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Home › NC › Swansboro › Excel Learning Centers #11
168 Queen'S Creek Road, Swansboro NC 28584 · License #67001184 · Center · Child Care Center
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10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your facility currently operates with a Five Star License, issued February 20,2022. Restrictions on your permit include a capacity of 201 for first shift are, age ranging from 0 to 12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The license was posted and the restrictions were in compliance. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 31, 2025. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s 18-month compliance history was 92% as of March 10, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and ELA KidsNet, LLC, was listed as current/active. Your last fire inspection was on November 5, 2025. Your last sanitation inspection was on December 8,2025, with a Superior rating with 11 demerits. Shamira Myers, administrator, was present and available for consultation. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor learning environments were observed today. Today 7 out of the 10 approved indoor spaces were in use for care. Three approved indoor spaces are currently closed. There were 116 children enrolled and 90 children present today ranging from 0-5 years of age. The staff were interacting on the children’s level, asking questions, and meeting the developmental needs of each of the children. Upon arrival, in spaces 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9, children were participating in nap time. Children that were not sleeping were participating in quiet time activities including but not limited to reading books, dry erased markers, and playing with soft animals. In space 10, infants were participating in personal care routines. Children were engaged with practice sitting with boppy pillows, crawling and exploring the space. Sleep checks were observed. For lunch, chicken nuggets, carrots, tropical fruit or mandarin oranges and milk. ***NC Pre-K Requirements were monitored today. The program follows Onslow County School calendar, the length of day meets requirements, and all staff meet education requirements. Creative Curriculum has been implemented and the assessment tool the facility is currently using is Teaching Strategies Gold. Portfolios are maintained and available for review. All required screenings were completed at the beginning of the year. The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool has been completed and is available for review. A selection of NC Pre-K files was monitored and found in compliance. All new staff members’ files were reviewed today and found in compliance. During today’s visit child care requirements were monitored for compliance including supervision, staff/child ratios, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Background Checks, storage of hazardous materials, storage of medications, approved space, and other applicable requirements. The following violations were observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space 10, two of the children's bottles were not labeled with the date and the child's name. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. On the toddler playground, in the mulch by the black barrier to the left, an active ant hill was observed. On the playground for 2-year-old children, an active ant hill was located near the back of the mulched area by the black barrier. Tree roots are exposed on the playgrounds for NC Pre-K children and the afterschool children. The ground is eroded away on all four of the playgrounds near the sidewalks. A piece of the black barrier on the playground for the afterschool aged children has is broken. The wooden sandbox covering has started to splinter and a wooden planter box near the front of the playground used by NC Pre-K children has started to splinter and a nail is exposed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A. Pinero was in the infant aged classroom alone without her ITS-SIDS training. .01102 (f) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 25, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 910-364-8728 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: QRIS- Today you stated that you are going to be choosing Pathway 1- Program Assessment in November 2026. We reviewed the components common to Pathways 1: Program Assessment. Any staff person who will be evaluated as part of the Lead Teachers or Other Educators needs to register for a Works account and submit original, official transcripts or update their current Works account and submit new education. We walked through the Individual and Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) forms (individual and center). You will complete the complete the center form for your facility and an Individual CQI annually. (This will also count as your Professional Development Plan) Maintain these in your staff files. We reviewed the Family and Community Engagement Plan. We reviewed the Foundational Practices. Ensure that they are included in the parent handbook Consider creating a notebook to collect documentation of the practices including pictures, flyers, newsletters, emails, etc. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You will complete a 3-month ERS Self-Study. We discussed information available on the NC Rated License Assessment website, www.ncrlap.org,including training and forms for the three-month self-study and other resources (videos, documents, live and recorded training) and opportunities for an Outreach Assessment. To request Outreach Assessment - Email ncrlap@uncg.edu or call 1-866-362-7527. When the 3-month self-study is completed, you will complete and submit the Self-Study Verification Form. We discussed also considering reaching out to One Place for resources to help during this process. ITS-SIDS Complete the ITS-SIDS training within 2 months of assuming responsibilities in the infant room, or within 90 days of assuming responsibility as a child care administrator. Today, A.Pinero, who just recently took responsibility of the infant room was alone in the infant room without completing the ITS-SIDS training. Bottles- Today two children’s bottles were not labeled with their name and date. Today we discussed ensuring that parents label their child’s bottle with the child’s name and date to ensure there is no mistakes during feeding time. Outdoor Environments- Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today two fire ant hills were observed. One on the toddler playground, in the mulch by the black barrier and one on the playground that is used by 2-year-old children has an ant pile in the mulch by the black barrier. Today on all four playgrounds, the ground has started to erode away from the sidewalk. This is a potential tripping hazard. Today we discussed adding more surfacing around the areas of erosion. Tree roots are exposed on the playgrounds used for NC Pre-K children and the afterschool aged children. Today we discussed spray painting the exposed roots to be easily seen or to add more surfacing for this tripping hazard. Today on the playground for the school-age children, one part of the black barrier surrounding the climbing structure near the front of the enclosed area is broken. Broken plastic and potentially cut or pinch a child. On the playground for the NC Pre-K children, the sandbox wooden covering has started to splinter and one of the wooden flower planter boxes has started to splinter and a nail is exposed. Fire Ant Prevention Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threatens native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. The aim of this Info Sheet is to help identify fire ant mounds; discuss nest and sting prevention, sting reactions; and suggest safe methods for removing fire ants from outdoor play and learning spaces. IDENTIFYING FIRE ANT INFESTATIONS Fire ant nests are easily identified. They have a distinct dome-shape, with no discernible opening at the top (NCSU Cooperative Extension). From a distance, they look like disturbed earth or small mounds of dirt. Mounds are typically located in open, sunny areas. When disturbed by an unassuming foot or unsuspecting child, fire ants emerge and can repeatedly sting. Identifying mounds and poking them with a stick to see if they are alive is the simplest way to identify a fire ant infestation. NEST PREVENTION Preventing nest establishment in the first place is the most successful prevention strategy. Recommended preventive actions include keeping areas near trash cans clean. Ensure trash is taken out at the end of each day. Outdoor trash cans should be regularly cleaned to remove a potential fire ant food source. Turn over mulch beds twice a month to discourage nest establishment. Throw away ripened fruit that has fallen from fruit trees. STING PREVENTION To avoid fire ants becoming established and to reduce the risk of getting stung, implement the following preventive measures: Inspect outdoor spaces regularly between late spring and early fall, when fire ants are most active. If mounds are identified, rope them off or otherwise identify with signs. Protect feet by wearing socks and closed-toe shoes (children and caregivers) where fire-ant mounds have been identified. Help children to recognize fire ant mounds and alert them to the risks of getting stung. Ask children to report any fire ant mounds they see to a teacher or caregiver. Make fire ants a learning project! SYMPTOMS Symptoms of fire ant stings are severe pain or "burning" sensation at the sting site that lasts 5-10 minutes. A hive-like bump (red spot with raised white center) appears within 30 minutes. Itching follows the pain and can last a week, along with swelling. Redness is common and may last 3 days. Small pimples (pustules) form over the sting within 24 hours. Left alone, they dry up within 4 days. Avoid scratching as they can open and become infected. For detailed information on sting treatment, including what to do in rare cases of severe reactions, refer to the Seattle Children’s Hospital Fire Ant Sting webpage. If a stung child has trouble breathing, swallowing, or is covered in hives, call a doctor immediately. NEST REMOVAL: THE HOT WATER METHOD The hot water method does not use chemicals but can still severely disrupt fire ant activity; however, it requires persistence to treat "satellite mounds" that may appear around the original nest. This method has been reported to work nearly 60% of the time with repeated applications. Attempt with caution. To reduce risk, avoid carrying hot water over uneven terrain. Recognize that hot water may damage surrounding vegetation and lawn grasses. Treatment steps are described below: Identify fire ant mound for treatment. Ensure that it is possible to carry near-boiling water from an adjacent building to the mound. Recruit multiple adults to carry hot vessels to the mound site. Plan the treatment sequence of first heating water, transferring to carrying vessels, and delivering for mound treatment. Heat 2-3 gallons of water to boiling point using available vessels, including tea kettles, which allow for more control of hot water while pouring on mounds. Sufficient hot water may also need to be transferred to milk jugs and/or heavy-duty watering cans for delivery. Slowly pour hot water on the mounds, being careful to avoid getting scalded. Several applications may be required before lack of ant activity is observed. NEST REMOVAL: ORGANIC BAIT Products containing an organic pesticide bait called spinosad are recommended by NC State University Cooperative Extension. The bait is a natural substance made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects. Usually in granular form, it is sprinkled on fire ant mounds. Select a product containing spinosad that is labeled safe for use on fruit and vegetables. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label, including application steps, health and safety precautions, and exposure avoidance. As organic pesticide products using spinosad may be more difficult to find, check agriculture stores and online sources. NEST REMOVAL: ORANGE OIL AND DISH SOAP As an alternative to pesticides, try the treatment studied by Texas Agrilife Cooperative Extension, using 1.5 fluid oz. of orange oil mixed with 3 fluid oz. of Dawn dish soap per mound. Treatment results were significantly better than hot water for decreasing fire ant activity. For treating multiple mounds, mix ingredients in greater quantities while adhering to the above ratio. See additional listing of potential fire ant treatments by Texas AgriLife (link below). HEALTH AND SAFETY Call a doctor immediately if severe reactions to a fire ant sting occur. Inspect outdoor spaces regularly for fire ant mounds to avoid fire ant stings. Execute the "hot water" method when no children are present as it can be hazardous. Attempt at your own risk. Follow all instructions on product labels closely. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS- Your facility’s status, according to Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: Water Testing- Completed on April 1, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three years. Lead-Based Paint Testing- Your facility was exempt on May 24, 2024. Asbestos- Your facility was exempt on May 24, 2024. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, the visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov / 910-364-8728 or my supervisor Kim Sherry, kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov / 910-824-0470. 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
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from North Carolina's child care licensing agency on Jul 9, 2026 · Report an error
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your facility currently operates with a Five Star License, issued February 20,2022. Restrictions on your permit include a capacity of 201 for first shift are, age ranging from 0 to 12 years of age, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The license was posted and the restrictions were in compliance. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 31, 2025. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s 18-month compliance history was 92% as of March 10, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and ELA KidsNet, LLC, was listed as current/active. Your last fire inspection was on November 5, 2025. Your last sanitation inspection was on December 8,2025, with a Superior rating with 11 demerits. Shamira Myers, administrator, was present and available for consultation. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor learning environments were observed today. Today 7 out of the 10 approved indoor spaces were in use for care. Three approved indoor spaces are currently closed. There were 116 children enrolled and 90 children present today ranging from 0-5 years of age. The staff were interacting on the children’s level, asking questions, and meeting the developmental needs of each of the children. Upon arrival, in spaces 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9, children were participating in nap time. Children that were not sleeping were participating in quiet time activities including but not limited to reading books, dry erased markers, and playing with soft animals. In space 10, infants were participating in personal care routines. Children were engaged with practice sitting with boppy pillows, crawling and exploring the space. Sleep checks were observed. For lunch, chicken nuggets, carrots, tropical fruit or mandarin oranges and milk. ***NC Pre-K Requirements were monitored today. The program follows Onslow County School calendar, the length of day meets requirements, and all staff meet education requirements. Creative Curriculum has been implemented and the assessment tool the facility is currently using is Teaching Strategies Gold. Portfolios are maintained and available for review. All required screenings were completed at the beginning of the year. The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool has been completed and is available for review. A selection of NC Pre-K files was monitored and found in compliance. All new staff members’ files were reviewed today and found in compliance. During today’s visit child care requirements were monitored for compliance including supervision, staff/child ratios, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Background Checks, storage of hazardous materials, storage of medications, approved space, and other applicable requirements. The following violations were observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space 10, two of the children's bottles were not labeled with the date and the child's name. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. On the toddler playground, in the mulch by the black barrier to the left, an active ant hill was observed. On the playground for 2-year-old children, an active ant hill was located near the back of the mulched area by the black barrier. Tree roots are exposed on the playgrounds for NC Pre-K children and the afterschool children. The ground is eroded away on all four of the playgrounds near the sidewalks. A piece of the black barrier on the playground for the afterschool aged children has is broken. The wooden sandbox covering has started to splinter and a wooden planter box near the front of the playground used by NC Pre-K children has started to splinter and a nail is exposed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A. Pinero was in the infant aged classroom alone without her ITS-SIDS training. .01102 (f) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 25, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 910-364-8728 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: QRIS- Today you stated that you are going to be choosing Pathway 1- Program Assessment in November 2026. We reviewed the components common to Pathways 1: Program Assessment. Any staff person who will be evaluated as part of the Lead Teachers or Other Educators needs to register for a Works account and submit original, official transcripts or update their current Works account and submit new education. We walked through the Individual and Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) forms (individual and center). You will complete the complete the center form for your facility and an Individual CQI annually. (This will also count as your Professional Development Plan) Maintain these in your staff files. We reviewed the Family and Community Engagement Plan. We reviewed the Foundational Practices. Ensure that they are included in the parent handbook Consider creating a notebook to collect documentation of the practices including pictures, flyers, newsletters, emails, etc. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You will complete a 3-month ERS Self-Study. We discussed information available on the NC Rated License Assessment website, www.ncrlap.org,including training and forms for the three-month self-study and other resources (videos, documents, live and recorded training) and opportunities for an Outreach Assessment. To request Outreach Assessment - Email ncrlap@uncg.edu or call 1-866-362-7527. When the 3-month self-study is completed, you will complete and submit the Self-Study Verification Form. We discussed also considering reaching out to One Place for resources to help during this process. ITS-SIDS Complete the ITS-SIDS training within 2 months of assuming responsibilities in the infant room, or within 90 days of assuming responsibility as a child care administrator. Today, A.Pinero, who just recently took responsibility of the infant room was alone in the infant room without completing the ITS-SIDS training. Bottles- Today two children’s bottles were not labeled with their name and date. Today we discussed ensuring that parents label their child’s bottle with the child’s name and date to ensure there is no mistakes during feeding time. Outdoor Environments- Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today two fire ant hills were observed. One on the toddler playground, in the mulch by the black barrier and one on the playground that is used by 2-year-old children has an ant pile in the mulch by the black barrier. Today on all four playgrounds, the ground has started to erode away from the sidewalk. This is a potential tripping hazard. Today we discussed adding more surfacing around the areas of erosion. Tree roots are exposed on the playgrounds used for NC Pre-K children and the afterschool aged children. Today we discussed spray painting the exposed roots to be easily seen or to add more surfacing for this tripping hazard. Today on the playground for the school-age children, one part of the black barrier surrounding the climbing structure near the front of the enclosed area is broken. Broken plastic and potentially cut or pinch a child. On the playground for the NC Pre-K children, the sandbox wooden covering has started to splinter and one of the wooden flower planter boxes has started to splinter and a nail is exposed. Fire Ant Prevention Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threatens native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. The aim of this Info Sheet is to help identify fire ant mounds; discuss nest and sting prevention, sting reactions; and suggest safe methods for removing fire ants from outdoor play and learning spaces. IDENTIFYING FIRE ANT INFESTATIONS Fire ant nests are easily identified. They have a distinct dome-shape, with no discernible opening at the top (NCSU Cooperative Extension). From a distance, they look like disturbed earth or small mounds of dirt. Mounds are typically located in open, sunny areas. When disturbed by an unassuming foot or unsuspecting child, fire ants emerge and can repeatedly sting. Identifying mounds and poking them with a stick to see if they are alive is the simplest way to identify a fire ant infestation. NEST PREVENTION Preventing nest establishment in the first place is the most successful prevention strategy. Recommended preventive actions include keeping areas near trash cans clean. Ensure trash is taken out at the end of each day. Outdoor trash cans should be regularly cleaned to remove a potential fire ant food source. Turn over mulch beds twice a month to discourage nest establishment. Throw away ripened fruit that has fallen from fruit trees. STING PREVENTION To avoid fire ants becoming established and to reduce the risk of getting stung, implement the following preventive measures: Inspect outdoor spaces regularly between late spring and early fall, when fire ants are most active. If mounds are identified, rope them off or otherwise identify with signs. Protect feet by wearing socks and closed-toe shoes (children and caregivers) where fire-ant mounds have been identified. Help children to recognize fire ant mounds and alert them to the risks of getting stung. Ask children to report any fire ant mounds they see to a teacher or caregiver. Make fire ants a learning project! SYMPTOMS Symptoms of fire ant stings are severe pain or "burning" sensation at the sting site that lasts 5-10 minutes. A hive-like bump (red spot with raised white center) appears within 30 minutes. Itching follows the pain and can last a week, along with swelling. Redness is common and may last 3 days. Small pimples (pustules) form over the sting within 24 hours. Left alone, they dry up within 4 days. Avoid scratching as they can open and become infected. For detailed information on sting treatment, including what to do in rare cases of severe reactions, refer to the Seattle Children’s Hospital Fire Ant Sting webpage. If a stung child has trouble breathing, swallowing, or is covered in hives, call a doctor immediately. NEST REMOVAL: THE HOT WATER METHOD The hot water method does not use chemicals but can still severely disrupt fire ant activity; however, it requires persistence to treat "satellite mounds" that may appear around the original nest. This method has been reported to work nearly 60% of the time with repeated applications. Attempt with caution. To reduce risk, avoid carrying hot water over uneven terrain. Recognize that hot water may damage surrounding vegetation and lawn grasses. Treatment steps are described below: Identify fire ant mound for treatment. Ensure that it is possible to carry near-boiling water from an adjacent building to the mound. Recruit multiple adults to carry hot vessels to the mound site. Plan the treatment sequence of first heating water, transferring to carrying vessels, and delivering for mound treatment. Heat 2-3 gallons of water to boiling point using available vessels, including tea kettles, which allow for more control of hot water while pouring on mounds. Sufficient hot water may also need to be transferred to milk jugs and/or heavy-duty watering cans for delivery. Slowly pour hot water on the mounds, being careful to avoid getting scalded. Several applications may be required before lack of ant activity is observed. NEST REMOVAL: ORGANIC BAIT Products containing an organic pesticide bait called spinosad are recommended by NC State University Cooperative Extension. The bait is a natural substance made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects. Usually in granular form, it is sprinkled on fire ant mounds. Select a product containing spinosad that is labeled safe for use on fruit and vegetables. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label, including application steps, health and safety precautions, and exposure avoidance. As organic pesticide products using spinosad may be more difficult to find, check agriculture stores and online sources. NEST REMOVAL: ORANGE OIL AND DISH SOAP As an alternative to pesticides, try the treatment studied by Texas Agrilife Cooperative Extension, using 1.5 fluid oz. of orange oil mixed with 3 fluid oz. of Dawn dish soap per mound. Treatment results were significantly better than hot water for decreasing fire ant activity. For treating multiple mounds, mix ingredients in greater quantities while adhering to the above ratio. See additional listing of potential fire ant treatments by Texas AgriLife (link below). HEALTH AND SAFETY Call a doctor immediately if severe reactions to a fire ant sting occur. Inspect outdoor spaces regularly for fire ant mounds to avoid fire ant stings. Execute the "hot water" method when no children are present as it can be hazardous. Attempt at your own risk. Follow all instructions on product labels closely. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS- Your facility’s status, according to Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: Water Testing- Completed on April 1, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three years. Lead-Based Paint Testing- Your facility was exempt on May 24, 2024. Asbestos- Your facility was exempt on May 24, 2024. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, the visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov / 910-364-8728 or my supervisor Kim Sherry, kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov / 910-824-0470. 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.
GS110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 7/31/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:05 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 childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Tammy Ross, assisted with today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at your facility at 10:00am. The last annual compliance was conducted on August 6, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed February 20, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on April 16, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was eighty-eight (88) percent as of July 31, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on July 31, 2025, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. The Administrator, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, was present and available for consultation. Ninety-four (94) children, between the ages of zero (0) and five (5) years old are enrolled and sixty-six (66) present today. There were seven (7) classrooms operating today, with ninety-four (94) children aged zero (0) to five (5) years old present. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Administrator, Marissa Minocchi – Stermer, and Assistant Administrator, Kathy Stabile-Thornton, were present and assisted with today’s visit. Ms. Minocchi-Stermer accompanied Ms. Ross as she conducted observations in each classroom. The outdoor play area was not monitored due to active precipitation. Infants and one year old children in space #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. One infant was observed sitting in a high chair being fed and another infant was on the floor surrounded by materials. The one-year-olds were eating lunch. Toddler and preschool children in spaces #1 and #4 were observed cleaning up from participating in free choice activities and completing handwashing/bathroom routines in preparation to eat lunch. Preschool children in spaces #5, #8, and #9 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of mini corn dogs or hamburgers, baked beans, apple slices, and milk. School age children were not present today; they were on a field trip to the movies. Due to the NC Pre-K program being closed for the summer, NC Pre-K Monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. All children were adequately supervised, and staff/child ratios were being maintained. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill was conducted on June 25, 2025. A fire drill for July 2025 was not conducted. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of eleven (11) children records reviewed did not have a medical or health assessment record on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 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 Thursday, August 14, 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Fire Drills/Emergency Drills: Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records should be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter if activity or routine is taking place. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill must be conducted every three (3) months and records should be maintained as required. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on April 1, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Setting Up an Effective Classroom Environment: Tuesday, August 19 | 7-8 p.m. Meeting Link: https://ccrinc.zoom.us/j/3677997738 Meeting ID: 367 799 7738 Join us to talk about ideal ways to set up your classroom, daily schedules, how to organize centers, making rules, and job charts. Join us in the discussion of strategies to use in the new year. A free, talk-to-the-experts webinar, presented by Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline advisors! Summer 2025: Is it Medicine? We think you’ll enjoy the Summer 2025 edition of the NC Child Care Health and Safety E-Newsletter. It includes in-depth information about health and safety concerns in early care and education settings, as well as information for child care programs to share with families. Check it out! Remember! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 7/31/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:05 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 childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Tammy Ross, assisted with today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at your facility at 10:00am. The last annual compliance was conducted on August 6, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed February 20, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on April 16, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was eighty-eight (88) percent as of July 31, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on July 31, 2025, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. The Administrator, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, was present and available for consultation. Ninety-four (94) children, between the ages of zero (0) and five (5) years old are enrolled and sixty-six (66) present today. There were seven (7) classrooms operating today, with ninety-four (94) children aged zero (0) to five (5) years old present. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Administrator, Marissa Minocchi – Stermer, and Assistant Administrator, Kathy Stabile-Thornton, were present and assisted with today’s visit. Ms. Minocchi-Stermer accompanied Ms. Ross as she conducted observations in each classroom. The outdoor play area was not monitored due to active precipitation. Infants and one year old children in space #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. One infant was observed sitting in a high chair being fed and another infant was on the floor surrounded by materials. The one-year-olds were eating lunch. Toddler and preschool children in spaces #1 and #4 were observed cleaning up from participating in free choice activities and completing handwashing/bathroom routines in preparation to eat lunch. Preschool children in spaces #5, #8, and #9 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of mini corn dogs or hamburgers, baked beans, apple slices, and milk. School age children were not present today; they were on a field trip to the movies. Due to the NC Pre-K program being closed for the summer, NC Pre-K Monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. All children were adequately supervised, and staff/child ratios were being maintained. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill was conducted on June 25, 2025. A fire drill for July 2025 was not conducted. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of eleven (11) children records reviewed did not have a medical or health assessment record on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 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 Thursday, August 14, 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Fire Drills/Emergency Drills: Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records should be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter if activity or routine is taking place. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill must be conducted every three (3) months and records should be maintained as required. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on April 1, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Setting Up an Effective Classroom Environment: Tuesday, August 19 | 7-8 p.m. Meeting Link: https://ccrinc.zoom.us/j/3677997738 Meeting ID: 367 799 7738 Join us to talk about ideal ways to set up your classroom, daily schedules, how to organize centers, making rules, and job charts. Join us in the discussion of strategies to use in the new year. A free, talk-to-the-experts webinar, presented by Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline advisors! Summer 2025: Is it Medicine? We think you’ll enjoy the Summer 2025 edition of the NC Child Care Health and Safety E-Newsletter. It includes in-depth information about health and safety concerns in early care and education settings, as well as information for child care programs to share with families. Check it out! Remember! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-192L Visit Date: 3/4/2025 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 3/4/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up on a violation that was documented on February 25, 2025, regarding Supervision. In addition, newly hired staff records were reviewed. Limited monitoring occurred. This facility’s 5 Star License was issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 201 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. is current and active. The 18-month compliance history for this facility is 88%. The latest fire inspection was completed March 28, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime care only. The facility earned a Superior sanitation inspection on February 20, 2025. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 6, 2024. Upon arrival, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, director, was present and greeted me. I explained the purpose of my visit. A walk through and observations were conducted in all classrooms and outdoor environments. There were eight (8) classrooms operating today. One hundred and thirty-five children were enrolled and ninety-two were present, ranging in age from infants to five-year-olds. Children were engaged in activities indoors and some outdoors. There were three infants present with one caregiver. One of the infants was lying on a boppy pillow. The other two were crawling, exploring around the classroom, and playing with the baby steering wheel. Four other groups were outside engaged in free play. The were sliding, climbing, running around, digging in the sand, riding trikes, and many other age appropriate activities. The three other groups were holding, molding, rolling, and squeezing green playdough, creating truffula trees, or making hot air balloons. Several of the classrooms monthly theme is Dr. Seuss and other was St. Patricks Day. Many activities and displays related were displayed throughout. Lunch consisted of chicken patties, pineapple, squash/carrots, and milk. Follow-Up To Violation: On February 25, 2025, an investigation was conducted and a violation related to supervision was documented. On February 13, 2025, a three-year-old child was located inside the bathroom in classroom space #4 while the other children in the group were on the playground. Today, a walk through and observations were conducted throughout the facility. All children were being visually supervised. Alarms sounded today as we entered and exited the classrooms. Today, the exit door to the playground was opened and the alarm sounded. Staff were positioned to ensure all children were visually supervised. You submitted your compliance letter today, March 4, 2025, during the visit. In your compliance letter, you stated the following: -Staff were required to write written statements explaining how the incident occurred. -A self-report was started on 2/14/2025 and completed on 2/17/2025. -Internal Investigation was completed determining that the CSR form was completed for face to names but transitions to the playground were incomplete. -A meeting with DM, Regional, and HR was conducted on 2/14/2025 and written corrective actions were done for 2 staff members in charge of supervising the child at the time. A. Pinero signed hers on 2/17/2025, I. Raper signed hers on 2/18/2025. -A building walkthrough was conducted on 2/14/2025 and all front door and back door alarms were secured in the ‘on’ position. -A Professional Development Day was held on 2/17/2025 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm - during this time all staff reviewed and signed off on Playground Supervision, The last Written Supervision Action Plan and Acknowledgment, and a personal statement that they were thoroughly trained on supervision, and Child Supervision Records by me. -Follow up conversations were completed with the witness Stephanie Capps on 2/13/2025 and a follow up conversation was completed with J. Roco's family on 2/17/2025 pending their return from their vacation/trip. In the follow up conversation I explained that we have observed J. Roco attempting to run inside the building multiple times and recommended that they address the safety concern at home as we were doing at the center, I also notified the parent that the door alarms were on the front and back doors and had been secured in the one position to alert the teachers if their body is positioned away from the doors to prevent this from happening again. Based on today’s visit and your response, this violation is verified as correct. As discussed, based on a Substantiated complaint, an administrative action may be issued. I will follow up once a decision has been made. Newly Hired Staff- There are 11 staff hired since the last monitoring visit. There are violations related to staff records. I encourage you to spend time in your office working on files. Request assistance for someone to cover you so you have time to complete and update records. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. I also encourage you to give each staff member ownership of their licensing staff paperwork. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. You may wish to delegate some recordkeeping responsibilities to another staff member who has good organizational skills and is able to assist. This will allow you to trust that accurate records are being kept while you focus on other aspects of managing your facility. Violation Number Comment Rule 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member employed on November 26, 2024 has not completed a First Aid Course. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member employed on November 26, 2024 has not completed a CPR training. .1102(d) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member has not signed acknowledging they have received a review of the EPR Plan. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member employed on August 12, 2024 has not signed acknowledging receipt of The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 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. One staff member hired on August 20, 2024 had not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. .1102(g) Violations were documented today and must be corrected immediately. The letter of compliance must be received by March 16, 2025, describing how and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A return visit will be made to verify compliance with the violations if the letter is not received on the agreed date. 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. Technical Assistance: Continue to ensure staff are visually supervised at all times. Ensure one staff member is present during a transition to other areas outside the classroom, she should either be positioned behind the children as they move to the other area so she can visually see all of the children; or if positioned in front of children, she should be walking backwards or sideways so she can supervise the children behind her. In addition to the supervision violation documented, during outside play time, staff were often positioned so their backs were turned to most of the play area. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and signed. If you need further assistance, you may contact me, Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, at 910-824-1143 or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-192L Visit Date: 2/25/2025 Number Present: 102 Completed Date: 2/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised in the classroom. Upon arrival, Kathy Stabile-Thornton , assistant director was present and greeted me. I explained the purpose of my visit. Soon afterwards, you, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, director arrived and accompanied me during the walk through and observations in the classrooms. There were eight (8) classrooms operating today. One hundred and forty-seven children were enrolled and one hundred and two were present ranging in age from infants to five-year-olds. Initially, children were napping on cots with individual linens. Soft music was playing, and lights were dimmed making the areas conducive for napping. Later, children transitioned from nap time routines to free play. They were looking at books, playing with blocks, and many other activities. Snack was served consisting of apples, cheese crackers and water. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and two other staff members. Each were given an opportunity to provide their perception of the allegation. The center does not have a camera system. Findings: Allegation: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised in the classroom. You stated children are visually supervised per sight and sound, and are trained on proper body positioning to maximize full body supervision. You explained there was a recent incident that occurred at the facility. On Thursday, February 13, 2025, at approximately 3pm, a three-year-old child was located inside the bathroom of classroom space #4 while the other children in the group were on the playground. There were two staff members present with seventeen children on the day of the incident. Staff reported the classroom transitioned at approximately 3pm from the indoor environment into the outdoor environment for gross motor play. Staff reported they conducted a name-to-face count as they moved to the outside space and did a sweep of the classroom. It had rained prior to going out; therefore, there were two areas that water had collected. Once outside, children started running, jumping, and playing in the wet muddy areas. Both staff members stated they were focused on the children and trying to stop them from jumping and playing in the mud. While they were engaged with these children and their behaviors, one of the three-year olds opened the classroom door and went into the bathroom. Soon afterwards, the assistant director walked to the playground and asked staff to conduct a head count, explaining they were missing one child. You explained a parent had arrived to pick up her child and heard another child talking in the bathroom. Initially, she thought the child was with an adult, checked the space and observed another child standing in the bathroom talking to themself but didn’t appear to be upset. The parent brought the child to the office. Classroom staff members stated the door alarm on the exit door was not working. One staff member stated there was a piece missing of the alarm and the other staff member stated the alarm needed batteries. Staff reported the alarms on the doors are now working and sounds each time the doors are opened. Staff members stated they were upset this incident occurred. Since the incident, classroom staff members stated when outdoors, one staff member will remain near the classroom door, and they will continue to conduct head counts when transitioning in and out and when outside. Today, a walk through and observations were conducted throughout he facility. All children were being visually supervised. Staff child ratios were being met, and staff were floating around the classroom observing and supervising the children. Today, the exit door to the playground was opened and the alarm sounded. You explained the incident was discussed with one staff member the day after the incident and on the following Monday for the second staff member. Both staff members were given a formal Written Warning. In addition, on February 17, 2025, you conducted a staff meeting and reviewed the Supervision plan and the Playground Supervision policy. Each staff member signed a statement acknowledging their understanding of the plan and policy. You are conducting on-going observations with both staff members. Based on today’s investigation, staff member’s information, and the reporter’s information, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On February 13, 2025, a three-year-old child was located inside the bathroom in classroom space #4 while the other children in the group were on the playground. .1801(a)(1-5) A violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before March 5, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Based on a Substantiated complaint, a follow-up visit will be conducted, and an administrative action may be issued. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to supervision in child care rule .1801. On February 13, 2025, a three-year-old child was located inside the bathroom in classroom space #4 while the other children in the group were on the playground. Active supervision requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Teachers should position themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, counting, and listening at all times. Transitions are times when heightened observations need to take place as we have received many reports lately of children being left in a classroom or in the outdoor play space. Teachers should account for all children with name-to-face recognition by visually identifying each child. They should also use their knowledge of each child’s development and abilities to anticipate what they will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance helps children learn safely. In the future, if there has been a recent weather occurrence, contact administration to ensure the playground space is safe and there are no visible concerns. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and signed. If you need further assistance, you may contact me, Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, at 910-824-1143 or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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.
GS 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2024 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 8/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. The facility’s 5 Star License was issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 201 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website on May 21, 2024, your corporation Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. is current and active. The 18-month compliance history for this facility is 87%. The latest fire inspection was completed March 28, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime care only. The facility earned a Superior sanitation inspection on May 17, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. You, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, administrator, was present during today’s visit. There were seven (7) classrooms operating today. One hundred and sixteen children were enrolled and eight-two children present. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. There were four infants present. One was napping, two were sitting in highchairs eating and one was being held by the assistant administrator. During the second visit to the classroom. The staff member was sitting on the floor engaged with the infants. They were sitting in activity seats being held or exploring around the play space. Two younger groups were finishing up breakfast routines and then were transitioning into free play. Other groups were engaged in free play such drawing with crayons, playing with zoo animals, building with cardboard blocks, looking at books, and other activities. Two classrooms had combined with other classrooms due to lower attendance and limited staff. Limited monitoring occurred outdoors due to active rain/inclement weather. Hurricane Debby is expected in the area this week, but we are currently experiencing rain bands. Lunch today included beef tacos, red beans, pineapple and milk/soy. The center is approved for NC Pre-K and will begin in September. Monitoring for NC Pre-k will be conducted during the next visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #1 and #6, the lesson plans were not current. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member was employed on February 13, 2023 and training was completed on July 23, 2024. .1102(a) 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 seventyfive percent. Violation(s) documented will impact the compliance history score. Two violations were documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before August 16, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@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. Technical Assistance: A violation was documented related to activity planning in child care rule .0508. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #1 and #6, the lesson plans were not current. Activity plans are detailed plans which outline activities that will encourage children’s growth and development. The activities outlined on the activity plan will typically occur during the “Activity Center” times indicated on the daily schedule. They must be posted for easy reference by caregivers and parents. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are twenty-three staff members employed at this facility. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health and Safety training- One staff member out of the twenty-two has not completed all the trainings, although the staff member has until November 2024. Rainy Day Play- On days when outdoor play does not occur due to weather conditions, and gross motor play must occur inside, vigorous indoor activities MUST occur for at least 1 hour. At least 3 different types of portable gross motor materials (in sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the group), that promote 5-7 different gross motor skills must be available during inside gross motor play on each day “weather does not permit”. In addition to balls, other portable gross materials for inside play include bowling sets (bending and rolling), ring toss games, jump ropes, hopscotch and bouncy balls (skipping and jumping), hula hoops (twisting), Twister, romper stompers and balance beams (balancing), parachutes and materials for an indoor obstacle course (chairs to climb under, tape line to balance on, etc. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at www.ncchildcare.net. The "hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented (SB 425). This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. I encourage you to review information about the new standards as they become 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 it becomes available. Encourage you to install cameras to ensure staff are always providing visual supervision and appropriate caregiving interactions. Cameras contribute to real-time visual interactions, as well as serving as a teaching tool, as staff can observe themselves. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2024 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 8/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. The facility’s 5 Star License was issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 201 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website on May 21, 2024, your corporation Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. is current and active. The 18-month compliance history for this facility is 87%. The latest fire inspection was completed March 28, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime care only. The facility earned a Superior sanitation inspection on May 17, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. You, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, administrator, was present during today’s visit. There were seven (7) classrooms operating today. One hundred and sixteen children were enrolled and eight-two children present. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. There were four infants present. One was napping, two were sitting in highchairs eating and one was being held by the assistant administrator. During the second visit to the classroom. The staff member was sitting on the floor engaged with the infants. They were sitting in activity seats being held or exploring around the play space. Two younger groups were finishing up breakfast routines and then were transitioning into free play. Other groups were engaged in free play such drawing with crayons, playing with zoo animals, building with cardboard blocks, looking at books, and other activities. Two classrooms had combined with other classrooms due to lower attendance and limited staff. Limited monitoring occurred outdoors due to active rain/inclement weather. Hurricane Debby is expected in the area this week, but we are currently experiencing rain bands. Lunch today included beef tacos, red beans, pineapple and milk/soy. The center is approved for NC Pre-K and will begin in September. Monitoring for NC Pre-k will be conducted during the next visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #1 and #6, the lesson plans were not current. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member was employed on February 13, 2023 and training was completed on July 23, 2024. .1102(a) 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 seventyfive percent. Violation(s) documented will impact the compliance history score. Two violations were documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before August 16, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@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. Technical Assistance: A violation was documented related to activity planning in child care rule .0508. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #1 and #6, the lesson plans were not current. Activity plans are detailed plans which outline activities that will encourage children’s growth and development. The activities outlined on the activity plan will typically occur during the “Activity Center” times indicated on the daily schedule. They must be posted for easy reference by caregivers and parents. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are twenty-three staff members employed at this facility. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health and Safety training- One staff member out of the twenty-two has not completed all the trainings, although the staff member has until November 2024. Rainy Day Play- On days when outdoor play does not occur due to weather conditions, and gross motor play must occur inside, vigorous indoor activities MUST occur for at least 1 hour. At least 3 different types of portable gross motor materials (in sufficient quantity to meet the needs of the group), that promote 5-7 different gross motor skills must be available during inside gross motor play on each day “weather does not permit”. In addition to balls, other portable gross materials for inside play include bowling sets (bending and rolling), ring toss games, jump ropes, hopscotch and bouncy balls (skipping and jumping), hula hoops (twisting), Twister, romper stompers and balance beams (balancing), parachutes and materials for an indoor obstacle course (chairs to climb under, tape line to balance on, etc. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at www.ncchildcare.net. The "hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented (SB 425). This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. I encourage you to review information about the new standards as they become 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 it becomes available. Encourage you to install cameras to ensure staff are always providing visual supervision and appropriate caregiving interactions. Cameras contribute to real-time visual interactions, as well as serving as a teaching tool, as staff can observe themselves. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/22/2024 Number Present: 129 Completed Date: 5/22/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 835 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 11:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The facility’s 5 Star License was issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 201 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website on May 21, 2024, your corporation Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. is current and active. The 18-month compliance history for this facility is 90%. The latest fire inspection was completed March 28, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime care only. The facility earned a Superior sanitation inspection on May 17, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. You, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, administrator, was present during today’s visit. There were ten (10) classrooms operating today. One hundred eighty-three children were enrolled and one hundred twenty-nine children present. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. All infants were awake. There were walking around, playing with balls, and a staff member was feeding one infant seated in a high chair. Six groups were engaged in outdoor free play in activities such as riding trikes and other riding toys, sliding, running around, rocking on the seesaw, and other age-appropriate activities. Water was available for the children in the outdoor spaces. Toddlers in the indoor space were engaged in free play activities which included large lego, animals, and musical instruments. Older preschool children activities included insects, writing names, and alphabet countdown to graduation. Positive interactions between the children and staff were observed. Lunch today included chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and milk/soy. Food service, handwashing, and toileting routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Four staff files from staff members hired after the last annual compliance visit conducted August 2023 were reviewed today. NC Pre-K- There are three classrooms spaces that are utilized for NC Pre-K program. There are fifty-eight children enrolled and fifty-two were present today. The attendance is staggered due to parking challenges; although, all three classrooms meet the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, A&S Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold are their ongoing assessments. Family engagements activities included Ready Rosie, plantings, shared meals, pumpkin decorating, etc. Staff create and send monthly newsletters to parents. A sample of NC Pre-K children’s files were reviewed. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were reviewed for a sample of NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. One child enrolled in a NC Pre-K classroom was observed climbing walls, climbing up the glass door, climbing across shelves, taunting another child, having outbursts, running through the classroom, and would not follow any guidance from the teacher. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was monitored on-site by Courtney Wandishin, Pre-K Director on November 30, 2023. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor spaces #4, plastic grocery bags in the bottom of a child’s cubby were accessible to children under three years of age. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in two (2) staff files. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in two (2) staff files. .1102(d) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. In indoor space #2, staff members had a Pepsi, Cherry Slush Energy Alani drink, and a Dunkin Refresher drink, sitting on a shelf accessible to the children. In indoor space #3 a Minute Maid Pink Lemonade, and in indoor space #7 a can of Bubbly Flavored Water was sitting on the teacher’s desk accessible to the children. A staff member was walking around on the playground with a large cold coffee. .0901(i) 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. Violation(s) documented will impact the compliance history score. Violations were documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before May 30, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@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. Technical Assistance for Violations Cited: First Aid and CPR: At least one staff member shall be knowledgeable of and able to recognize common symptoms of illness. Effective December 1, 2015, Staff who have completed a course in basic first aid shall be present at all times children are present. First aid training shall be renewed on or before expiration of the certification or every three years, whichever is less. CPR certification is to be renewed on or before expiration of the certification or every two years, whichever is less. Staff Nutrition: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Rules- North Carolina Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Some of these rule changes may impact your facility. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and you view information in the DCDEE Moodle. Encourage you to install cameras to ensure staff are always providing visual supervision and appropriate caregiving interactions. Cameras contribute to real-time visual interactions, as well as serving as a teaching tool, as staff can observe themselves. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/22/2024 Number Present: 129 Completed Date: 5/22/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 835 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 11:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The facility’s 5 Star License was issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 201 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website on May 21, 2024, your corporation Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. is current and active. The 18-month compliance history for this facility is 90%. The latest fire inspection was completed March 28, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime care only. The facility earned a Superior sanitation inspection on May 17, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 9, 2023. You, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, administrator, was present during today’s visit. There were ten (10) classrooms operating today. One hundred eighty-three children were enrolled and one hundred twenty-nine children present. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. All infants were awake. There were walking around, playing with balls, and a staff member was feeding one infant seated in a high chair. Six groups were engaged in outdoor free play in activities such as riding trikes and other riding toys, sliding, running around, rocking on the seesaw, and other age-appropriate activities. Water was available for the children in the outdoor spaces. Toddlers in the indoor space were engaged in free play activities which included large lego, animals, and musical instruments. Older preschool children activities included insects, writing names, and alphabet countdown to graduation. Positive interactions between the children and staff were observed. Lunch today included chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and milk/soy. Food service, handwashing, and toileting routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Four staff files from staff members hired after the last annual compliance visit conducted August 2023 were reviewed today. NC Pre-K- There are three classrooms spaces that are utilized for NC Pre-K program. There are fifty-eight children enrolled and fifty-two were present today. The attendance is staggered due to parking challenges; although, all three classrooms meet the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, A&S Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold are their ongoing assessments. Family engagements activities included Ready Rosie, plantings, shared meals, pumpkin decorating, etc. Staff create and send monthly newsletters to parents. A sample of NC Pre-K children’s files were reviewed. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were reviewed for a sample of NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. One child enrolled in a NC Pre-K classroom was observed climbing walls, climbing up the glass door, climbing across shelves, taunting another child, having outbursts, running through the classroom, and would not follow any guidance from the teacher. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was monitored on-site by Courtney Wandishin, Pre-K Director on November 30, 2023. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor spaces #4, plastic grocery bags in the bottom of a child’s cubby were accessible to children under three years of age. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in two (2) staff files. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in two (2) staff files. .1102(d) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. In indoor space #2, staff members had a Pepsi, Cherry Slush Energy Alani drink, and a Dunkin Refresher drink, sitting on a shelf accessible to the children. In indoor space #3 a Minute Maid Pink Lemonade, and in indoor space #7 a can of Bubbly Flavored Water was sitting on the teacher’s desk accessible to the children. A staff member was walking around on the playground with a large cold coffee. .0901(i) 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. Violation(s) documented will impact the compliance history score. Violations were documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before May 30, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@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. Technical Assistance for Violations Cited: First Aid and CPR: At least one staff member shall be knowledgeable of and able to recognize common symptoms of illness. Effective December 1, 2015, Staff who have completed a course in basic first aid shall be present at all times children are present. First aid training shall be renewed on or before expiration of the certification or every three years, whichever is less. CPR certification is to be renewed on or before expiration of the certification or every two years, whichever is less. Staff Nutrition: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Rules- North Carolina Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Some of these rule changes may impact your facility. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and you view information in the DCDEE Moodle. Encourage you to install cameras to ensure staff are always providing visual supervision and appropriate caregiving interactions. Cameras contribute to real-time visual interactions, as well as serving as a teaching tool, as staff can observe themselves. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: HEATHER BINDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-042A Visit Date: 2/8/2024 Number Present: 60 Completed Date: 2/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 12:50 PM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Minocchi-Stermer and three (3) additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On February 1, 2024, staff failed to position themselves in the outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance. .1801(a)(1-5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On February 1, 2024, staff failed to provide adequate supervision on the playground, which placed a four-year-old child in an unsafe outdoor environment, resulting in physical injury and harm to the child. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. The Division confirmed child maltreatment on May 8, 2024. GS 110-105.6(a) 1911 An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. On February 5, 2024, a parent informed staff they had taken their four-year-old child for medical treatment due to injuries the child sustained while in care on February 1, 2024, but staff failed to complete an incident report and send it to a Division representative within seven days. .0802(f) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week (February 15, 2024), you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, heather.binder@dhhs.nc.gov. You may contact Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, at (252) 617-6237, heather.binder@dhhs.nc.gov or Corrie Davenport, Northeastern Investigations Supervisor, at corrie.davenport@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
GS 110-105 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: HEATHER BINDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-042A Visit Date: 2/8/2024 Number Present: 60 Completed Date: 2/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 12:50 PM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Minocchi-Stermer and three (3) additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On February 1, 2024, staff failed to position themselves in the outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance. .1801(a)(1-5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On February 1, 2024, staff failed to provide adequate supervision on the playground, which placed a four-year-old child in an unsafe outdoor environment, resulting in physical injury and harm to the child. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. The Division confirmed child maltreatment on May 8, 2024. GS 110-105.6(a) 1911 An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. On February 5, 2024, a parent informed staff they had taken their four-year-old child for medical treatment due to injuries the child sustained while in care on February 1, 2024, but staff failed to complete an incident report and send it to a Division representative within seven days. .0802(f) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week (February 15, 2024), you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, heather.binder@dhhs.nc.gov. You may contact Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, at (252) 617-6237, heather.binder@dhhs.nc.gov or Corrie Davenport, Northeastern Investigations Supervisor, at corrie.davenport@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Not marked corrected in the state record
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1223-102L Visit Date: 12/14/2023 Number Present: 135 Completed Date: 12/14/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violation of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised in the classroom. Upon arrival, Samantha Folsom, assistance director was present and greeted me. I explained the purpose of my visit. Soon afterwards, you, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, director arrived and accompanied me during the walk through and observations in the classrooms and outdoor play areas. There were ten (10) classrooms operating today. One hundred and thirty-five children were present. Children were visually supervised and staff child ratios were in compliance. Staff members were engaged in play with children. Six of the ten classroom were engaged in free play activities such as building with foam blocks, playing dress up, stacking table top toys, painting and decorating Christmas trees, watching Spooky’ s Christmas on tv, and many other age appropriate activities. Outdoors children were sliding, climbing, running around, riding trikes, riding on the see saw, catching leaves and other activities. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you. You provided written statements from the two other staff members. Findings: Allegation: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised in the classroom. On Thursday, December 7, 2023, Brenda Carr, lead staff member for classroom space #9 (NC Pre-K), left a 4-year-old child in the classroom alone napping on their cot while the other children went outdoors. On this day, there were sixteen children present, ranging in age from 4 years to 5-year-olds. You explained this was not a typical day and there has been on-going conflicts between the two classroom staff members. Typically, after nap time, the children transition from nap to bathroom routines to snack time. On this day, the assistant, Jennie McMullen, decided to change the daily routine. She asked the children that were awake to line up at the door. She had stated to Ms. Carr that she was taking the children outdoors for music and movement. Ms. Carr stated to Ms. McMillen, we will take them out together. Ms. McMullen proceeded outdoors with the children that were waiting at the door. Ms. Carr was worried about ratios; therefore, she rushed to get the remaining children up and outside. Once Ms. Carr was outside, she realized one of the children had not transitioned outdoors. She ran inside, picked her up and carried her to the office to discuss with you. Based on the staff members reports, the child was inside the classroom alone napping for approximately one to three minutes. You contacted the child’s parents to inform them of the incident. The child remains enrolled in the program. As a result of the incident, on the next day, December 8, 2023, both staff members were given Disciplinary Actions, which included an individualized corrective action plan. This plan specifically places the two staff members on a Probationary Period and the action will be placed in their Human Resource file. In addition, to be proactive, you have provided training related to supervision and have reviewed the Active Supervision poster that is posted in each classroom. You have retrained staff on the in-house CSR form, which documents the number of children, the staff members present with the children, and the location of any transition. This form is to be completed every thirty minutes and for each transition. On the day of the incident, the form had not been completed. You explained your goal is to help build the relationship between the two staff members. You have been working with staff on relationship building. On November 22, 2023, you conducted a mediation session with both staff members. The information discussed during mediation was documented and available for my review. Today, all children were visually supervised. Staff members were engaged in play with the children or were walking around the child care spaces watching and observing the children. I reviewed the written statements from you and the two staff members involved in the incident. In addition, I reviewed the mediation documentation along with the in-house CSR form. Based on the reporter’s information, the staff member’s information, and this investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On December 7, 2023, a staff member left a 4-year old child alone on their cot napping in classroom space #8 for approximately one to three minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) A violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before December 24, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Based on a Substantiated complaint, an administrative action may be issued. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to supervision in child care rule .1801. Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On December 7, 2023, a staff member left a 4-year-old child alone on their cot napping in classroom space #8 for approximately one to three minutes. Children must be adequately supervised at all times. Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed or inappropriate behavior. Active and positive supervision involves knowing each child’s abilities, establishing clear and simple safety rules, being aware of potential hazards, standing in strategic positions, and scanning play areas and circulating around the space. Keeping children safe means maintaining accountability for children. We must ensure the safety of each child from the time they enter your facility until the time a parent has signed them out. It’s important to count children by matching name and face. This count should be conducted on a scheduled basis, at every transition, and when leaving one area and arriving at another. Be sure you can state the number of children in your care at all times. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and emailed to the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, at 910-824-1143 or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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 .0514 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/9/2023 Number Present: 108 Completed Date: 8/9/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:10 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. The facility’s 5 Star License was issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 201 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. is current and active. The 18-month compliance history for this facility is 92%. The latest fire inspection was completed September 28, 3022; the facility was approved for daytime care only. The facility earned a Superior sanitation inspection on May 3, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 15, 2022. You, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, administrator was present during today’s visit. There were nine (9) classrooms operating today. One hundred forty-five children were enrolled and one hundred eight children present. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. All infants were awake. There were lying on boppy pillows, crawling, pulling up or just exploring around on the carpeted areas. One classroom of children was combined with another group of children. Two groups of school-agers went on a fieldtrip to Northwest Park to play in the splash pad. Departure of these two groups was observed. Name to face count was completed prior to departure. Three groups were engaged in outdoor free play in activities such as riding trikes and other riding toys, sliding, running around, rocking on the seesaw, and other age-appropriate activities. One group was observed in water play, the children ran or walked through the sprinkler, which was situated in a grassy area. Positive interactions between the children and staff were observed. Lunch today included turkey and cheese sandwiches, wheat bread, baked beans, pineapple, milk/soy. The center is approved for NC Pre-K and will begin in September. Monitoring for NC Pre-k will be conducted during the next visit. Health and Safety trainings were monitored. The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One out of the twenty children's files reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement statement from the parent. GS 110-102 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. In space #3, there were two beach towels, children's wet clothes, and a large yellow bin located on top of the diaper changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. In space #4, dirt was observed around the inside edge of the diaper changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. Three out of the twenty children's records reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement statement from the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One out of the twenty children's records reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement statement from the parent. .1804(c) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Four out of the twenty children's records reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement statement from the parent. .0608(b)(1-6) Violations were documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 20, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@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. Technical Assistance: Children’s Records- Violations were documented related to children’s records. There are items missing related to parents signed acknowledgement of the following: Discipline, Operational policies, Summary of the law, and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive. Technical assistance was provided today regarding the requirements for children’s records. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Share the requirements with upper management as they create the forms. Rated License Status: The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in the 3rd Cohort system. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. Training Opportunities- In support, I have reached out to the NCRLAP Assessors, and they are coming to Onslow County to conduct training for my child care programs. Registration is required! Trainings will be held in-person on September 27, 2023, starting at 9am till 2pm at One Place. You may attend one or you may attend all three. ITERS-R - 9:00am-10:30am ECERS-R 11am-12:30pm SACERS-U 1pm- 2:00pm At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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.
GS 110-102 · Violation
Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #11 Facility ID: 67001184 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/9/2023 Number Present: 108 Completed Date: 8/9/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:10 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. The facility’s 5 Star License was issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 201 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. is current and active. The 18-month compliance history for this facility is 92%. The latest fire inspection was completed September 28, 3022; the facility was approved for daytime care only. The facility earned a Superior sanitation inspection on May 3, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted August 15, 2022. You, Marissa Minocchi-Stermer, administrator was present during today’s visit. There were nine (9) classrooms operating today. One hundred forty-five children were enrolled and one hundred eight children present. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. All infants were awake. There were lying on boppy pillows, crawling, pulling up or just exploring around on the carpeted areas. One classroom of children was combined with another group of children. Two groups of school-agers went on a fieldtrip to Northwest Park to play in the splash pad. Departure of these two groups was observed. Name to face count was completed prior to departure. Three groups were engaged in outdoor free play in activities such as riding trikes and other riding toys, sliding, running around, rocking on the seesaw, and other age-appropriate activities. One group was observed in water play, the children ran or walked through the sprinkler, which was situated in a grassy area. Positive interactions between the children and staff were observed. Lunch today included turkey and cheese sandwiches, wheat bread, baked beans, pineapple, milk/soy. The center is approved for NC Pre-K and will begin in September. Monitoring for NC Pre-k will be conducted during the next visit. Health and Safety trainings were monitored. The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One out of the twenty children's files reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement statement from the parent. GS 110-102 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. In space #3, there were two beach towels, children's wet clothes, and a large yellow bin located on top of the diaper changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 619 Diaper changing surfaces were not cleaned with a detergent solution and disinfected after each use. In space #4, dirt was observed around the inside edge of the diaper changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(c) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. Three out of the twenty children's records reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement statement from the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One out of the twenty children's records reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement statement from the parent. .1804(c) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Four out of the twenty children's records reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement statement from the parent. .0608(b)(1-6) Violations were documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 20, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@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. Technical Assistance: Children’s Records- Violations were documented related to children’s records. There are items missing related to parents signed acknowledgement of the following: Discipline, Operational policies, Summary of the law, and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive. Technical assistance was provided today regarding the requirements for children’s records. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Share the requirements with upper management as they create the forms. Rated License Status: The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in the 3rd Cohort system. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. Training Opportunities- In support, I have reached out to the NCRLAP Assessors, and they are coming to Onslow County to conduct training for my child care programs. Registration is required! Trainings will be held in-person on September 27, 2023, starting at 9am till 2pm at One Place. You may attend one or you may attend all three. ITERS-R - 9:00am-10:30am ECERS-R 11am-12:30pm SACERS-U 1pm- 2:00pm At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.