G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/19/2025 Number Present: 75 Completed Date: 11/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a Five Star Center License issued July 9, 2024. Restrictions on the license include a first shift capacity of one hundred forty (140) children ages 0 to 12, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, no cooking allowed in building #2, and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. The last annual compliance visit was completed on December 11, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Prior to the visit, the program’s eighteen-month compliance history was eighty-six percent (86%). The sanitation inspection was completed on March 31, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on December 20, 2024 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on November 18, 2025 and Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was listed as current-active. B. Norris, administrator, was present for the visit and accompanied me for classroom observations. Eighty-eight (88) children were enrolled and seventy-five (75) children were present. There are eight (8) indoor spaces and four (4) outdoor spaces approved for use. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. The toddlers in space 2 were split so that one half were outside and one half were inside. The inside group was observed in free play and a coloring activity. The outside group was observed using hoops, ride-on toys, and the slide. Children in spaces 3 and 4 were outside using ride-on toys, balancing materials, and a slide. Children in space 5 were outside using ride-on toys and playing in a sandbox. Children in space 7 were observed in indoor free play, engaged in a cutting and gluing art activity, block play, and a sand table as well as other activity centers. Infants received care according to individual needs and were observed in free play. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Lunch consisted of whole grain cheese pizza, carrots. mixed fruit, and milk. Space 6 and space 8 (located in building #2) are not currently open. Space 6 did not have any mold or water issues present and is waiting for shelving to be added. Space 8 has completed the asbestos remediation and is waiting for furniture to be added. You stated the mulch is being moved away from the weep holes of the brick outdoors on a weekly basis. The weep holes were observed to be free of mulch today. Today I observed all outside doors were free of hazards and verified that the infant door has been repaired to allow easy opening. You stated a new door is on order. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are twenty (20) staff members employed at this facility. Ten (10) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. A percentage of children’s files were reviewed. NC Pre-K monitoring: The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes were verified in compliance. Children attend the program from 8am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, TS Gold, and Dial 4. Developmental screenings were completed and health assessments were collected. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements for qualifications. A Site Monitoring visit has not yet been conducted by Smart Start of Brunswick County, Inc, the contracting agency, however the tool submitted October 27, 2025 was reviewed today and items needing corrective action were not noted. The following violation(s) were documented Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. On the playground used by infants and toddlers, the wood and lattice structure covering the electrical boxes has broken in several places and has an exposed nail. .0601(c) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Of the twelve (12) staff files reviewed, two (2) staff did not complete the training within 90 days. .1102(g) 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 (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 3, 2025, 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. Please note, if the compliance letter is not received by the agreed-upon date, a follow-up visit may be made to verify compliance. Mail or email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov 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 Technical Assistance: A violation was cited for staff not completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. You stated you are currently working on procedures to review files regularly. It may be helpful to add extra file reviews for new hires. A violation was cited for the wood and lattice cover on the playground used by infants and toddlers. It is important to maintain a hazard-free environment in all areas accessible to the children. You stated that you have put in a work order to have this repaired. Fire Inspection is due in December. Making a note to follow up with the fire marshal if needed could help to ensure this inspection is not late. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Payment Information: Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Compliance Reminder: Please be aware that failure to pay the license may result in the revocation of your child care license. Unpaid license fees will also incur a 10% late fee and interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition has begun with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway One, Program Assessment. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to working with you on your pathway to the stars! Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.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. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/19/2025 Number Present: 75 Completed Date: 11/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a Five Star Center License issued July 9, 2024. Restrictions on the license include a first shift capacity of one hundred forty (140) children ages 0 to 12, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, no cooking allowed in building #2, and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. The last annual compliance visit was completed on December 11, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Prior to the visit, the program’s eighteen-month compliance history was eighty-six percent (86%). The sanitation inspection was completed on March 31, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on December 20, 2024 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on November 18, 2025 and Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was listed as current-active. B. Norris, administrator, was present for the visit and accompanied me for classroom observations. Eighty-eight (88) children were enrolled and seventy-five (75) children were present. There are eight (8) indoor spaces and four (4) outdoor spaces approved for use. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. The toddlers in space 2 were split so that one half were outside and one half were inside. The inside group was observed in free play and a coloring activity. The outside group was observed using hoops, ride-on toys, and the slide. Children in spaces 3 and 4 were outside using ride-on toys, balancing materials, and a slide. Children in space 5 were outside using ride-on toys and playing in a sandbox. Children in space 7 were observed in indoor free play, engaged in a cutting and gluing art activity, block play, and a sand table as well as other activity centers. Infants received care according to individual needs and were observed in free play. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Lunch consisted of whole grain cheese pizza, carrots. mixed fruit, and milk. Space 6 and space 8 (located in building #2) are not currently open. Space 6 did not have any mold or water issues present and is waiting for shelving to be added. Space 8 has completed the asbestos remediation and is waiting for furniture to be added. You stated the mulch is being moved away from the weep holes of the brick outdoors on a weekly basis. The weep holes were observed to be free of mulch today. Today I observed all outside doors were free of hazards and verified that the infant door has been repaired to allow easy opening. You stated a new door is on order. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are twenty (20) staff members employed at this facility. Ten (10) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. A percentage of children’s files were reviewed. NC Pre-K monitoring: The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes were verified in compliance. Children attend the program from 8am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, TS Gold, and Dial 4. Developmental screenings were completed and health assessments were collected. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements for qualifications. A Site Monitoring visit has not yet been conducted by Smart Start of Brunswick County, Inc, the contracting agency, however the tool submitted October 27, 2025 was reviewed today and items needing corrective action were not noted. The following violation(s) were documented Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. On the playground used by infants and toddlers, the wood and lattice structure covering the electrical boxes has broken in several places and has an exposed nail. .0601(c) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Of the twelve (12) staff files reviewed, two (2) staff did not complete the training within 90 days. .1102(g) 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 (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 3, 2025, 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. Please note, if the compliance letter is not received by the agreed-upon date, a follow-up visit may be made to verify compliance. Mail or email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov 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 Technical Assistance: A violation was cited for staff not completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. You stated you are currently working on procedures to review files regularly. It may be helpful to add extra file reviews for new hires. A violation was cited for the wood and lattice cover on the playground used by infants and toddlers. It is important to maintain a hazard-free environment in all areas accessible to the children. You stated that you have put in a work order to have this repaired. Fire Inspection is due in December. Making a note to follow up with the fire marshal if needed could help to ensure this inspection is not late. Licensing Fees: License fees are based on the first shift capacity as shown on the childcare license as of October 1st of each year for all active facilities. Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Payment Information: Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. Payments must include your facility's ID# on the childcare license. Compliance Reminder: Please be aware that failure to pay the license may result in the revocation of your child care license. Unpaid license fees will also incur a 10% late fee and interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. You have completed the training and linked your staff to your facility. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition has begun with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway One, Program Assessment. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to working with you on your pathway to the stars! Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.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. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-392L Visit Date: 10/29/2025 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 10/29/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements pertinent to this visit type and to obtain information regarding an alleged violation of child care requirements. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 87%. Administrator B. Norris was present and available for consultation today. Jennifer Garner, lead child care consultant was present and assisted with today’s visit. Ms. Norris accompanied us for observations of the entire facility including the indoor and outdoor environment; limited monitoring occurred today. Allegation: There is a concern that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. Findings: Upon arrival, the allegation was reviewed with the facility administrator, B. Norris, and she was given the opportunity to state her perception of the allegation. In anticipation of tropical storm Imelda on September 29, 2025, the facility created a sandbag wall, three sandbags deep around each exterior door to ensure no water entered the building via the exterior doors. The sandbag wall has not been altered outside of space 1, the space for infants, space 7, the space for preschool children and space 6, which is not currently in use. One side of the sandbag wall has been removed from space 2 and space 5, allowing for direct exit onto the fenced in playgrounds. The sandbags have been relocated from around the doors in space 3 and space 4 to along the building on the playground. The exit door from space 1 onto the playground was jammed. Ms. Norris forcefully pushed the door open. The bottom of the door separated and came off along with some insulation. Ms. Norris stated infants have been accessing the playground via space 2. Ms. Norris also stated during the fire drill this month, children present in space 1, came into the hallway then into space 2 to exit to the playground. As the exit door in space 1 has not been operable and the sandbags around the fire exit of space 1 and space 7 impede the direct creating an unsafe environment, this allegation is confirmed. Madison Drew, Southport Fire Marshal, arrived prior to the conclusion of our visit. The Southport Fire Department received a complaint today about the sandbags. Ms. Norris had removed one side of the sandbag wall from around the exit door of space 1 and space 7 prior to his arrival. Mr. Drew had no further concerns. No visible signs of moisture or potential microbial growth were noted in any space in building 1 and 2. Building 2 remains closed to children as asbestos mitigation is being completed. All asbestos has been removed. New sheetrock has been hung and finished. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. The infants were engaged in floor play as well as feeding and diapering routines. The toddlers were observed in indoor free play using a variety of age-appropriate materials. The teachers were on the floor and interacted with the children as they played. The children in the classes for two-year-olds, three-year-olds and NC PreK were observed in outdoor play. They used portable equipment such as vehicles and dramatic play accessories and engaged in physical activity such as running games. The teachers walked about the area as they supervised children and facilitated play. The children in the classroom for four-year-olds were observed in indoor free play using play doh, pretend food for cooking play, and fine motor materials. Since my last visit, APR Commercial Construction has completed the renovations for space 6. Mike Lavezzo, City of Southport Building Inspector completed a final walk-through on October 16, 2025, approving all work completed. The facility is in the process of furnishing and staging the space for use by children. During today’s visit I left a voicemail message for Brunswick County Environmental Health Specialists Alli Grey and Bobbie Johnson. Ms. Grey previously shared that she visited the facility August 12, 2025, and had no concerns and was satisfied with the work completed. Mulch is once again up against the building covering the majority of the weep holes in the brick. The yard debris from between the AC units outside of space 6 and the exterior wall has built back up. While these are not child care requirements, exposing the weep holes and removing the yard debris up against your building may aid in keeping your building dry. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The exit door in space 1 was jammed and did not open easily. When forcefully opened, it separated at the bottom, the bottom frame and some insulation came off. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The exit door in space 1 was jammed and did not open easily creating a hazard in the event of an emergency. The sandbag walls outside of space 1 and space 7 impeded the fire exit creating an unsafe environment. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 882 The evacuation crib or other approved device was not able to fit through the exit door. As the exit door in space 1 was jammed and the sandbags around the door, a crib could not exit out of the space. .0604(r) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 7, 2025, 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: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov 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 Each Friday before 5:00 pm, continue to send me an update letting me know the status of the work. Include any documentation received from the building inspector, contractor or environmental health. Technical assistance regarding violations cited: A violation was cited due to the exit door in Space 1 (infants) being in poor repair, which prevented the door from being easily opened. A violation was also cited due to the exit door in Space 7 (preschool) being blocked on the outside by sandbags. These situations create an environment that may prevent children and staff from safely and correctly exiting the building during drills and in the case of an emergency. In addition, the evacuation routes on the posted evacuation plans must be accessible and free of hazards. Today we discussed the need for a plan to address issues immediately that may prevent use of evacuation routes during both drills and emergencies. Technical assistance: As previously shared, you may visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/after-storm-flood-water-safety for guidance including how to clean materials and test for bacteria. As discussed, you must ensure you keep an eye out for the development of mold, as any evidence of fungus growing on walls/ceilings/floors must be addressed immediately. You may continue to use dehumidifiers, DampRid, plants, etc. to help reduce moisture in the air. Any water damaged furniture made of plywood or particle board should also be replaced as it cannot be completely dried and disinfected. The following websites may be helpful as you continue your cleanup efforts: https://www.epa.gov/mold and https://www.epa.gov/flooded-homes. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-392L Visit Date: 10/29/2025 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 10/29/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements pertinent to this visit type and to obtain information regarding an alleged violation of child care requirements. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 87%. Administrator B. Norris was present and available for consultation today. Jennifer Garner, lead child care consultant was present and assisted with today’s visit. Ms. Norris accompanied us for observations of the entire facility including the indoor and outdoor environment; limited monitoring occurred today. Allegation: There is a concern that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. Findings: Upon arrival, the allegation was reviewed with the facility administrator, B. Norris, and she was given the opportunity to state her perception of the allegation. In anticipation of tropical storm Imelda on September 29, 2025, the facility created a sandbag wall, three sandbags deep around each exterior door to ensure no water entered the building via the exterior doors. The sandbag wall has not been altered outside of space 1, the space for infants, space 7, the space for preschool children and space 6, which is not currently in use. One side of the sandbag wall has been removed from space 2 and space 5, allowing for direct exit onto the fenced in playgrounds. The sandbags have been relocated from around the doors in space 3 and space 4 to along the building on the playground. The exit door from space 1 onto the playground was jammed. Ms. Norris forcefully pushed the door open. The bottom of the door separated and came off along with some insulation. Ms. Norris stated infants have been accessing the playground via space 2. Ms. Norris also stated during the fire drill this month, children present in space 1, came into the hallway then into space 2 to exit to the playground. As the exit door in space 1 has not been operable and the sandbags around the fire exit of space 1 and space 7 impede the direct creating an unsafe environment, this allegation is confirmed. Madison Drew, Southport Fire Marshal, arrived prior to the conclusion of our visit. The Southport Fire Department received a complaint today about the sandbags. Ms. Norris had removed one side of the sandbag wall from around the exit door of space 1 and space 7 prior to his arrival. Mr. Drew had no further concerns. No visible signs of moisture or potential microbial growth were noted in any space in building 1 and 2. Building 2 remains closed to children as asbestos mitigation is being completed. All asbestos has been removed. New sheetrock has been hung and finished. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Infants received care according to individual needs. The infants were engaged in floor play as well as feeding and diapering routines. The toddlers were observed in indoor free play using a variety of age-appropriate materials. The teachers were on the floor and interacted with the children as they played. The children in the classes for two-year-olds, three-year-olds and NC PreK were observed in outdoor play. They used portable equipment such as vehicles and dramatic play accessories and engaged in physical activity such as running games. The teachers walked about the area as they supervised children and facilitated play. The children in the classroom for four-year-olds were observed in indoor free play using play doh, pretend food for cooking play, and fine motor materials. Since my last visit, APR Commercial Construction has completed the renovations for space 6. Mike Lavezzo, City of Southport Building Inspector completed a final walk-through on October 16, 2025, approving all work completed. The facility is in the process of furnishing and staging the space for use by children. During today’s visit I left a voicemail message for Brunswick County Environmental Health Specialists Alli Grey and Bobbie Johnson. Ms. Grey previously shared that she visited the facility August 12, 2025, and had no concerns and was satisfied with the work completed. Mulch is once again up against the building covering the majority of the weep holes in the brick. The yard debris from between the AC units outside of space 6 and the exterior wall has built back up. While these are not child care requirements, exposing the weep holes and removing the yard debris up against your building may aid in keeping your building dry. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The exit door in space 1 was jammed and did not open easily. When forcefully opened, it separated at the bottom, the bottom frame and some insulation came off. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The exit door in space 1 was jammed and did not open easily creating a hazard in the event of an emergency. The sandbag walls outside of space 1 and space 7 impeded the fire exit creating an unsafe environment. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 882 The evacuation crib or other approved device was not able to fit through the exit door. As the exit door in space 1 was jammed and the sandbags around the door, a crib could not exit out of the space. .0604(r) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 7, 2025, 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: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov 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 Each Friday before 5:00 pm, continue to send me an update letting me know the status of the work. Include any documentation received from the building inspector, contractor or environmental health. Technical assistance regarding violations cited: A violation was cited due to the exit door in Space 1 (infants) being in poor repair, which prevented the door from being easily opened. A violation was also cited due to the exit door in Space 7 (preschool) being blocked on the outside by sandbags. These situations create an environment that may prevent children and staff from safely and correctly exiting the building during drills and in the case of an emergency. In addition, the evacuation routes on the posted evacuation plans must be accessible and free of hazards. Today we discussed the need for a plan to address issues immediately that may prevent use of evacuation routes during both drills and emergencies. Technical assistance: As previously shared, you may visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/after-storm-flood-water-safety for guidance including how to clean materials and test for bacteria. As discussed, you must ensure you keep an eye out for the development of mold, as any evidence of fungus growing on walls/ceilings/floors must be addressed immediately. You may continue to use dehumidifiers, DampRid, plants, etc. to help reduce moisture in the air. Any water damaged furniture made of plywood or particle board should also be replaced as it cannot be completely dried and disinfected. The following websites may be helpful as you continue your cleanup efforts: https://www.epa.gov/mold and https://www.epa.gov/flooded-homes. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/19/2024 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 12/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type and to verify correction of violations cited during the December 11, 2024 Annual Compliance visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 89%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Upon arrival, a facility observation was conducted. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including playing with Legos, using playdough and building with blocks. Some children were also observed finishing a breakfast of Cheerios cereal with pears and milk. Staff/child ratios and group sizes were in compliance. An updated Staff and Training Worksheet was submitted by Ms. Hale December 17, 2024 and used to monitor staff records today, as complete records were not available during the Annual Compliance visit. Health and Safety training requirements were also monitored and in compliance today. The following violations were confirmed as corrected today: -Item #428: Current activity plans were posted in each space. Ms. McHale stated she has now assigned a senior teacher to check them every Friday afternoon. -Item #603: Carpets appeared clean today and Ms. McHale stated two new vacuums were ordered to assist with maintaining compliance. -Item #705: Protruding bolts were hammered down. Ms. McHale stated she will check these on a regular basis. -Item #714: Openings in fencing have been repaired. -Item #853: An up-to-date Incident Log for December 2024 was observed today. -Item #1043: All staff records were complete and available for review today. -Item #1245: Enhanced space requirements were in compliance today. New neon signs have been posted on each playground to ensure staff members can easily see capacities. -Item #1756: Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were in compliance today. New neon signs have been posted in each indoor space to ensure staff members can easily see ratios and group sizes. The following violations need additional time for correction: -Item #1320: Missing child health assessments have not yet been received from parents, but parents have been given written notification that they are past due and children may not attend without them. -Item #1323: Missing immunization records have not yet been received from parents, but parents have been given written notification that they are past due and children may not attend without them. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following new violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff member who began employment December 10, 2024 did not have a medical report on file. Another staff member who began employment December 10, 2024 had a medical statement which was more than 12 months old. A third staff member who began employment August 15, 2024 did not get a medical statement until August 30, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 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. A staff member who began employment December 10, 2024 had TB test results which were over 12 months old. Another staff member who began employment August 15, 2024 did not get a TB test until August 30, 2024. A third staff member who began employment July 15, 2024 did not get a TB test until July 29, 2024. .0701(a) Your compliance letter for the Annual Compliance visit must be received by December 25, 2024. Remember to include copies of missing child health assessments and immunization records to verify compliance. An additional compliance letter for today’s visit must be received by January 2, 2025. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letters will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written responses are considered legal documents so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letters, they must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided today regarding staff requirements and recordkeeping. As discussed, when staff members already have criminal records qualification letters, medical statements and/or TB test results upon hire, you must ensure the letters are still valid (not expired) and that medical statements and TB test results are not more than 12 months old. When completing your Staff and Training Worksheet, you must ensure all documents are on file and that dates match what you are recording on the worksheet. This document will serve as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining compliance if you keep it current and check it frequently. Reminders Remember to submit medical statements for A. Byers and J. Bryant as well as a TB screening or negative TB test results for J. Bryant with your compliance letter. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/19/2024 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 12/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type and to verify correction of violations cited during the December 11, 2024 Annual Compliance visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 89%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Upon arrival, a facility observation was conducted. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including playing with Legos, using playdough and building with blocks. Some children were also observed finishing a breakfast of Cheerios cereal with pears and milk. Staff/child ratios and group sizes were in compliance. An updated Staff and Training Worksheet was submitted by Ms. Hale December 17, 2024 and used to monitor staff records today, as complete records were not available during the Annual Compliance visit. Health and Safety training requirements were also monitored and in compliance today. The following violations were confirmed as corrected today: -Item #428: Current activity plans were posted in each space. Ms. McHale stated she has now assigned a senior teacher to check them every Friday afternoon. -Item #603: Carpets appeared clean today and Ms. McHale stated two new vacuums were ordered to assist with maintaining compliance. -Item #705: Protruding bolts were hammered down. Ms. McHale stated she will check these on a regular basis. -Item #714: Openings in fencing have been repaired. -Item #853: An up-to-date Incident Log for December 2024 was observed today. -Item #1043: All staff records were complete and available for review today. -Item #1245: Enhanced space requirements were in compliance today. New neon signs have been posted on each playground to ensure staff members can easily see capacities. -Item #1756: Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were in compliance today. New neon signs have been posted in each indoor space to ensure staff members can easily see ratios and group sizes. The following violations need additional time for correction: -Item #1320: Missing child health assessments have not yet been received from parents, but parents have been given written notification that they are past due and children may not attend without them. -Item #1323: Missing immunization records have not yet been received from parents, but parents have been given written notification that they are past due and children may not attend without them. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following new violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. A staff member who began employment December 10, 2024 did not have a medical report on file. Another staff member who began employment December 10, 2024 had a medical statement which was more than 12 months old. A third staff member who began employment August 15, 2024 did not get a medical statement until August 30, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 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. A staff member who began employment December 10, 2024 had TB test results which were over 12 months old. Another staff member who began employment August 15, 2024 did not get a TB test until August 30, 2024. A third staff member who began employment July 15, 2024 did not get a TB test until July 29, 2024. .0701(a) Your compliance letter for the Annual Compliance visit must be received by December 25, 2024. Remember to include copies of missing child health assessments and immunization records to verify compliance. An additional compliance letter for today’s visit must be received by January 2, 2025. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letters will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written responses are considered legal documents so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letters, they must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided today regarding staff requirements and recordkeeping. As discussed, when staff members already have criminal records qualification letters, medical statements and/or TB test results upon hire, you must ensure the letters are still valid (not expired) and that medical statements and TB test results are not more than 12 months old. When completing your Staff and Training Worksheet, you must ensure all documents are on file and that dates match what you are recording on the worksheet. This document will serve as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining compliance if you keep it current and check it frequently. Reminders Remember to submit medical statements for A. Byers and J. Bryant as well as a TB screening or negative TB test results for J. Bryant with your compliance letter. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses High Reach Learning and Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Child Development Schools NC, LLC, was verified as current and active on December 6, 2024. This is the facility’s first annual compliance visit after a change of ownership; the Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 1, 2024, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted January 24, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 96%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Eight indoor and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as play activities. Two children were observed sleeping in cribs; safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance. Children one year of age in Space #2 were observed playing with instruments, books and vehicles as well as in individual diaper changing routines. In Space #3, children one and two years of age were engaged in a coloring activity. This group was later observed in Outdoor Space #2 engaged in gross motor activities. Children three through five years of age in Spaces #4 and 5 were observed eating a breakfast of egg and cheese omelets with mandarin oranges and milk. Ms. McHale stated Spaces #6 and 7 were not in use today due to short staffing. In Space #8, preschool children participated in free choice activities including working with blocks, pretending to play doctor with baby dolls, and using holiday stamps with ink pads and paper. Staff members stated they were excited about a field trip on Friday; permission forms were observed as required. Lunch served consisted of barbeque chicken with rolls, corn, pineapple and milk. Next, children one through five years of age began to transition to rest time routines. Complete and accurate staff files, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review today. Staff requirements including Health and Safety training will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #8 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL-4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in the Teaching Strategies App. A Site Monitoring Tool was submitted to Jake Griffiths, representative of the contracting agency Smart Start of Brunswick County, on October 31, 2024. Items needing corrective action were not noted. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on 11-26-2018 was 5.32. Ms. McHale stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan for school age children posted in Space #8 was dated for September. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Carpets in several of the classrooms were visibly dirty. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. Several openings in the fencing around the playground used by school age children were observed to be between 3 1/2 and 9 inches. .0605(g) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The medication box in Space #2, which contained teething tablets, was observed unlocked. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The Incident Log for December 2024 has not yet been completed. .0802(g)(1-6) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Accurate and complete staff records, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. At 10:55 A.M., fourteen children two years of age were observed in Outdoor Space #2, which has a capacity of eleven children at 100 Sq. Ft. per child. 10A NCAC 09 .2809(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. Three of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. Two of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. At 9:10 A.M., sixteen children one through two years of age were observed in Space #3 with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violation which could not be corrected during the visit has been corrected must be received by December 25, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Complaint Visit conducted September 23, 2024 and again today regarding enhanced space requirements and staff/child ratios and group sizes. As discussed, you must ensure all staff are aware of staff/child ratios and group sizes requirements for the age of the youngest child, especially when you keep children combined into fewer classrooms. Today you stated you were unsure why a one-year-old child was visiting the classroom for two-year-olds, and you moved the child back to her classroom. As a reminder, the ratio and group size of the youngest child in each group must always be maintained, and capacities of each indoor and outdoor space may not be exceeded. During the Complaint visit, we specifically discussed outdoor capacities as follows: Outdoor Space #1 (outside of Infant room): 10 children Outdoor Space #2 (outside of Toddler rooms): 11 children Outdoor Space #3 (outside of Twos/Threes rooms): 8 children Today you reminded staff members in Space #3 to split children into two small groups to maintain compliance, however they did not. Again I urged you to ensure all staff members are aware of ratios, group sizes, and indoor and outdoor space capacities to help stay in compliance. For the safety of the children, outdoor hazards including entrapments and protrusions must be repaired or removed immediately. As discussed, protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them or fall on them. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border. In addition, any openings in fencing or equipment must be less than 3 ½ inches or greater than 9 inches to prevent body parts from getting stuck in them. Today I urged you to keep a mallet or hammer handy to correct the protruding bolts and to ensure the fence holes can be repaired or covered to avoid further entrapment hazards. Regarding children’s records, today you stated as the new director you have not yet had the chance to go through all of the files for accuracy or completion. I strongly urged you to conduct a complete audit of children’s files and ensure all missing documentation is filed. Having accurate information on file for all children is essential to provide the best quality care for children. Regarding staff records, you submitted the Staff and Training Worksheet November 19, 2024 as requested, however several items were incomplete or incorrect. Necessary revisions were emailed back to you, however today you stated you had not yet had a change to make all of the corrections and ensure staff files were complete. You began working on corrections today, and it was determined that staff files will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit in the near future. Remember to ensure you have a revised Staff and Training Worksheet available for the visit. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines and will help you avoid recordkeeping violations in the future if you review it frequently. I also urged you to audit staff files using the Staff File Checklist from the DCDEE website. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age classrooms. You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Today we also discussed the facility’s Quality Point. As discussed, during the most recent rated license reassessment under the previous owner, the point was earned by having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement, however when the facility transitioned from a Temporary License to a Five Star License under the new owner in July 2024, a different Quality Point was noted by Child Care Consultant Jennifer Garner. This Quality Point, using a curriculum, is actually not available for Four and Five Star facilities as this is already a requirement, so I confirmed with you today that the facility is still eligible to earn the point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. A new Quality Point form was reviewed with you and signed today; I will send the request for a new permit reflecting this change to my Supervisor for review and processing. When you receive the new permit, please post the new one and send the old one to me as it is property of the State of North Carolina. Reminders An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 24, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by May 1, 2025. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .2809 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses High Reach Learning and Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Child Development Schools NC, LLC, was verified as current and active on December 6, 2024. This is the facility’s first annual compliance visit after a change of ownership; the Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 1, 2024, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted January 24, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 96%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Eight indoor and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as play activities. Two children were observed sleeping in cribs; safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance. Children one year of age in Space #2 were observed playing with instruments, books and vehicles as well as in individual diaper changing routines. In Space #3, children one and two years of age were engaged in a coloring activity. This group was later observed in Outdoor Space #2 engaged in gross motor activities. Children three through five years of age in Spaces #4 and 5 were observed eating a breakfast of egg and cheese omelets with mandarin oranges and milk. Ms. McHale stated Spaces #6 and 7 were not in use today due to short staffing. In Space #8, preschool children participated in free choice activities including working with blocks, pretending to play doctor with baby dolls, and using holiday stamps with ink pads and paper. Staff members stated they were excited about a field trip on Friday; permission forms were observed as required. Lunch served consisted of barbeque chicken with rolls, corn, pineapple and milk. Next, children one through five years of age began to transition to rest time routines. Complete and accurate staff files, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review today. Staff requirements including Health and Safety training will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #8 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL-4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in the Teaching Strategies App. A Site Monitoring Tool was submitted to Jake Griffiths, representative of the contracting agency Smart Start of Brunswick County, on October 31, 2024. Items needing corrective action were not noted. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on 11-26-2018 was 5.32. Ms. McHale stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan for school age children posted in Space #8 was dated for September. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Carpets in several of the classrooms were visibly dirty. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. Several openings in the fencing around the playground used by school age children were observed to be between 3 1/2 and 9 inches. .0605(g) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The medication box in Space #2, which contained teething tablets, was observed unlocked. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The Incident Log for December 2024 has not yet been completed. .0802(g)(1-6) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Accurate and complete staff records, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. At 10:55 A.M., fourteen children two years of age were observed in Outdoor Space #2, which has a capacity of eleven children at 100 Sq. Ft. per child. 10A NCAC 09 .2809(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. Three of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. Two of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. At 9:10 A.M., sixteen children one through two years of age were observed in Space #3 with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violation which could not be corrected during the visit has been corrected must be received by December 25, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Complaint Visit conducted September 23, 2024 and again today regarding enhanced space requirements and staff/child ratios and group sizes. As discussed, you must ensure all staff are aware of staff/child ratios and group sizes requirements for the age of the youngest child, especially when you keep children combined into fewer classrooms. Today you stated you were unsure why a one-year-old child was visiting the classroom for two-year-olds, and you moved the child back to her classroom. As a reminder, the ratio and group size of the youngest child in each group must always be maintained, and capacities of each indoor and outdoor space may not be exceeded. During the Complaint visit, we specifically discussed outdoor capacities as follows: Outdoor Space #1 (outside of Infant room): 10 children Outdoor Space #2 (outside of Toddler rooms): 11 children Outdoor Space #3 (outside of Twos/Threes rooms): 8 children Today you reminded staff members in Space #3 to split children into two small groups to maintain compliance, however they did not. Again I urged you to ensure all staff members are aware of ratios, group sizes, and indoor and outdoor space capacities to help stay in compliance. For the safety of the children, outdoor hazards including entrapments and protrusions must be repaired or removed immediately. As discussed, protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them or fall on them. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border. In addition, any openings in fencing or equipment must be less than 3 ½ inches or greater than 9 inches to prevent body parts from getting stuck in them. Today I urged you to keep a mallet or hammer handy to correct the protruding bolts and to ensure the fence holes can be repaired or covered to avoid further entrapment hazards. Regarding children’s records, today you stated as the new director you have not yet had the chance to go through all of the files for accuracy or completion. I strongly urged you to conduct a complete audit of children’s files and ensure all missing documentation is filed. Having accurate information on file for all children is essential to provide the best quality care for children. Regarding staff records, you submitted the Staff and Training Worksheet November 19, 2024 as requested, however several items were incomplete or incorrect. Necessary revisions were emailed back to you, however today you stated you had not yet had a change to make all of the corrections and ensure staff files were complete. You began working on corrections today, and it was determined that staff files will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit in the near future. Remember to ensure you have a revised Staff and Training Worksheet available for the visit. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines and will help you avoid recordkeeping violations in the future if you review it frequently. I also urged you to audit staff files using the Staff File Checklist from the DCDEE website. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age classrooms. You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Today we also discussed the facility’s Quality Point. As discussed, during the most recent rated license reassessment under the previous owner, the point was earned by having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement, however when the facility transitioned from a Temporary License to a Five Star License under the new owner in July 2024, a different Quality Point was noted by Child Care Consultant Jennifer Garner. This Quality Point, using a curriculum, is actually not available for Four and Five Star facilities as this is already a requirement, so I confirmed with you today that the facility is still eligible to earn the point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. A new Quality Point form was reviewed with you and signed today; I will send the request for a new permit reflecting this change to my Supervisor for review and processing. When you receive the new permit, please post the new one and send the old one to me as it is property of the State of North Carolina. Reminders An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 24, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by May 1, 2025. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses High Reach Learning and Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Child Development Schools NC, LLC, was verified as current and active on December 6, 2024. This is the facility’s first annual compliance visit after a change of ownership; the Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 1, 2024, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted January 24, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 96%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Eight indoor and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as play activities. Two children were observed sleeping in cribs; safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance. Children one year of age in Space #2 were observed playing with instruments, books and vehicles as well as in individual diaper changing routines. In Space #3, children one and two years of age were engaged in a coloring activity. This group was later observed in Outdoor Space #2 engaged in gross motor activities. Children three through five years of age in Spaces #4 and 5 were observed eating a breakfast of egg and cheese omelets with mandarin oranges and milk. Ms. McHale stated Spaces #6 and 7 were not in use today due to short staffing. In Space #8, preschool children participated in free choice activities including working with blocks, pretending to play doctor with baby dolls, and using holiday stamps with ink pads and paper. Staff members stated they were excited about a field trip on Friday; permission forms were observed as required. Lunch served consisted of barbeque chicken with rolls, corn, pineapple and milk. Next, children one through five years of age began to transition to rest time routines. Complete and accurate staff files, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review today. Staff requirements including Health and Safety training will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #8 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL-4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in the Teaching Strategies App. A Site Monitoring Tool was submitted to Jake Griffiths, representative of the contracting agency Smart Start of Brunswick County, on October 31, 2024. Items needing corrective action were not noted. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on 11-26-2018 was 5.32. Ms. McHale stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan for school age children posted in Space #8 was dated for September. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Carpets in several of the classrooms were visibly dirty. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. Several openings in the fencing around the playground used by school age children were observed to be between 3 1/2 and 9 inches. .0605(g) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The medication box in Space #2, which contained teething tablets, was observed unlocked. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The Incident Log for December 2024 has not yet been completed. .0802(g)(1-6) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Accurate and complete staff records, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. At 10:55 A.M., fourteen children two years of age were observed in Outdoor Space #2, which has a capacity of eleven children at 100 Sq. Ft. per child. 10A NCAC 09 .2809(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. Three of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. Two of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. At 9:10 A.M., sixteen children one through two years of age were observed in Space #3 with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violation which could not be corrected during the visit has been corrected must be received by December 25, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Complaint Visit conducted September 23, 2024 and again today regarding enhanced space requirements and staff/child ratios and group sizes. As discussed, you must ensure all staff are aware of staff/child ratios and group sizes requirements for the age of the youngest child, especially when you keep children combined into fewer classrooms. Today you stated you were unsure why a one-year-old child was visiting the classroom for two-year-olds, and you moved the child back to her classroom. As a reminder, the ratio and group size of the youngest child in each group must always be maintained, and capacities of each indoor and outdoor space may not be exceeded. During the Complaint visit, we specifically discussed outdoor capacities as follows: Outdoor Space #1 (outside of Infant room): 10 children Outdoor Space #2 (outside of Toddler rooms): 11 children Outdoor Space #3 (outside of Twos/Threes rooms): 8 children Today you reminded staff members in Space #3 to split children into two small groups to maintain compliance, however they did not. Again I urged you to ensure all staff members are aware of ratios, group sizes, and indoor and outdoor space capacities to help stay in compliance. For the safety of the children, outdoor hazards including entrapments and protrusions must be repaired or removed immediately. As discussed, protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them or fall on them. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border. In addition, any openings in fencing or equipment must be less than 3 ½ inches or greater than 9 inches to prevent body parts from getting stuck in them. Today I urged you to keep a mallet or hammer handy to correct the protruding bolts and to ensure the fence holes can be repaired or covered to avoid further entrapment hazards. Regarding children’s records, today you stated as the new director you have not yet had the chance to go through all of the files for accuracy or completion. I strongly urged you to conduct a complete audit of children’s files and ensure all missing documentation is filed. Having accurate information on file for all children is essential to provide the best quality care for children. Regarding staff records, you submitted the Staff and Training Worksheet November 19, 2024 as requested, however several items were incomplete or incorrect. Necessary revisions were emailed back to you, however today you stated you had not yet had a change to make all of the corrections and ensure staff files were complete. You began working on corrections today, and it was determined that staff files will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit in the near future. Remember to ensure you have a revised Staff and Training Worksheet available for the visit. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines and will help you avoid recordkeeping violations in the future if you review it frequently. I also urged you to audit staff files using the Staff File Checklist from the DCDEE website. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age classrooms. You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Today we also discussed the facility’s Quality Point. As discussed, during the most recent rated license reassessment under the previous owner, the point was earned by having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement, however when the facility transitioned from a Temporary License to a Five Star License under the new owner in July 2024, a different Quality Point was noted by Child Care Consultant Jennifer Garner. This Quality Point, using a curriculum, is actually not available for Four and Five Star facilities as this is already a requirement, so I confirmed with you today that the facility is still eligible to earn the point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. A new Quality Point form was reviewed with you and signed today; I will send the request for a new permit reflecting this change to my Supervisor for review and processing. When you receive the new permit, please post the new one and send the old one to me as it is property of the State of North Carolina. Reminders An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 24, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by May 1, 2025. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses High Reach Learning and Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Child Development Schools NC, LLC, was verified as current and active on December 6, 2024. This is the facility’s first annual compliance visit after a change of ownership; the Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 1, 2024, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted January 24, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 96%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Eight indoor and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as play activities. Two children were observed sleeping in cribs; safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance. Children one year of age in Space #2 were observed playing with instruments, books and vehicles as well as in individual diaper changing routines. In Space #3, children one and two years of age were engaged in a coloring activity. This group was later observed in Outdoor Space #2 engaged in gross motor activities. Children three through five years of age in Spaces #4 and 5 were observed eating a breakfast of egg and cheese omelets with mandarin oranges and milk. Ms. McHale stated Spaces #6 and 7 were not in use today due to short staffing. In Space #8, preschool children participated in free choice activities including working with blocks, pretending to play doctor with baby dolls, and using holiday stamps with ink pads and paper. Staff members stated they were excited about a field trip on Friday; permission forms were observed as required. Lunch served consisted of barbeque chicken with rolls, corn, pineapple and milk. Next, children one through five years of age began to transition to rest time routines. Complete and accurate staff files, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review today. Staff requirements including Health and Safety training will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #8 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL-4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in the Teaching Strategies App. A Site Monitoring Tool was submitted to Jake Griffiths, representative of the contracting agency Smart Start of Brunswick County, on October 31, 2024. Items needing corrective action were not noted. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on 11-26-2018 was 5.32. Ms. McHale stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan for school age children posted in Space #8 was dated for September. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Carpets in several of the classrooms were visibly dirty. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. Several openings in the fencing around the playground used by school age children were observed to be between 3 1/2 and 9 inches. .0605(g) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The medication box in Space #2, which contained teething tablets, was observed unlocked. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The Incident Log for December 2024 has not yet been completed. .0802(g)(1-6) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Accurate and complete staff records, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. At 10:55 A.M., fourteen children two years of age were observed in Outdoor Space #2, which has a capacity of eleven children at 100 Sq. Ft. per child. 10A NCAC 09 .2809(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. Three of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. Two of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. At 9:10 A.M., sixteen children one through two years of age were observed in Space #3 with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violation which could not be corrected during the visit has been corrected must be received by December 25, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Complaint Visit conducted September 23, 2024 and again today regarding enhanced space requirements and staff/child ratios and group sizes. As discussed, you must ensure all staff are aware of staff/child ratios and group sizes requirements for the age of the youngest child, especially when you keep children combined into fewer classrooms. Today you stated you were unsure why a one-year-old child was visiting the classroom for two-year-olds, and you moved the child back to her classroom. As a reminder, the ratio and group size of the youngest child in each group must always be maintained, and capacities of each indoor and outdoor space may not be exceeded. During the Complaint visit, we specifically discussed outdoor capacities as follows: Outdoor Space #1 (outside of Infant room): 10 children Outdoor Space #2 (outside of Toddler rooms): 11 children Outdoor Space #3 (outside of Twos/Threes rooms): 8 children Today you reminded staff members in Space #3 to split children into two small groups to maintain compliance, however they did not. Again I urged you to ensure all staff members are aware of ratios, group sizes, and indoor and outdoor space capacities to help stay in compliance. For the safety of the children, outdoor hazards including entrapments and protrusions must be repaired or removed immediately. As discussed, protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them or fall on them. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border. In addition, any openings in fencing or equipment must be less than 3 ½ inches or greater than 9 inches to prevent body parts from getting stuck in them. Today I urged you to keep a mallet or hammer handy to correct the protruding bolts and to ensure the fence holes can be repaired or covered to avoid further entrapment hazards. Regarding children’s records, today you stated as the new director you have not yet had the chance to go through all of the files for accuracy or completion. I strongly urged you to conduct a complete audit of children’s files and ensure all missing documentation is filed. Having accurate information on file for all children is essential to provide the best quality care for children. Regarding staff records, you submitted the Staff and Training Worksheet November 19, 2024 as requested, however several items were incomplete or incorrect. Necessary revisions were emailed back to you, however today you stated you had not yet had a change to make all of the corrections and ensure staff files were complete. You began working on corrections today, and it was determined that staff files will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit in the near future. Remember to ensure you have a revised Staff and Training Worksheet available for the visit. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines and will help you avoid recordkeeping violations in the future if you review it frequently. I also urged you to audit staff files using the Staff File Checklist from the DCDEE website. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age classrooms. You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Today we also discussed the facility’s Quality Point. As discussed, during the most recent rated license reassessment under the previous owner, the point was earned by having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement, however when the facility transitioned from a Temporary License to a Five Star License under the new owner in July 2024, a different Quality Point was noted by Child Care Consultant Jennifer Garner. This Quality Point, using a curriculum, is actually not available for Four and Five Star facilities as this is already a requirement, so I confirmed with you today that the facility is still eligible to earn the point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. A new Quality Point form was reviewed with you and signed today; I will send the request for a new permit reflecting this change to my Supervisor for review and processing. When you receive the new permit, please post the new one and send the old one to me as it is property of the State of North Carolina. Reminders An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 24, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by May 1, 2025. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses High Reach Learning and Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Child Development Schools NC, LLC, was verified as current and active on December 6, 2024. This is the facility’s first annual compliance visit after a change of ownership; the Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 1, 2024, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted January 24, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 96%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Eight indoor and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as play activities. Two children were observed sleeping in cribs; safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance. Children one year of age in Space #2 were observed playing with instruments, books and vehicles as well as in individual diaper changing routines. In Space #3, children one and two years of age were engaged in a coloring activity. This group was later observed in Outdoor Space #2 engaged in gross motor activities. Children three through five years of age in Spaces #4 and 5 were observed eating a breakfast of egg and cheese omelets with mandarin oranges and milk. Ms. McHale stated Spaces #6 and 7 were not in use today due to short staffing. In Space #8, preschool children participated in free choice activities including working with blocks, pretending to play doctor with baby dolls, and using holiday stamps with ink pads and paper. Staff members stated they were excited about a field trip on Friday; permission forms were observed as required. Lunch served consisted of barbeque chicken with rolls, corn, pineapple and milk. Next, children one through five years of age began to transition to rest time routines. Complete and accurate staff files, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review today. Staff requirements including Health and Safety training will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #8 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL-4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in the Teaching Strategies App. A Site Monitoring Tool was submitted to Jake Griffiths, representative of the contracting agency Smart Start of Brunswick County, on October 31, 2024. Items needing corrective action were not noted. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on 11-26-2018 was 5.32. Ms. McHale stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan for school age children posted in Space #8 was dated for September. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Carpets in several of the classrooms were visibly dirty. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. Several openings in the fencing around the playground used by school age children were observed to be between 3 1/2 and 9 inches. .0605(g) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The medication box in Space #2, which contained teething tablets, was observed unlocked. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The Incident Log for December 2024 has not yet been completed. .0802(g)(1-6) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Accurate and complete staff records, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. At 10:55 A.M., fourteen children two years of age were observed in Outdoor Space #2, which has a capacity of eleven children at 100 Sq. Ft. per child. 10A NCAC 09 .2809(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. Three of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. Two of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. At 9:10 A.M., sixteen children one through two years of age were observed in Space #3 with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violation which could not be corrected during the visit has been corrected must be received by December 25, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Complaint Visit conducted September 23, 2024 and again today regarding enhanced space requirements and staff/child ratios and group sizes. As discussed, you must ensure all staff are aware of staff/child ratios and group sizes requirements for the age of the youngest child, especially when you keep children combined into fewer classrooms. Today you stated you were unsure why a one-year-old child was visiting the classroom for two-year-olds, and you moved the child back to her classroom. As a reminder, the ratio and group size of the youngest child in each group must always be maintained, and capacities of each indoor and outdoor space may not be exceeded. During the Complaint visit, we specifically discussed outdoor capacities as follows: Outdoor Space #1 (outside of Infant room): 10 children Outdoor Space #2 (outside of Toddler rooms): 11 children Outdoor Space #3 (outside of Twos/Threes rooms): 8 children Today you reminded staff members in Space #3 to split children into two small groups to maintain compliance, however they did not. Again I urged you to ensure all staff members are aware of ratios, group sizes, and indoor and outdoor space capacities to help stay in compliance. For the safety of the children, outdoor hazards including entrapments and protrusions must be repaired or removed immediately. As discussed, protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them or fall on them. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border. In addition, any openings in fencing or equipment must be less than 3 ½ inches or greater than 9 inches to prevent body parts from getting stuck in them. Today I urged you to keep a mallet or hammer handy to correct the protruding bolts and to ensure the fence holes can be repaired or covered to avoid further entrapment hazards. Regarding children’s records, today you stated as the new director you have not yet had the chance to go through all of the files for accuracy or completion. I strongly urged you to conduct a complete audit of children’s files and ensure all missing documentation is filed. Having accurate information on file for all children is essential to provide the best quality care for children. Regarding staff records, you submitted the Staff and Training Worksheet November 19, 2024 as requested, however several items were incomplete or incorrect. Necessary revisions were emailed back to you, however today you stated you had not yet had a change to make all of the corrections and ensure staff files were complete. You began working on corrections today, and it was determined that staff files will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit in the near future. Remember to ensure you have a revised Staff and Training Worksheet available for the visit. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines and will help you avoid recordkeeping violations in the future if you review it frequently. I also urged you to audit staff files using the Staff File Checklist from the DCDEE website. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age classrooms. You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Today we also discussed the facility’s Quality Point. As discussed, during the most recent rated license reassessment under the previous owner, the point was earned by having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement, however when the facility transitioned from a Temporary License to a Five Star License under the new owner in July 2024, a different Quality Point was noted by Child Care Consultant Jennifer Garner. This Quality Point, using a curriculum, is actually not available for Four and Five Star facilities as this is already a requirement, so I confirmed with you today that the facility is still eligible to earn the point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. A new Quality Point form was reviewed with you and signed today; I will send the request for a new permit reflecting this change to my Supervisor for review and processing. When you receive the new permit, please post the new one and send the old one to me as it is property of the State of North Carolina. Reminders An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 24, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by May 1, 2025. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses High Reach Learning and Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Child Development Schools NC, LLC, was verified as current and active on December 6, 2024. This is the facility’s first annual compliance visit after a change of ownership; the Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 1, 2024, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted January 24, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 96%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Eight indoor and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as play activities. Two children were observed sleeping in cribs; safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance. Children one year of age in Space #2 were observed playing with instruments, books and vehicles as well as in individual diaper changing routines. In Space #3, children one and two years of age were engaged in a coloring activity. This group was later observed in Outdoor Space #2 engaged in gross motor activities. Children three through five years of age in Spaces #4 and 5 were observed eating a breakfast of egg and cheese omelets with mandarin oranges and milk. Ms. McHale stated Spaces #6 and 7 were not in use today due to short staffing. In Space #8, preschool children participated in free choice activities including working with blocks, pretending to play doctor with baby dolls, and using holiday stamps with ink pads and paper. Staff members stated they were excited about a field trip on Friday; permission forms were observed as required. Lunch served consisted of barbeque chicken with rolls, corn, pineapple and milk. Next, children one through five years of age began to transition to rest time routines. Complete and accurate staff files, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review today. Staff requirements including Health and Safety training will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #8 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL-4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in the Teaching Strategies App. A Site Monitoring Tool was submitted to Jake Griffiths, representative of the contracting agency Smart Start of Brunswick County, on October 31, 2024. Items needing corrective action were not noted. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on 11-26-2018 was 5.32. Ms. McHale stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan for school age children posted in Space #8 was dated for September. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Carpets in several of the classrooms were visibly dirty. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. Several openings in the fencing around the playground used by school age children were observed to be between 3 1/2 and 9 inches. .0605(g) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The medication box in Space #2, which contained teething tablets, was observed unlocked. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The Incident Log for December 2024 has not yet been completed. .0802(g)(1-6) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Accurate and complete staff records, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. At 10:55 A.M., fourteen children two years of age were observed in Outdoor Space #2, which has a capacity of eleven children at 100 Sq. Ft. per child. 10A NCAC 09 .2809(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. Three of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. Two of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. At 9:10 A.M., sixteen children one through two years of age were observed in Space #3 with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violation which could not be corrected during the visit has been corrected must be received by December 25, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Complaint Visit conducted September 23, 2024 and again today regarding enhanced space requirements and staff/child ratios and group sizes. As discussed, you must ensure all staff are aware of staff/child ratios and group sizes requirements for the age of the youngest child, especially when you keep children combined into fewer classrooms. Today you stated you were unsure why a one-year-old child was visiting the classroom for two-year-olds, and you moved the child back to her classroom. As a reminder, the ratio and group size of the youngest child in each group must always be maintained, and capacities of each indoor and outdoor space may not be exceeded. During the Complaint visit, we specifically discussed outdoor capacities as follows: Outdoor Space #1 (outside of Infant room): 10 children Outdoor Space #2 (outside of Toddler rooms): 11 children Outdoor Space #3 (outside of Twos/Threes rooms): 8 children Today you reminded staff members in Space #3 to split children into two small groups to maintain compliance, however they did not. Again I urged you to ensure all staff members are aware of ratios, group sizes, and indoor and outdoor space capacities to help stay in compliance. For the safety of the children, outdoor hazards including entrapments and protrusions must be repaired or removed immediately. As discussed, protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them or fall on them. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border. In addition, any openings in fencing or equipment must be less than 3 ½ inches or greater than 9 inches to prevent body parts from getting stuck in them. Today I urged you to keep a mallet or hammer handy to correct the protruding bolts and to ensure the fence holes can be repaired or covered to avoid further entrapment hazards. Regarding children’s records, today you stated as the new director you have not yet had the chance to go through all of the files for accuracy or completion. I strongly urged you to conduct a complete audit of children’s files and ensure all missing documentation is filed. Having accurate information on file for all children is essential to provide the best quality care for children. Regarding staff records, you submitted the Staff and Training Worksheet November 19, 2024 as requested, however several items were incomplete or incorrect. Necessary revisions were emailed back to you, however today you stated you had not yet had a change to make all of the corrections and ensure staff files were complete. You began working on corrections today, and it was determined that staff files will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit in the near future. Remember to ensure you have a revised Staff and Training Worksheet available for the visit. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines and will help you avoid recordkeeping violations in the future if you review it frequently. I also urged you to audit staff files using the Staff File Checklist from the DCDEE website. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age classrooms. You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Today we also discussed the facility’s Quality Point. As discussed, during the most recent rated license reassessment under the previous owner, the point was earned by having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement, however when the facility transitioned from a Temporary License to a Five Star License under the new owner in July 2024, a different Quality Point was noted by Child Care Consultant Jennifer Garner. This Quality Point, using a curriculum, is actually not available for Four and Five Star facilities as this is already a requirement, so I confirmed with you today that the facility is still eligible to earn the point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. A new Quality Point form was reviewed with you and signed today; I will send the request for a new permit reflecting this change to my Supervisor for review and processing. When you receive the new permit, please post the new one and send the old one to me as it is property of the State of North Carolina. Reminders An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 24, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by May 1, 2025. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses High Reach Learning and Creative Curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Child Development Schools NC, LLC, was verified as current and active on December 6, 2024. This is the facility’s first annual compliance visit after a change of ownership; the Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 1, 2024, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted January 24, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 96%. Administrator, S. McHale, and Assistant Director, B. Norris, were present and available for consultation today. Eight indoor and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. In Space #1, infants were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as play activities. Two children were observed sleeping in cribs; safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored and in compliance. Children one year of age in Space #2 were observed playing with instruments, books and vehicles as well as in individual diaper changing routines. In Space #3, children one and two years of age were engaged in a coloring activity. This group was later observed in Outdoor Space #2 engaged in gross motor activities. Children three through five years of age in Spaces #4 and 5 were observed eating a breakfast of egg and cheese omelets with mandarin oranges and milk. Ms. McHale stated Spaces #6 and 7 were not in use today due to short staffing. In Space #8, preschool children participated in free choice activities including working with blocks, pretending to play doctor with baby dolls, and using holiday stamps with ink pads and paper. Staff members stated they were excited about a field trip on Friday; permission forms were observed as required. Lunch served consisted of barbeque chicken with rolls, corn, pineapple and milk. Next, children one through five years of age began to transition to rest time routines. Complete and accurate staff files, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review today. Staff requirements including Health and Safety training will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #8 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL-4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in the Teaching Strategies App. A Site Monitoring Tool was submitted to Jake Griffiths, representative of the contracting agency Smart Start of Brunswick County, on October 31, 2024. Items needing corrective action were not noted. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on 11-26-2018 was 5.32. Ms. McHale stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan for school age children posted in Space #8 was dated for September. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Carpets in several of the classrooms were visibly dirty. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by school age children. .0601(c) 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. Several openings in the fencing around the playground used by school age children were observed to be between 3 1/2 and 9 inches. .0605(g) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The medication box in Space #2, which contained teething tablets, was observed unlocked. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. The Incident Log for December 2024 has not yet been completed. .0802(g)(1-6) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Accurate and complete staff records, including the Staff and Training Worksheet, were not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. At 10:55 A.M., fourteen children two years of age were observed in Outdoor Space #2, which has a capacity of eleven children at 100 Sq. Ft. per child. 10A NCAC 09 .2809(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. Three of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 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. Two of the twelve children's records monitored today were missing health assessments. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. At 9:10 A.M., sixteen children one through two years of age were observed in Space #3 with two staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violation which could not be corrected during the visit has been corrected must be received by December 25, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Complaint Visit conducted September 23, 2024 and again today regarding enhanced space requirements and staff/child ratios and group sizes. As discussed, you must ensure all staff are aware of staff/child ratios and group sizes requirements for the age of the youngest child, especially when you keep children combined into fewer classrooms. Today you stated you were unsure why a one-year-old child was visiting the classroom for two-year-olds, and you moved the child back to her classroom. As a reminder, the ratio and group size of the youngest child in each group must always be maintained, and capacities of each indoor and outdoor space may not be exceeded. During the Complaint visit, we specifically discussed outdoor capacities as follows: Outdoor Space #1 (outside of Infant room): 10 children Outdoor Space #2 (outside of Toddler rooms): 11 children Outdoor Space #3 (outside of Twos/Threes rooms): 8 children Today you reminded staff members in Space #3 to split children into two small groups to maintain compliance, however they did not. Again I urged you to ensure all staff members are aware of ratios, group sizes, and indoor and outdoor space capacities to help stay in compliance. For the safety of the children, outdoor hazards including entrapments and protrusions must be repaired or removed immediately. As discussed, protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them or fall on them. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border. In addition, any openings in fencing or equipment must be less than 3 ½ inches or greater than 9 inches to prevent body parts from getting stuck in them. Today I urged you to keep a mallet or hammer handy to correct the protruding bolts and to ensure the fence holes can be repaired or covered to avoid further entrapment hazards. Regarding children’s records, today you stated as the new director you have not yet had the chance to go through all of the files for accuracy or completion. I strongly urged you to conduct a complete audit of children’s files and ensure all missing documentation is filed. Having accurate information on file for all children is essential to provide the best quality care for children. Regarding staff records, you submitted the Staff and Training Worksheet November 19, 2024 as requested, however several items were incomplete or incorrect. Necessary revisions were emailed back to you, however today you stated you had not yet had a change to make all of the corrections and ensure staff files were complete. You began working on corrections today, and it was determined that staff files will be monitored during an unannounced follow-up visit in the near future. Remember to ensure you have a revised Staff and Training Worksheet available for the visit. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines and will help you avoid recordkeeping violations in the future if you review it frequently. I also urged you to audit staff files using the Staff File Checklist from the DCDEE website. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” The School Age Care Environment Rating Scale- Updated (SACERS-U) will continue to be used for school age classrooms. You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Today we also discussed the facility’s Quality Point. As discussed, during the most recent rated license reassessment under the previous owner, the point was earned by having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement, however when the facility transitioned from a Temporary License to a Five Star License under the new owner in July 2024, a different Quality Point was noted by Child Care Consultant Jennifer Garner. This Quality Point, using a curriculum, is actually not available for Four and Five Star facilities as this is already a requirement, so I confirmed with you today that the facility is still eligible to earn the point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. A new Quality Point form was reviewed with you and signed today; I will send the request for a new permit reflecting this change to my Supervisor for review and processing. When you receive the new permit, please post the new one and send the old one to me as it is property of the State of North Carolina. Reminders An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to verify compliance. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 24, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by May 1, 2025. North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-287L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 73 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 12:05 PM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements pertinent to this visit type and to obtain information regarding an alleged violation of child care requirements. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued July 9, 2024, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 140 children 0-12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and space, no cooking allowed in building #2 and no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Restrictions were in compliance today. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 97%. Administrator, S. McHale, was present and available for consultation today. Child Care Consultant April Lester was also present and assisted with the visit today. Upon arrival, the allegation was reviewed with Ms. McHale, and she was given the opportunity to state her perceptions of the allegation. Ms. McHale stated there was a parent of a one-year-old child who disenrolled her child on October 22, 2024, alleging that her child had been bitten by another child while at the facility on October 21, 2024. Ms. McHale stated once the allegation was brought to her attention, she immediately spoke with the two staff members who had been present with the child while he was here that morning, and neither of them reported the child having been bitten while he was in their care. Ms. McHale stated there have been some biting behaviors in the classroom for young one-year-olds, and provided Incident Reports from the month of October. Both of the staff members assigned to this space were interviewed separately and privately today. Arrival and departure records for children in this classroom were also reviewed for October 21, 2024. Children were observed in Spaces #1-5 and 7-8. All spaces were transitioning to nap time or were already resting. In addition to monitoring for the allegation, the following sections were monitored: Supervision; Staff/child Ratio; Adequate/Approved Space; License Posted; and Permit Restrictions. Allegation: There is a concern that children were not adequately supervised. Adequate supervision was provided throughout the observation today. It was verified that the child who had allegedly been bitten was only at the facility from 8:16-9:35 A.M. on October 21, 2024. Ms. McHale stated he was picked up early for a doctor’s appointment and did not return. Both staff members who were present with the child stated that he seemed to be playing happily while he was here and he did not cry or have any unusual reactions to anything while he was here. They both stated they did not observe him getting bitten or otherwise injured at any point while he was here. They did state that they have been dealing with some biting behaviors and they have been using strategies such as dividing children into smaller groups, keeping children who tend to bite closer to them, and keep children separated as much as possible to try to prevent the biting. Sixteen Incident Reports documenting biting instances in the month of October 2024 were provided for review, and each one clearly indicated when, how and where the incidents occurred. Ms. McHale also stated the parent did not call to report the child’s bitemark until around 2:00 P.M. on October 21, 2024, several hours after she had taken him home. Based on my observations, staff interviews, and a lack of additional information, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care requirements, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floors in Building #2 were observed to be sagging in multiple places. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 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. An accurate record of safe sleep checks was not available. .0606(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by November 7, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided today regarding documentation of safe sleep checks for infants. While staff members stated and demonstrated that they use an “app” to record safe sleep checks, they were not able to provide a complete record of each sleep check that was conducted during a given nap time. As discussed, visually checking infants at least every fifteen minutes while they sleep should include walking over to the crib to watch the chest rise and fall, note color of skin, look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature, and note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. Visual checks must be documented as conducted and records maintained for at least one month. Today you stated you would ensure staff members are using the digital timers provided to remind them to conduct sleep checks and using the safe sleep charts to document all sleep checks instead of the app which doesn’t keep a complete record. Today we also discussed the sagging floors in Building #2 and the possibility that moisture under the building could be causing deterioration, which may create a potential safety hazard for children and staff if it gets worse. You stated maintenance and repair requests have been made, however you were unsure if there were plans to investigate further and/or make repairs. Today I advised that the cause of the sagging should be determined and any necessary repairs be made to ensure the floors are structurally sound. Remember to include in your compliance letter any inspections that are done and/or repairs or replacements to the flooring made. Technical Assistance Regarding dealing with biting behaviors, you may follow the steps below with both toddlers and preschoolers. 1.If you see the biting incident, move quickly to the scene and get down to children’s level. Respond to the child who did the biting. In a serious, firm tone make a strong statement: “No biting. Biting hurts. I can’t let you hurt Josie or anyone else.” Next, offer a choice: “You can help make Josie feel better, or you can sit quietly until I can talk with you.” Help the child follow through on the choice if necessary. 2.Respond to the child who was hurt by offering comfort through words and actions: “I’m sorry you are hurting. Let’s get some ice.” Perform first aid if necessary. The child who did the biting can help comfort the bitten child—if both parties agree. Help the child who was hurt find something to do. 3.Finally, talk to the child who did the biting. Maintain eye contact and speak in simple words using a calm, firm tone of voice. Try to find out what happened that led to the incident. Restate the rule, “Biting is not allowed.” Model the use of words that describe feelings: “Kim took your ball. You felt angry. You bit Kim. I can’t let you hurt Kim. No biting.” Discuss how the child can respond in similar situations in the future. What if biting becomes a habit? If biting becomes a habit and ongoing positive guidance is not effective, it is time to set up a meeting with the child's parents or guardians. Together, you can plan an approach for addressing the behavior that can be applied consistently at home and at the program. You can discuss and define the behavior and find the cause behind it. Next, you can work together to develop a plan to address the causes and help the child to replace biting with acceptable behaviors. Try the plan for several weeks, but be patient. It takes time to change behaviors that have become habits. Keep in touch with parents to share information about changes in behavior. After several weeks, evaluate the plan’s effectiveness and make changes as needed. There are a variety of things that caregivers can do to prevent biting. It helps to have age-appropriate expectations for children's behavior based on their current skills and abilities. Make sure schedule, routines, and transitions are predictable and consistent. At meal and nap times, try to do things in the same way and at the same times. Young children thrive when they know what will happen next. Ensure staff members continue with diligent supervision and provide a floater or extra assistance during challenging times such as diaper changing routines or transitions. You may also contact Smart Start of Brunswick County or the Region 4 CCR&R Birth-Three Quality Initiative Specialist, Shelly Martin, for more resources. Contact information was emailed to you today. Reminders As discussed, you may request a Technical Assistance visit at any time if you would like an overview of Child Care Rules or guidance with maintaining compliance as you are a new Administrator. Please email me and I will send you some dates and times I am available. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed, and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/22/2024 Number Present: 81 Completed Date: 5/22/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the third temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024 and is valid through July 8, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 147 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios; no cooking in building #2; no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Administrator Mindy Connor was present today and available for consultation. Child Care Consultant Amy Wangler was present and assisted with today’s visit. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Child Development Schools Noth Carolina, LLC is current and active. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and inspections must be completed by July 8, 2024. Your fire inspection was completed January 24, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime care only. A superior sanitation inspection was earned on May 1, 2024. A new building inspection has not been completed. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to July 8, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. Eight classrooms are operating with one hundred and thirty children enrolled; eighty-one children present. All children were appropriately supervised. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts are current and up to date. During today’s visit, infants in Space 1 were observed playing on the floor, being held by caregivers, or drinking milk in high chairs. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored today. Toddlers enrolled in Spaces 2 and 6 were observed on one of the small fenced in playgrounds, using a climbing structure and playing in a play house. Two-year-old children in Space 3 were cleaning up free choice materials prior to transitioning to a separate fenced in playground. Three-year-old children participated in free choice activities in the classroom, including using tools with playdough, building with Legos and using manipulatives. Preschool children enrolled in Spaces 5 and 8 were observed on another fenced in playground, riding tricycles around a path and playing with balls. Children three and four years of age in Space 7 were engaged in free choice activities including drawing treasure maps on construction paper, building with Legos and working with pattern blocks. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner. Lunch served today was chicken patties with barbeque sauce, sweet potatoes, applesauce, whole grain buns and milk. Today outdoor spaces were measured, and a space calculation worksheet was completed and emailed to you with this visit. Outdoor space 1 used by infants and toddlers has a capacity of 10 children. Outdoor space 2 used by two-year-old children has a capacity of 11 children. Outdoor space 2 used by three-year-old children has a capacity of 11 children. Outdoor space 4 used by four-year-old children has a capacity of 43 children. Outdoor space 5 used by school-aged children has a capacity of 88 children. Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Accessible electrical outlets in space 3 were not covered nor in use. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. Staff did not document the date, dosage, time medication was administered and whom administered it. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 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. One child slept for 56 minutes without documentation of visual sleep checks. .0606(g) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how each violation has been corrected must be received by May 31, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. 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. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Safe Sleep: The frequency of visual checks included in your Safe Sleep Policy must be followed and documented. Your Safe Sleep Policy stated you will visually check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes and will document the sleep position of the infant. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Staff reported they typically complete the visually sleep checks and document them electronically then transfer the information to a paper copy. Today I suggested that you use digital timers affixed to each crib to help remind you when sleep checks must be conducted and documented. Medication: Today we reviewed the requirement that administration of prescription and over-the-counter medications be logged. I printed you a copy of the medication authorization form and administration log from the DCDEE website and showed you how to record details regarding administration of medication. You must ensure staff are aware of this requirement and have access to these logs for use moving forward. Outlets: All accessible outlets not in use must be covered for the safety of the children. Today I advised you to keep an extra supply of outlet covers in each classroom or in the office so ones which get lost may be replaced easily. Technical Assistance: Technical assistance was also provided today regarding supervision of children one and two years of age on the playground. As discussed, as children in this age group have a tendency to put things in their mouths, you must be diligent in supervising them as the playground they use is covered in mulch. If children put pieces of mulch in their mouths, they may choke or injure themselves. Ideally, a different type of surfacing such as sand or artificial turf may be more age appropriate. Remember, resilient surfacing like mulch is not required at all unless you have stationary equipment with a critical fall height of 18 inches or higher. Today we also discussed what to do when staff members leave employment and then return after a long period of time. As discussed, you must ensure qualification letters remain current and medical items such as TB test results and physicals are less than 12 months old at the time of re-hire. Old training certificates do not need to be maintained unless they are still valid, however orientation and other policy reviews should be redone to ensure staff have the most current information and training. RATED LICENSE: As this is a change of ownership the facility has chosen to continue with the points previously awarded during the last rated license assessment on July 13, 2017. Under the previous ownership the facility earned 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. The facility earned six points in program for meeting minimum requirements, as well as enhanced space and ratios. The facility earned a 5.50 on the ITERS-R, a 5.20 on the ECERS-R and a 5.11 on the SACER-U with an average score of 5.28 across the three assessments. The facility earned six points in education. The facility earned a total of 13 points which is a 5-star license. Your facility is in cohort 1. Your prep year began July 1, 2023 and continues through June 30, 2024. Your reassessment year is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. At this time, the facility has chosen not to have a practice assessment during your planning year. As you prepare for your rated license reassessment next year beginning July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025, you will want to review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Brunswick County or Region 4 CCR&R for assistance with completion of the self-assessment component. Also, be reminded that you may voluntarily request a reassessment at any time by contacting your consultant. NCRLAP outreach assessments are still being offered through June 30, 2024, if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with Smart Start of Brunswick County to help you with mock assessments. Education Standards: All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. Once your completed, approved building inspection has been received, your rated license will be issued. At the end of this visit, documentation could not be completed electronically, due to technical difficulties with the Regulatory system. This visit summary was emailed to you. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/22/2024 Number Present: 81 Completed Date: 5/22/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the third temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024 and is valid through July 8, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 147 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios; no cooking in building #2; no children less than 3 years old in building #2. Administrator Mindy Connor was present today and available for consultation. Child Care Consultant Amy Wangler was present and assisted with today’s visit. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Child Development Schools Noth Carolina, LLC is current and active. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and inspections must be completed by July 8, 2024. Your fire inspection was completed January 24, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime care only. A superior sanitation inspection was earned on May 1, 2024. A new building inspection has not been completed. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to July 8, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. Eight classrooms are operating with one hundred and thirty children enrolled; eighty-one children present. All children were appropriately supervised. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts are current and up to date. During today’s visit, infants in Space 1 were observed playing on the floor, being held by caregivers, or drinking milk in high chairs. Safe sleep practices including documentation were monitored today. Toddlers enrolled in Spaces 2 and 6 were observed on one of the small fenced in playgrounds, using a climbing structure and playing in a play house. Two-year-old children in Space 3 were cleaning up free choice materials prior to transitioning to a separate fenced in playground. Three-year-old children participated in free choice activities in the classroom, including using tools with playdough, building with Legos and using manipulatives. Preschool children enrolled in Spaces 5 and 8 were observed on another fenced in playground, riding tricycles around a path and playing with balls. Children three and four years of age in Space 7 were engaged in free choice activities including drawing treasure maps on construction paper, building with Legos and working with pattern blocks. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner. Lunch served today was chicken patties with barbeque sauce, sweet potatoes, applesauce, whole grain buns and milk. Today outdoor spaces were measured, and a space calculation worksheet was completed and emailed to you with this visit. Outdoor space 1 used by infants and toddlers has a capacity of 10 children. Outdoor space 2 used by two-year-old children has a capacity of 11 children. Outdoor space 2 used by three-year-old children has a capacity of 11 children. Outdoor space 4 used by four-year-old children has a capacity of 43 children. Outdoor space 5 used by school-aged children has a capacity of 88 children. Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Accessible electrical outlets in space 3 were not covered nor in use. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. Staff did not document the date, dosage, time medication was administered and whom administered it. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 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. One child slept for 56 minutes without documentation of visual sleep checks. .0606(g) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how each violation has been corrected must be received by May 31, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. 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. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Safe Sleep: The frequency of visual checks included in your Safe Sleep Policy must be followed and documented. Your Safe Sleep Policy stated you will visually check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes and will document the sleep position of the infant. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Staff reported they typically complete the visually sleep checks and document them electronically then transfer the information to a paper copy. Today I suggested that you use digital timers affixed to each crib to help remind you when sleep checks must be conducted and documented. Medication: Today we reviewed the requirement that administration of prescription and over-the-counter medications be logged. I printed you a copy of the medication authorization form and administration log from the DCDEE website and showed you how to record details regarding administration of medication. You must ensure staff are aware of this requirement and have access to these logs for use moving forward. Outlets: All accessible outlets not in use must be covered for the safety of the children. Today I advised you to keep an extra supply of outlet covers in each classroom or in the office so ones which get lost may be replaced easily. Technical Assistance: Technical assistance was also provided today regarding supervision of children one and two years of age on the playground. As discussed, as children in this age group have a tendency to put things in their mouths, you must be diligent in supervising them as the playground they use is covered in mulch. If children put pieces of mulch in their mouths, they may choke or injure themselves. Ideally, a different type of surfacing such as sand or artificial turf may be more age appropriate. Remember, resilient surfacing like mulch is not required at all unless you have stationary equipment with a critical fall height of 18 inches or higher. Today we also discussed what to do when staff members leave employment and then return after a long period of time. As discussed, you must ensure qualification letters remain current and medical items such as TB test results and physicals are less than 12 months old at the time of re-hire. Old training certificates do not need to be maintained unless they are still valid, however orientation and other policy reviews should be redone to ensure staff have the most current information and training. RATED LICENSE: As this is a change of ownership the facility has chosen to continue with the points previously awarded during the last rated license assessment on July 13, 2017. Under the previous ownership the facility earned 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. The facility earned six points in program for meeting minimum requirements, as well as enhanced space and ratios. The facility earned a 5.50 on the ITERS-R, a 5.20 on the ECERS-R and a 5.11 on the SACER-U with an average score of 5.28 across the three assessments. The facility earned six points in education. The facility earned a total of 13 points which is a 5-star license. Your facility is in cohort 1. Your prep year began July 1, 2023 and continues through June 30, 2024. Your reassessment year is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. At this time, the facility has chosen not to have a practice assessment during your planning year. As you prepare for your rated license reassessment next year beginning July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025, you will want to review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Brunswick County or Region 4 CCR&R for assistance with completion of the self-assessment component. Also, be reminded that you may voluntarily request a reassessment at any time by contacting your consultant. NCRLAP outreach assessments are still being offered through June 30, 2024, if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with Smart Start of Brunswick County to help you with mock assessments. Education Standards: All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. Once your completed, approved building inspection has been received, your rated license will be issued. At the end of this visit, documentation could not be completed electronically, due to technical difficulties with the Regulatory system. This visit summary was emailed to you. 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: Childcare Network #85 Facility ID: 10000313 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/13/2024 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 3/13/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024 and is valid through July 8, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 109 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses High Reach Learning. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Child Development Schools Noth Carolina, LLC is current and active. Child Care Consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. Your last fire drill was complete February 8, 2024 and your last outdoor inspection was completed February 26, 2024. Eight classrooms are operating with one hundred and twenty-nine children enrolled and eighty-two children present. All children were appropriately supervised. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts are current and up to date and safe sleep charts are being maintained. During today’s visit, infants in Space 1 were observed sleeping in appropriate cribs, playing with push toys, manipulative and soft toys while exploring the environment. Toddlers in space 6 were combined in Space 2 with other toddlers. Children were engaged in activity areas with musical instruments, puzzles, and baby dolls. Two-year-old children in Spaces 3 and 4 were engaged in group play with playdoh, and having a group conversation about magnets and how they are used. Preschool children in Space 5 were engaged in activity areas with pegs toys, dinosaurs, drawing recipes, and building blocks. Preschool children in Space 7 were engaged in activity areas drawing with crayons, dressing, and feeding baby dolls, and building with blocks. Preschool children in Space 8 were outside in the learning area riding bikes and throwing balls. Breakfast served today consisted of muffins, pineapple, and milk. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and inspections must be completed by July 8, 2024. You will need to contact each inspector to request the inspection. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to July 8, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. An approved sanitation inspection with 16 demerits was received January 22, 2024. A fire inspection was completed February 8, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime care only. You have requested your building inspection and are hoping to have it completed this month. Violation Number Comment Rule 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Although the facility is being sprayed monthly, roaches were observed in space 1 (infants) and staff reported on-going issues with roaches in all classrooms; therefore, the measures being taken are not effectively working. This is a violation of a requirement in 15A NCAC 18A .2831(b). One violation was cited today. Send me your compliance letter no later than March 22, 2024 detailing how the violation has been corrected. 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. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical assistance for violation cited: North Carolina Child Care Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831(b) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. Cockroaches and rodents can carry and spread various diseases, pathogens, bacteria, and germs. When they travel throughout your facility, they leave a path of urine, feces, and regurgitated saliva and digestive fluids that contain harmful agents that can be transmitted to humans. Clean all affect areas with an approved disinfectant and sanitizer. To keep pests out for good, fill holes and seal cracks in walls, floors and woodwork, and around plumbing fixtures. Keep food and food waste in sealed containers with tight fitting lids. RATED LICENSE: Today we again discussed the two-component rated license process. As a change of ownership you may choose to continue with the points awarded during the last rated license assessment. Under the previous ownership the facility earned 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. The facility earned six points in program for meeting minimum requirements, enhanced space and ratios, and earning an average score of 5.34 across their three assessments. The facility earned seven points in education. The facility earned a total of fourteen points which is a four star license. You would like to continue with these points. This put your facility in cohort 1. Your prep year began July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. Your reassessment year is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. In your planning year, you will want to review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Brunswick County or Region 4 CCR&R for assistance with completion of the self-assessment component. Your planning year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Also, be reminded that you may voluntarily request a reassessment at any time by contacting your consultant. NCRLAP outreach assessments are still being offered if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with Smart Start of Brunswick County to help you with mock assessments. Related to education, ensure you are uploading your education. Education Standards: All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. It is also time to renew your lead water testing. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to have tap water tested for lead and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. As you have already completed your water testing, you only need to enroll in the paint and asbestos programs. The deadline for enrollment is May 1, 2024. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.