10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDS WORLD ACADEMY I Facility ID: 10000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/16/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/16/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued July 16, 2020, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 29 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced 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 the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Kids World Academy, Inc, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s Office on July 15, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 7, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted February 28, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 87%. Owner, A. Taylor, and Administrator, D. Hewett, were present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; three indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. Upon arrival, six children one through four years of age enrolled in Spaces #2 and 3 were observed on the fenced in playground with two staff members, using riding toys, balls, slides, climbing equipment and sand toys. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed in free choice activities including working with playdough and pretending to cook and serve meals in the dramatic play center. Several children arrived within the next hour, and staff members assisted them with hand washing and joining activities as needed. When children from Spaces #2 and 3 came indoors, children from Space #4 went outdoors. Prior to lunch, children in Spaces #2 and 3 engaged in free choice and large group activities. Lunch served to children in Space #2 consisted of Spaghettio’s with cheese, peas, pineapples and milk. Lunch served to children in Spaces #3 and 4 consisted of hot dogs with whole grain buns, baked beans, pineapple and milk. After lunch, children transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on cots which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. Today it was observed that age-appropriate art materials have been added and made accessible in Space #2. In addition, some age-appropriate gross motor materials have been added to an area on the playground to create a separate space for younger children when needed. Ms. Hewett also stated today that lead in paint and asbestos testing has been conducted through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids, however results have not been made available yet. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Records of arrival and departure times for children were incomplete today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Several sharp, rusted nails and screws were observed in loose boards on the fence at the back of the playground. In addition, two protruding bolts were observed at the base of the school bus. REPEATED .0601(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Two tricycles with missing pedals were observed on the playground. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A tube of prescription ointment was observed in an unlocked cabinet in the bathroom in Space #3. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. An albuterol inhaler which expired in June 2024 was observed in a cabinet in the bathroom in Space #4. .0803(12) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by July 30, 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 Repeated violations were cited today regarding playground hazards and equipment in poor repair. As discussed during visits conducted August 9, 2023 and February 26, 2024, and again today, for the safety of the children, you must ensure you inspect outdoor equipment, materials and fencing closely during monthly inspections. Remind staff to be aware of hazards such as broken equipment, splintered wood, loose fence boards, protrusions and rusty nails. I also suggested you assign a staff member who comes in early to check the playground daily prior to children’s use for anything which needs to be repaired or removed. Hazards should be repaired or removed immediately, or made inaccessible until repairs are complete. You must send pictures of repairs to verify compliance. Technical assistance was provided during visits August 16, 2022 and February 21, 2023 regarding medication storage requirements. As discussed again today, all prescription medications regardless of type must be kept in locked storage. Today you placed the prescription ointment observed in Space #3 in locked storage in the bathroom to correct the violation, but I suggested you use a lock box which can be kept in the classroom to allow easy access to the medication for staff. You also stated you would return the expired albuterol to parents today and request a new medication with updated authorization. To avoid future noncompliance, I suggested you create a list of authorized medications, dates of authorization and dates of expiration for the entire facility and post it in a prominent place in your office so you can see at a glance when medications should be sent home or updates may be needed. As discussed, Child Care Rules require children’s arrival and departure times to be recorded in real time daily. Today I suggested you ask parents to help with this requirement, and/or take the sign in and out notebooks with you outside as many of the children arrive and depart while you are on the playground. This will ensure accurate times may be recorded as required. Technical Assistance A violation was not necessary today due to the number of children present, however technical assistance was provided on having separate outdoor times for children under two years of age when more than fifteen children are in care. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on the new assessment tools if you are interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. I will share more information as I am able. As a reminder, to maintain Education points, all lead teachers must have the NCECC and 50% of lead teachers must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 12 semester hours (SH) ECE coursework and two years’ experience. I also shared with you that R. Sullivan must log into her DCDEE WORKS account, apply for evaluation as a teacher assistant, and submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders Remember to update annual staff evaluations in August as required. In addition, criminal records qualification letters for two staff members expire later this year. You may now use the new Criminal Background Check Provider Portal to view qualification status and print a staff roster to assist with compliance. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by February 28, 2025 to avoid a violation. Remember to submit a copy within one week as required. 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.

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDS WORLD ACADEMY I Facility ID: 10000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/16/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/16/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued July 16, 2020, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 29 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced 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 the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Kids World Academy, Inc, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s Office on July 15, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 7, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted February 28, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 87%. Owner, A. Taylor, and Administrator, D. Hewett, were present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; three indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. Upon arrival, six children one through four years of age enrolled in Spaces #2 and 3 were observed on the fenced in playground with two staff members, using riding toys, balls, slides, climbing equipment and sand toys. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed in free choice activities including working with playdough and pretending to cook and serve meals in the dramatic play center. Several children arrived within the next hour, and staff members assisted them with hand washing and joining activities as needed. When children from Spaces #2 and 3 came indoors, children from Space #4 went outdoors. Prior to lunch, children in Spaces #2 and 3 engaged in free choice and large group activities. Lunch served to children in Space #2 consisted of Spaghettio’s with cheese, peas, pineapples and milk. Lunch served to children in Spaces #3 and 4 consisted of hot dogs with whole grain buns, baked beans, pineapple and milk. After lunch, children transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on cots which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. Today it was observed that age-appropriate art materials have been added and made accessible in Space #2. In addition, some age-appropriate gross motor materials have been added to an area on the playground to create a separate space for younger children when needed. Ms. Hewett also stated today that lead in paint and asbestos testing has been conducted through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids, however results have not been made available yet. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Records of arrival and departure times for children were incomplete today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Several sharp, rusted nails and screws were observed in loose boards on the fence at the back of the playground. In addition, two protruding bolts were observed at the base of the school bus. REPEATED .0601(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Two tricycles with missing pedals were observed on the playground. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A tube of prescription ointment was observed in an unlocked cabinet in the bathroom in Space #3. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. An albuterol inhaler which expired in June 2024 was observed in a cabinet in the bathroom in Space #4. .0803(12) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by July 30, 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 Repeated violations were cited today regarding playground hazards and equipment in poor repair. As discussed during visits conducted August 9, 2023 and February 26, 2024, and again today, for the safety of the children, you must ensure you inspect outdoor equipment, materials and fencing closely during monthly inspections. Remind staff to be aware of hazards such as broken equipment, splintered wood, loose fence boards, protrusions and rusty nails. I also suggested you assign a staff member who comes in early to check the playground daily prior to children’s use for anything which needs to be repaired or removed. Hazards should be repaired or removed immediately, or made inaccessible until repairs are complete. You must send pictures of repairs to verify compliance. Technical assistance was provided during visits August 16, 2022 and February 21, 2023 regarding medication storage requirements. As discussed again today, all prescription medications regardless of type must be kept in locked storage. Today you placed the prescription ointment observed in Space #3 in locked storage in the bathroom to correct the violation, but I suggested you use a lock box which can be kept in the classroom to allow easy access to the medication for staff. You also stated you would return the expired albuterol to parents today and request a new medication with updated authorization. To avoid future noncompliance, I suggested you create a list of authorized medications, dates of authorization and dates of expiration for the entire facility and post it in a prominent place in your office so you can see at a glance when medications should be sent home or updates may be needed. As discussed, Child Care Rules require children’s arrival and departure times to be recorded in real time daily. Today I suggested you ask parents to help with this requirement, and/or take the sign in and out notebooks with you outside as many of the children arrive and depart while you are on the playground. This will ensure accurate times may be recorded as required. Technical Assistance A violation was not necessary today due to the number of children present, however technical assistance was provided on having separate outdoor times for children under two years of age when more than fifteen children are in care. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on the new assessment tools if you are interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. I will share more information as I am able. As a reminder, to maintain Education points, all lead teachers must have the NCECC and 50% of lead teachers must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 12 semester hours (SH) ECE coursework and two years’ experience. I also shared with you that R. Sullivan must log into her DCDEE WORKS account, apply for evaluation as a teacher assistant, and submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders Remember to update annual staff evaluations in August as required. In addition, criminal records qualification letters for two staff members expire later this year. You may now use the new Criminal Background Check Provider Portal to view qualification status and print a staff roster to assist with compliance. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by February 28, 2025 to avoid a violation. Remember to submit a copy within one week as required. 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: KIDS WORLD ACADEMY I Facility ID: 10000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/16/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/16/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued July 16, 2020, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 29 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced 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 the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Kids World Academy, Inc, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s Office on July 15, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 7, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted February 28, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 87%. Owner, A. Taylor, and Administrator, D. Hewett, were present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; three indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. Upon arrival, six children one through four years of age enrolled in Spaces #2 and 3 were observed on the fenced in playground with two staff members, using riding toys, balls, slides, climbing equipment and sand toys. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed in free choice activities including working with playdough and pretending to cook and serve meals in the dramatic play center. Several children arrived within the next hour, and staff members assisted them with hand washing and joining activities as needed. When children from Spaces #2 and 3 came indoors, children from Space #4 went outdoors. Prior to lunch, children in Spaces #2 and 3 engaged in free choice and large group activities. Lunch served to children in Space #2 consisted of Spaghettio’s with cheese, peas, pineapples and milk. Lunch served to children in Spaces #3 and 4 consisted of hot dogs with whole grain buns, baked beans, pineapple and milk. After lunch, children transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on cots which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. Today it was observed that age-appropriate art materials have been added and made accessible in Space #2. In addition, some age-appropriate gross motor materials have been added to an area on the playground to create a separate space for younger children when needed. Ms. Hewett also stated today that lead in paint and asbestos testing has been conducted through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids, however results have not been made available yet. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Records of arrival and departure times for children were incomplete today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Several sharp, rusted nails and screws were observed in loose boards on the fence at the back of the playground. In addition, two protruding bolts were observed at the base of the school bus. REPEATED .0601(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Two tricycles with missing pedals were observed on the playground. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A tube of prescription ointment was observed in an unlocked cabinet in the bathroom in Space #3. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. An albuterol inhaler which expired in June 2024 was observed in a cabinet in the bathroom in Space #4. .0803(12) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by July 30, 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 Repeated violations were cited today regarding playground hazards and equipment in poor repair. As discussed during visits conducted August 9, 2023 and February 26, 2024, and again today, for the safety of the children, you must ensure you inspect outdoor equipment, materials and fencing closely during monthly inspections. Remind staff to be aware of hazards such as broken equipment, splintered wood, loose fence boards, protrusions and rusty nails. I also suggested you assign a staff member who comes in early to check the playground daily prior to children’s use for anything which needs to be repaired or removed. Hazards should be repaired or removed immediately, or made inaccessible until repairs are complete. You must send pictures of repairs to verify compliance. Technical assistance was provided during visits August 16, 2022 and February 21, 2023 regarding medication storage requirements. As discussed again today, all prescription medications regardless of type must be kept in locked storage. Today you placed the prescription ointment observed in Space #3 in locked storage in the bathroom to correct the violation, but I suggested you use a lock box which can be kept in the classroom to allow easy access to the medication for staff. You also stated you would return the expired albuterol to parents today and request a new medication with updated authorization. To avoid future noncompliance, I suggested you create a list of authorized medications, dates of authorization and dates of expiration for the entire facility and post it in a prominent place in your office so you can see at a glance when medications should be sent home or updates may be needed. As discussed, Child Care Rules require children’s arrival and departure times to be recorded in real time daily. Today I suggested you ask parents to help with this requirement, and/or take the sign in and out notebooks with you outside as many of the children arrive and depart while you are on the playground. This will ensure accurate times may be recorded as required. Technical Assistance A violation was not necessary today due to the number of children present, however technical assistance was provided on having separate outdoor times for children under two years of age when more than fifteen children are in care. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on the new assessment tools if you are interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. I will share more information as I am able. As a reminder, to maintain Education points, all lead teachers must have the NCECC and 50% of lead teachers must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 12 semester hours (SH) ECE coursework and two years’ experience. I also shared with you that R. Sullivan must log into her DCDEE WORKS account, apply for evaluation as a teacher assistant, and submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders Remember to update annual staff evaluations in August as required. In addition, criminal records qualification letters for two staff members expire later this year. You may now use the new Criminal Background Check Provider Portal to view qualification status and print a staff roster to assist with compliance. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by February 28, 2025 to avoid a violation. Remember to submit a copy within one week as required. 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: KIDS WORLD ACADEMY I Facility ID: 10000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/16/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/16/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued July 16, 2020, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 29 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced 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 the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Kids World Academy, Inc, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s Office on July 15, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained May 7, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted February 28, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 87%. Owner, A. Taylor, and Administrator, D. Hewett, were present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; three indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. Upon arrival, six children one through four years of age enrolled in Spaces #2 and 3 were observed on the fenced in playground with two staff members, using riding toys, balls, slides, climbing equipment and sand toys. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed in free choice activities including working with playdough and pretending to cook and serve meals in the dramatic play center. Several children arrived within the next hour, and staff members assisted them with hand washing and joining activities as needed. When children from Spaces #2 and 3 came indoors, children from Space #4 went outdoors. Prior to lunch, children in Spaces #2 and 3 engaged in free choice and large group activities. Lunch served to children in Space #2 consisted of Spaghettio’s with cheese, peas, pineapples and milk. Lunch served to children in Spaces #3 and 4 consisted of hot dogs with whole grain buns, baked beans, pineapple and milk. After lunch, children transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on cots which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. Today it was observed that age-appropriate art materials have been added and made accessible in Space #2. In addition, some age-appropriate gross motor materials have been added to an area on the playground to create a separate space for younger children when needed. Ms. Hewett also stated today that lead in paint and asbestos testing has been conducted through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids, however results have not been made available yet. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Records of arrival and departure times for children were incomplete today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Several sharp, rusted nails and screws were observed in loose boards on the fence at the back of the playground. In addition, two protruding bolts were observed at the base of the school bus. REPEATED .0601(c) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Two tricycles with missing pedals were observed on the playground. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. A tube of prescription ointment was observed in an unlocked cabinet in the bathroom in Space #3. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. An albuterol inhaler which expired in June 2024 was observed in a cabinet in the bathroom in Space #4. .0803(12) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by July 30, 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 Repeated violations were cited today regarding playground hazards and equipment in poor repair. As discussed during visits conducted August 9, 2023 and February 26, 2024, and again today, for the safety of the children, you must ensure you inspect outdoor equipment, materials and fencing closely during monthly inspections. Remind staff to be aware of hazards such as broken equipment, splintered wood, loose fence boards, protrusions and rusty nails. I also suggested you assign a staff member who comes in early to check the playground daily prior to children’s use for anything which needs to be repaired or removed. Hazards should be repaired or removed immediately, or made inaccessible until repairs are complete. You must send pictures of repairs to verify compliance. Technical assistance was provided during visits August 16, 2022 and February 21, 2023 regarding medication storage requirements. As discussed again today, all prescription medications regardless of type must be kept in locked storage. Today you placed the prescription ointment observed in Space #3 in locked storage in the bathroom to correct the violation, but I suggested you use a lock box which can be kept in the classroom to allow easy access to the medication for staff. You also stated you would return the expired albuterol to parents today and request a new medication with updated authorization. To avoid future noncompliance, I suggested you create a list of authorized medications, dates of authorization and dates of expiration for the entire facility and post it in a prominent place in your office so you can see at a glance when medications should be sent home or updates may be needed. As discussed, Child Care Rules require children’s arrival and departure times to be recorded in real time daily. Today I suggested you ask parents to help with this requirement, and/or take the sign in and out notebooks with you outside as many of the children arrive and depart while you are on the playground. This will ensure accurate times may be recorded as required. Technical Assistance A violation was not necessary today due to the number of children present, however technical assistance was provided on having separate outdoor times for children under two years of age when more than fifteen children are in care. Rated License Information The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on the new assessment tools if you are interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. I will share more information as I am able. As a reminder, to maintain Education points, all lead teachers must have the NCECC and 50% of lead teachers must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 12 semester hours (SH) ECE coursework and two years’ experience. I also shared with you that R. Sullivan must log into her DCDEE WORKS account, apply for evaluation as a teacher assistant, and submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders Remember to update annual staff evaluations in August as required. In addition, criminal records qualification letters for two staff members expire later this year. You may now use the new Criminal Background Check Provider Portal to view qualification status and print a staff roster to assist with compliance. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by February 28, 2025 to avoid a violation. Remember to submit a copy within one week as required. 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDS WORLD ACADEMY I Facility ID: 10000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2024 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 2/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued July 16, 2020, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 29 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced 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 the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Kids World Academy, Inc, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s Office on February 5, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained June 26, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted March 2, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 85%. Administrator, D. Hewett, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; three indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. Upon arrival, children one and two years of age in Space #2 were observed looking at books together. One child arrived, and the staff member assigned to this space assisted him with hand washing before helping him join the group. Children two and three years of age enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the fenced in playground, using riding toys and climbing equipment. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed in a group time activity during which they sang a song about who came to school today and discussed community helpers. Next, this group transitioned to the playground as the other group had come inside. Lunch served consisted of hamburgers on whole grain buns or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, baked fries, mandarin oranges and milk. Transportation requirements were monitored today as the facility provides transportation from local schools for school age children. Requirements were in compliance. It was also observed that height has been added to the playground fence in the areas which were previously close to measuring less than four feet. The fence height is now at least four feet all the way around as required. New staff members have not been hired since the last annual compliance visit. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. An opening in the back right corner of the wooden fence surrounding the playground measured five inches today. .0605(g) 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. Several uncovered outlets were observed in Space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by March 11, 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 As discussed, for the safety of the children, you must ensure you inspect outdoor equipment, materials and fencing closely, not just during monthly inspections but every day prior to use. It may also help when doing monthly inspections to pretend like you are seeing the playground for the first time, or to pretend you are a Child Care Consultant looking for hazards such as entrapment, splintered wood and rusty nails. Today we discussed adding a piece of wood to close in the gap in the back right corner of the fence to correct the entrapment hazard. You must send a picture to verify compliance. Today I also suggested you supply each classroom with some outlet covers so they can replace them themselves as needed. Remember, for the safety of the children they must be covered by a plug or a piece of furniture which cannot be moved by children. I also encouraged you to remind staff to scan classrooms periodically for outlet covers and for you to do so yourself as you walk around. Technical Assistance Today I suggested adding some art materials for free choice accessibility to Space #2 since there are now a couple of two-year-old children enrolled. It is important that children this age start to explore creativity independently rather than having to wait for staff to make materials available. I suggested starting with large crayons such as the egg-shaped ones and paper, playdough and safe tools, or stamps and ink pads. You may place these items near the child sized table so children may use them freely with staff supervision. I also suggested enhancing your block play area by adding larger sets of blocks and smaller vehicles to use as accessories. Rated License Information As discussed during the annual compliance visit, your facility was assigned to Cohort 2 in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. Your planning year will run from July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, and your reassessment will be required between July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026. If you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) conducted as part of the reassessment process, I encourage you to review handouts from www.ncrlap.org for things you can do during your planning year. You may also contact ncrlap@uncg.edu if you wish to learn more about outreach assessments. As discussed, outreach assessments may be requested prior to the start of your planning year, and will be conducted by NCRALP staff, but scores will not be shared with anyone and will not “count.” You will also have the opportunity to request a free ERS assessment during your planning year, and you get to decide if the scores are used or not. Both of these options may be good opportunities for practice and assistance with recognizing program strengths and areas of need. You may also wish to work with Brunswick County Smart Start or Region 4 CCR&R staff to assist with ERS preparation. I will be in touch when your planning year begins As a reminder, to maintain Education points, all lead teachers must have the NCECC and 50% of lead teachers must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 12 semester hours (SH) ECE coursework and two years’ experience. New staff members in lead or assistant positions must register for WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation in their new positions, and submit official transcripts as needed for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by March 2, 2024 to avoid a violation. Remember to submit a copy within one week as required. 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. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. 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. 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 meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years 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. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and 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 water 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 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.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDS WORLD ACADEMY I Facility ID: 10000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2024 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 2/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued July 16, 2020, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 29 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced 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 the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Kids World Academy, Inc, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s Office on February 5, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained June 26, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted March 2, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 85%. Administrator, D. Hewett, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; three indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. Upon arrival, children one and two years of age in Space #2 were observed looking at books together. One child arrived, and the staff member assigned to this space assisted him with hand washing before helping him join the group. Children two and three years of age enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the fenced in playground, using riding toys and climbing equipment. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed in a group time activity during which they sang a song about who came to school today and discussed community helpers. Next, this group transitioned to the playground as the other group had come inside. Lunch served consisted of hamburgers on whole grain buns or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, baked fries, mandarin oranges and milk. Transportation requirements were monitored today as the facility provides transportation from local schools for school age children. Requirements were in compliance. It was also observed that height has been added to the playground fence in the areas which were previously close to measuring less than four feet. The fence height is now at least four feet all the way around as required. New staff members have not been hired since the last annual compliance visit. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 714 Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches. An opening in the back right corner of the wooden fence surrounding the playground measured five inches today. .0605(g) 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. Several uncovered outlets were observed in Space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by March 11, 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 As discussed, for the safety of the children, you must ensure you inspect outdoor equipment, materials and fencing closely, not just during monthly inspections but every day prior to use. It may also help when doing monthly inspections to pretend like you are seeing the playground for the first time, or to pretend you are a Child Care Consultant looking for hazards such as entrapment, splintered wood and rusty nails. Today we discussed adding a piece of wood to close in the gap in the back right corner of the fence to correct the entrapment hazard. You must send a picture to verify compliance. Today I also suggested you supply each classroom with some outlet covers so they can replace them themselves as needed. Remember, for the safety of the children they must be covered by a plug or a piece of furniture which cannot be moved by children. I also encouraged you to remind staff to scan classrooms periodically for outlet covers and for you to do so yourself as you walk around. Technical Assistance Today I suggested adding some art materials for free choice accessibility to Space #2 since there are now a couple of two-year-old children enrolled. It is important that children this age start to explore creativity independently rather than having to wait for staff to make materials available. I suggested starting with large crayons such as the egg-shaped ones and paper, playdough and safe tools, or stamps and ink pads. You may place these items near the child sized table so children may use them freely with staff supervision. I also suggested enhancing your block play area by adding larger sets of blocks and smaller vehicles to use as accessories. Rated License Information As discussed during the annual compliance visit, your facility was assigned to Cohort 2 in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. Your planning year will run from July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, and your reassessment will be required between July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026. If you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) conducted as part of the reassessment process, I encourage you to review handouts from www.ncrlap.org for things you can do during your planning year. You may also contact ncrlap@uncg.edu if you wish to learn more about outreach assessments. As discussed, outreach assessments may be requested prior to the start of your planning year, and will be conducted by NCRALP staff, but scores will not be shared with anyone and will not “count.” You will also have the opportunity to request a free ERS assessment during your planning year, and you get to decide if the scores are used or not. Both of these options may be good opportunities for practice and assistance with recognizing program strengths and areas of need. You may also wish to work with Brunswick County Smart Start or Region 4 CCR&R staff to assist with ERS preparation. I will be in touch when your planning year begins As a reminder, to maintain Education points, all lead teachers must have the NCECC and 50% of lead teachers must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 12 semester hours (SH) ECE coursework and two years’ experience. New staff members in lead or assistant positions must register for WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation in their new positions, and submit official transcripts as needed for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by March 2, 2024 to avoid a violation. Remember to submit a copy within one week as required. 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. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. 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. 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 meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years 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. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and 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 water 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 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDS WORLD ACADEMY I Facility ID: 10000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/9/2023 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 8/9/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued July 16, 2020, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 29 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced 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 the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Kids World Academy, Inc, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s Office on August 7, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 16, 2022. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained June 26, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted March 3, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 83%. Administrator, D. Hewett, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; three indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. Upon arrival, children one and two years of age in Space #2 were observed in free choice activities. Children two and three years of age enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the fenced in playground, riding tricycles and playing with trucks. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed in free choice activities including pretending to cook eggs in the dramatic play kitchen, building tunnels in the block center, and building houses for plastic turtles in the manipulatives center. Next, the staff member assigned to Space #2 was observed building blocks with children and reading books to them as they waited for lunch to be served. Children from Space #3 came inside to do free choice activities, and children from Space #4 went outside for gross motor activities. Lunch served consisted of hot dogs on whole grain buns, baked beans, applesauce and milk. After lunch, children were observed in rest time routines. They rested in cribs or on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. Transportation requirements were monitored today as the facility provides transportation from local schools for school age children. Requirements were in compliance. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Children under three years of age were observed watching children's music videos on a computer screen in Space #2. .0510(f) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Splintered wood and rusty, sharp nails were observed in the fence and on the ground of the playground. (repeated) .0601(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic grocery bags and Ziploc bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Spaces #2 and 3. .0604(q) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. A medical action plan was not on file for a child diagnosed with asthma. .0801(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 23, 2023. 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 As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit February 21, 2023, for the safety of the children, you must ensure you inspect outdoor equipment closely, not just during monthly inspections but every day prior to use. Today I urged you to thoroughly check the wooden fence for splintered wood, exposed nails, entrapment hazards and general wear and tear which may result in safety hazards. As discussed, you can make safety hazards inaccessible to children by temporarily covering them until permanent repairs are made. You must send pictures showing how safety hazards have been made inaccessible or repaired to verify compliance. For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services during his or her time in child care, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and shall be updated on an annual basis and when changes to the plan are made. Sample medical action plans may be found on the Division's website; please send a copy of a completed action plan for E. Daley to verify compliance. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today I suggested you take the children’s extra clothes out of the Ziploc bags in Space #2 and place them in the plastic bins in the diaper changing table instead, and you did so during the visit. As discussed today, Child Care Rules prohibit screen time for children younger than three years of age. The first two years are critical periods of growth and development for children’s brains and bodies with rapid brain development continuing through the early childhood years. To best develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills, infants and toddlers need hands-on exploration and social interaction. Screen time does not promote this development as well as “real life” experiences. In addition, excessive screen time has been associated with lags in achievement of knowledge and skills as well as negative impacts on sleep, weight, and social/emotional health. For example, among 2-year-olds, research has shown that body mass index (BMI) increases for every hour per week of screen time. Today I suggested using recorded music for children to sing and dance to rather than videos. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding toothpaste. As discussed, if you choose to allow parents to bring in toothpaste and brushes for children to use while in care, you must obtain written permission first. You may use the same permission form you use for topical ointments like diaper cream, just ensure parents are completing all required information. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding monitoring certain areas of the playground. Regarding the embedded slide, I encouraged you to build the sides of the hill back up with sand or some other material to ensure a fall zone is not required due to potential falls off the top of the slide caused by erosion. I also advised you to continue monitoring the fence to ensure a height of four feet is maintained throughout the exterior of the playground. Today we discussed adding material to the top of the fence such as lattice or plastic gutters to increase the height if needed in the future. I also emailed you some pictures for examples. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due in July 2023, however it was not completed due to the “hold harmless” state being extended to June 2024. As discussed today, your facility has been assigned to Cohort 2 in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. You will have the year of July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with the year of July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026 to have your reassessment conducted. If you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) conducted as part of the reassessment process, I encourage you to review handouts from www.ncrlap.org for things you can do during your planning year. You may also contact ncrlap@uncg.edu if you wish to learn more about outreach assessments. As discussed, outreach assessments may be requested prior to the start of your planning year, and will be conducted by NCRALP staff, but scores will not be shared with anyone and will not “count.” This may be a good opportunity for practice and assistance with recognizing program strengths and areas of need. You may also wish to work with Brunswick County Smart Start or Region 4 CCR&R staff to assist with ERS preparation. As a reminder, to maintain Education points, all lead teachers must have the NCECC and 50% of lead teachers must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 12 semester hours (SH) ECE coursework and two years’ experience. New staff members in lead or assistant positions must register for WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation in their new positions, and submit official transcripts as needed for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, the changes will not directly affect your program, however 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. Sanitation rules were also revised recently, so keep an eye out for email blasts announcing training opportunities to learn more about the changes in the coming months! 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. 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: KIDS WORLD ACADEMY I Facility ID: 10000163 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/9/2023 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 8/9/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued July 16, 2020, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 29 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced 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 the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Kids World Academy, Inc, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s Office on August 7, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 16, 2022. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained June 26, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted March 3, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 83%. Administrator, D. Hewett, was present and available for consultation today. Four indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; three indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. Upon arrival, children one and two years of age in Space #2 were observed in free choice activities. Children two and three years of age enrolled in Space #3 were observed on the fenced in playground, riding tricycles and playing with trucks. Preschool children in Space #4 were observed in free choice activities including pretending to cook eggs in the dramatic play kitchen, building tunnels in the block center, and building houses for plastic turtles in the manipulatives center. Next, the staff member assigned to Space #2 was observed building blocks with children and reading books to them as they waited for lunch to be served. Children from Space #3 came inside to do free choice activities, and children from Space #4 went outside for gross motor activities. Lunch served consisted of hot dogs on whole grain buns, baked beans, applesauce and milk. After lunch, children were observed in rest time routines. They rested in cribs or on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. Transportation requirements were monitored today as the facility provides transportation from local schools for school age children. Requirements were in compliance. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Children under three years of age were observed watching children's music videos on a computer screen in Space #2. .0510(f) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Splintered wood and rusty, sharp nails were observed in the fence and on the ground of the playground. (repeated) .0601(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic grocery bags and Ziploc bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Spaces #2 and 3. .0604(q) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. A medical action plan was not on file for a child diagnosed with asthma. .0801(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 23, 2023. 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 As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit February 21, 2023, for the safety of the children, you must ensure you inspect outdoor equipment closely, not just during monthly inspections but every day prior to use. Today I urged you to thoroughly check the wooden fence for splintered wood, exposed nails, entrapment hazards and general wear and tear which may result in safety hazards. As discussed, you can make safety hazards inaccessible to children by temporarily covering them until permanent repairs are made. You must send pictures showing how safety hazards have been made inaccessible or repaired to verify compliance. For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services during his or her time in child care, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and shall be updated on an annual basis and when changes to the plan are made. Sample medical action plans may be found on the Division's website; please send a copy of a completed action plan for E. Daley to verify compliance. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today I suggested you take the children’s extra clothes out of the Ziploc bags in Space #2 and place them in the plastic bins in the diaper changing table instead, and you did so during the visit. As discussed today, Child Care Rules prohibit screen time for children younger than three years of age. The first two years are critical periods of growth and development for children’s brains and bodies with rapid brain development continuing through the early childhood years. To best develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills, infants and toddlers need hands-on exploration and social interaction. Screen time does not promote this development as well as “real life” experiences. In addition, excessive screen time has been associated with lags in achievement of knowledge and skills as well as negative impacts on sleep, weight, and social/emotional health. For example, among 2-year-olds, research has shown that body mass index (BMI) increases for every hour per week of screen time. Today I suggested using recorded music for children to sing and dance to rather than videos. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding toothpaste. As discussed, if you choose to allow parents to bring in toothpaste and brushes for children to use while in care, you must obtain written permission first. You may use the same permission form you use for topical ointments like diaper cream, just ensure parents are completing all required information. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding monitoring certain areas of the playground. Regarding the embedded slide, I encouraged you to build the sides of the hill back up with sand or some other material to ensure a fall zone is not required due to potential falls off the top of the slide caused by erosion. I also advised you to continue monitoring the fence to ensure a height of four feet is maintained throughout the exterior of the playground. Today we discussed adding material to the top of the fence such as lattice or plastic gutters to increase the height if needed in the future. I also emailed you some pictures for examples. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due in July 2023, however it was not completed due to the “hold harmless” state being extended to June 2024. As discussed today, your facility has been assigned to Cohort 2 in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. You will have the year of July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with the year of July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026 to have your reassessment conducted. If you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) conducted as part of the reassessment process, I encourage you to review handouts from www.ncrlap.org for things you can do during your planning year. You may also contact ncrlap@uncg.edu if you wish to learn more about outreach assessments. As discussed, outreach assessments may be requested prior to the start of your planning year, and will be conducted by NCRALP staff, but scores will not be shared with anyone and will not “count.” This may be a good opportunity for practice and assistance with recognizing program strengths and areas of need. You may also wish to work with Brunswick County Smart Start or Region 4 CCR&R staff to assist with ERS preparation. As a reminder, to maintain Education points, all lead teachers must have the NCECC and 50% of lead teachers must have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with 12 semester hours (SH) ECE coursework and two years’ experience. New staff members in lead or assistant positions must register for WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation in their new positions, and submit official transcripts as needed for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, the changes will not directly affect your program, however 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. Sanitation rules were also revised recently, so keep an eye out for email blasts announcing training opportunities to learn more about the changes in the coming months! 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. 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