentation review keeping safe sleep checks for the prior and current month. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire /Emergency Information Form/Staff Development Plan/Review of EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan: I suggested you create a schedule to ensure required documents are completed, reviewed, and place in staff’s files for review. I also suggested you use the DCDEE file checklist for Staff to setup staff’s files. I will email you a copy of this document. Staff's Medical Information: We discussed all staff's medical information must be kept in a separate file and be available for review. Children Immunizations: I suggested you create a schedule of when immunization records are due when enrolling new children to ensure the immunization records are received prior to the thirty-days after the first day of enrollment requirement. Emergency Drills We discussed Emergency Drills must be conducted and documented every three months. I suggested you create a schedule to ensure documentation of emergency drills are recorded correctly. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy We discussed documentation must be kept on file for staff’s review of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day employment. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 25, 2023. 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. Consultation: Fire Inspection I reminded you, Kathy Hipps, your fire inspection is due by July 18, 2023. I recommended you contact the Fire Marshall’s office to let them know your fire inspection is due soon. Please send me a copy of the update fire inspection once you have received it within 7 days. Safe Arrival and Departure Policy We discussed creating a safe arrival and departure policy specifically for the facility using the document found on the DCDEE Provider Forms tab as reference. Children’s Applications: We discussed all blanks on a child’s application must be complete. Plastics with Written Warnings: I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to check plastic packaging with the written warning keep out of reach of children needs to be made inaccessible in either locked storage and/or five feet off the ground to children under the age of three years old. Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. or more information, visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available. On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Health and Safety Trainings Documentation We discussed staff completing the required Health/Safety trainings by the required due date. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to document Health and Safety trainings completion on the Health and Safety Record form. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Criminal Background Check Legislative Changes: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. 1. The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. 2. The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 (828) 417-1646 Tiffani.Sims@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children. 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 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/11/2023 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 7/11/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements including health and safety. Nicole Fulwood, Child Care Consultant, assisted with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on July 7, 2023, and TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc. was listed as current and active. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was conducted on July 18, 2022, is due by July 18, 2023. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was made on April 13, 2023. A “superior” classification was issued with six (6) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last shelter in place drill was conducted on May 7, 2023, at 1:45pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 15, 2023. The last fire drill was conducted on June 9, 2023, at 10:00am. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during group time, outdoor gross motor play, indoor free play, lunch, and nap time. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Four (4) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two staff’s files were reviewed during today’s visit. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, the Staff and Training Worksheet and the Children’s Records form with you today. Both forms were completed and verified during the visit. The following violation was observed during the walk through today. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space #3, on June 14, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 15, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 16, one child’s departure time was not documented, and on June 20, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In Space #1, a boxed electric fan was in use in the classroom. The electric fan was not mounted on the wall but stored on top of a tote and file boxes. The boxed fan did have mesh guard on the front. The box electric fan was accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Hazardous materials with written warnings were stored in the kitchen in a cabinet located under the sink with a child’s safety lock. The hazardous materials included one jar of GOOP Hand Cleaner, one bottle of Sparchlor Chlorinated Sanitizer, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Multiple Temperature Detergent, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Concentrated Rinse Additive, one bottle of Mr. Clean Multi Surface Cleaner, and two bottles of Clorox Germicidal Bleach Concentrated. .2820(b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection forms from August 2022 through December 2022 were not documented and available for review. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on June 6, 2023, at 10am, the sleep position was not documented for one child. On June 15, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 23, 2023, at 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:15pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 27, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. .0606(g) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current emergency information form available for review. The last emergency information form available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not have a current staff development plan of file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current staff development plan on file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff employed on August 2, 2002, and one staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have on file for review an annual staff evaluation documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 on April 12, 2021, shot record available for review was dated June 9, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place drill was completed on July 31, 2022, and another documented Shelter-in-place drill was not completed until on December 23, 2022. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the annual Emergency Preparedness and Response plan. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day of employment. .0608(d)(1-4) 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 August 2, 2002, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 9, 2022. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(d) 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 administrative action. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: Arrival/Departure Times We discussed daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system and review with staff of the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times daily to ensure accurate records are kept. Electric Fans We discussed boxed fans must be mounted and have a mesh guard and made inaccessible to children. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS which states (d) “electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children”. Hazardous Materials We discussed a child’s safety lock is not an approved lock to lock up hazardous materials with written warnings. The approved locks are a combination lock, key lock, and/or a magnetic lock. Playground Inspections We discussed playground inspection forms must be completed monthly and kept on file for review. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) which states “…the checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division”. Safe Sleep Checks I suggested you review with staff how to complete the safe sleep checks properly. I also suggested you create a plan to check to ensure documentations is recorded correctly. I have referenced Child Care Rule (g) which states “documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month”. We discussed for documentation review keeping safe sleep checks for the prior and current month. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire /Emergency Information Form/Staff Development Plan/Review of EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan: I suggested you create a schedule to ensure required documents are completed, reviewed, and place in staff’s files for review. I also suggested you use the DCDEE file checklist for Staff to setup staff’s files. I will email you a copy of this document. Staff's Medical Information: We discussed all staff's medical information must be kept in a separate file and be available for review. Children Immunizations: I suggested you create a schedule of when immunization records are due when enrolling new children to ensure the immunization records are received prior to the thirty-days after the first day of enrollment requirement. Emergency Drills We discussed Emergency Drills must be conducted and documented every three months. I suggested you create a schedule to ensure documentation of emergency drills are recorded correctly. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy We discussed documentation must be kept on file for staff’s review of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day employment. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 25, 2023. 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. Consultation: Fire Inspection I reminded you, Kathy Hipps, your fire inspection is due by July 18, 2023. I recommended you contact the Fire Marshall’s office to let them know your fire inspection is due soon. Please send me a copy of the update fire inspection once you have received it within 7 days. Safe Arrival and Departure Policy We discussed creating a safe arrival and departure policy specifically for the facility using the document found on the DCDEE Provider Forms tab as reference. Children’s Applications: We discussed all blanks on a child’s application must be complete. Plastics with Written Warnings: I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to check plastic packaging with the written warning keep out of reach of children needs to be made inaccessible in either locked storage and/or five feet off the ground to children under the age of three years old. Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. or more information, visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available. On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Health and Safety Trainings Documentation We discussed staff completing the required Health/Safety trainings by the required due date. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to document Health and Safety trainings completion on the Health and Safety Record form. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Criminal Background Check Legislative Changes: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. 1. The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. 2. The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 (828) 417-1646 Tiffani.Sims@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: TLC CENTER Facility ID: 23000261 Consultant: TIFFANI SIMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/11/2023 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 7/11/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 375 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements including health and safety. Nicole Fulwood, Child Care Consultant, assisted with the visit today. You, Kathy Hipps, Owner/Administrator assisted me with the visit today. The NC Secretary of State website was viewed on July 7, 2023, and TLC Center of Cleveland County, Inc. was listed as current and active. The facility currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on June 27, 2019, earning four (4) points in staff education and two (2) points in the program standards, and one (1) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care only and meets enhanced space. Inspections/Emergency Drills: Fire Inspection: The last fire inspection was conducted on July 18, 2022, is due by July 18, 2023. Sanitation Inspection: The last sanitation inspection was made on April 13, 2023. A “superior” classification was issued with six (6) demerits noted on the grade card. Emergency Drills/Playground Inspections: The last shelter in place drill was conducted on May 7, 2023, at 1:45pm and recorded. The last playground inspection was completed on June 15, 2023. The last fire drill was conducted on June 9, 2023, at 10:00am. A complete walkthrough of licensed indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Staff and children were observed during group time, outdoor gross motor play, indoor free play, lunch, and nap time. Files Reviewed: Children’s files, program files, and staff files were monitored today. Four (4) children's files were reviewed during today’s visit. Two staff’s files were reviewed during today’s visit. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, the Staff and Training Worksheet and the Children’s Records form with you today. Both forms were completed and verified during the visit. The following violation was observed during the walk through today. I discussed these violations with you in detail at the end of the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space #3, on June 14, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 15, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented, on June 16, one child’s departure time was not documented, and on June 20, 2023, one child’s departure time was not documented. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In Space #1, a boxed electric fan was in use in the classroom. The electric fan was not mounted on the wall but stored on top of a tote and file boxes. The boxed fan did have mesh guard on the front. The box electric fan was accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Hazardous materials with written warnings were stored in the kitchen in a cabinet located under the sink with a child’s safety lock. The hazardous materials included one jar of GOOP Hand Cleaner, one bottle of Sparchlor Chlorinated Sanitizer, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Multiple Temperature Detergent, two bottles of Webb Chemical and Paper Co. Concentrated Rinse Additive, one bottle of Mr. Clean Multi Surface Cleaner, and two bottles of Clorox Germicidal Bleach Concentrated. .2820(b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection forms from August 2022 through December 2022 were not documented and available for review. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not on file for review documentation of review of the emergency medical care plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space #3, on June 6, 2023, at 10am, the sleep position was not documented for one child. On June 15, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 23, 2023, at 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 26, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:15pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. On June 27, 2023, at 12:15pm through 1:00pm, the sleep position was not documented for one infant. .0606(g) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current emergency information form available for review. The last emergency information form available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff member employed on August 2, 2002, did not have a current staff development plan of file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have a current staff development plan on file for review. The last staff development plan available for review was dated April 7, 2021. One staff employed on August 2, 2002, and one staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have on file for review an annual staff evaluation documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 on April 12, 2021, shot record available for review was dated June 9, 2021. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place drill was completed on July 31, 2022, and another documented Shelter-in-place drill was not completed until on December 23, 2022. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the annual Emergency Preparedness and Response plan. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation on file for review of reviewing the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day of employment. .0608(d)(1-4) 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 August 2, 2002, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 9, 2022. One staff member employed on February 17, 2020, did not have documentation of a current health questionnaire available for review. The last health questionnaire available for review was dated June 21, 2022. .0701(d) 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 administrative action. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed during today’s visit: Arrival/Departure Times We discussed daily sign-in and sign-out times must be recorded when children arrive and depart the child care facility to ensure accurate records are kept. I suggested creating a system and review with staff of the procedures of recording sign-in and sign-out times daily to ensure accurate records are kept. Electric Fans We discussed boxed fans must be mounted and have a mesh guard and made inaccessible to children. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS which states (d) “electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children”. Hazardous Materials We discussed a child’s safety lock is not an approved lock to lock up hazardous materials with written warnings. The approved locks are a combination lock, key lock, and/or a magnetic lock. Playground Inspections We discussed playground inspection forms must be completed monthly and kept on file for review. I have referenced Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (q) which states “…the checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division”. Safe Sleep Checks I suggested you review with staff how to complete the safe sleep checks properly. I also suggested you create a plan to check to ensure documentations is recorded correctly. I have referenced Child Care Rule (g) which states “documents that verify staff member's compliance with visual checks on infants shall be maintained for a minimum of one month”. We discussed for documentation review keeping safe sleep checks for the prior and current month. Documentation of Staff’s Health Questionnaire /Emergency Information Form/Staff Development Plan/Review of EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care Plan: I suggested you create a schedule to ensure required documents are completed, reviewed, and place in staff’s files for review. I also suggested you use the DCDEE file checklist for Staff to setup staff’s files. I will email you a copy of this document. Staff's Medical Information: We discussed all staff's medical information must be kept in a separate file and be available for review. Children Immunizations: I suggested you create a schedule of when immunization records are due when enrolling new children to ensure the immunization records are received prior to the thirty-days after the first day of enrollment requirement. Emergency Drills We discussed Emergency Drills must be conducted and documented every three months. I suggested you create a schedule to ensure documentation of emergency drills are recorded correctly. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy We discussed documentation must be kept on file for staff’s review of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to the first day employment. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 25, 2023. 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. Consultation: Fire Inspection I reminded you, Kathy Hipps, your fire inspection is due by July 18, 2023. I recommended you contact the Fire Marshall’s office to let them know your fire inspection is due soon. Please send me a copy of the update fire inspection once you have received it within 7 days. Safe Arrival and Departure Policy We discussed creating a safe arrival and departure policy specifically for the facility using the document found on the DCDEE Provider Forms tab as reference. Children’s Applications: We discussed all blanks on a child’s application must be complete. Plastics with Written Warnings: I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to check plastic packaging with the written warning keep out of reach of children needs to be made inaccessible in either locked storage and/or five feet off the ground to children under the age of three years old. Early Childhood Equivalency Exam The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. or more information, visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available. On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Health and Safety Trainings Documentation We discussed staff completing the required Health/Safety trainings by the required due date. I discussed with you, Kathy Hipps, to document Health and Safety trainings completion on the Health and Safety Record form. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Criminal Background Check Legislative Changes: The 2022-2023 Appropriations Bill (HB 103) signed by Governor Cooper on July 11, 2022, made two important changes to North Carolina General Statute 110-90-2 regarding child care Criminal Background Checks. 1. The period for background check qualification renewals was revised from three years to five years. 2. The provisional qualification period was reduced to forty-five days. DCDEE Updates: What’s New Tab Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest COVID-19 information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If I can be of assistance in the future, or if you have any questions about this visit, please feel free to contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. Tiffani Sims PO Box 185 Glen Alpine, NC 28628 (828) 417-1646 Tiffani.Sims@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children. 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