10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/21/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 7/21/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed and meets enhanced space. This facility is owned and operated by a sole propitiator. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 24, 2024. A fire inspection was completed on July 17, 2025; the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained on December 3, 2024. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Administrator V. Thompson was present and available for consultation today. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk through and observations were conducted. Eight (8) children are enrolled. Four (4) children ages two to four-years-old were present today. Upon arrival, all the children were engaged in free play in their classroom; supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance. The space is arranged into the following activity areas: language, manipulatives, sensory, music, art and dramatic play. Your activity plan was current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Staff had informal conversations with children and engaged in play as well. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. No new staff have been hired since your last visit, and no stationary equipment has been added to your playground. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – April 20, 2023. According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. Shade was not available in any area of the outdoor space. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. The handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Today the grass was over 6 inches high in some areas. Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Your facility has not completed the ABCMS training and linked your staff to your facility as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 1, 2025. Include the dated you completed the ABCMS training, as well as the date you completed the lead and asbestos section as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS: North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Shade: No shade was available on the outdoor area today. Staff reported that shade is onsite but not yet installed. North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1402 (c) states: the outdoor play area shall provide an area that is shaded by a building, awnings, trees, or other methods. You must provide shelter from the sun. Shade helps reduce UV exposure and offers a place to cool off. You could add umbrellas for shade until your permanent structure is installed. Grass: The grass was over six inches tall in some areas. Grass should be maintained so that it does not encourage the harborage of vermin as according to North Carolina Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (i). Consider weekly lawn maintenance during the spring and summer months to ensure the grass is cut as needed. Safe environment: Mold: In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. Staff stated they were aware of the mold and have been waiting for someone to fix the leak and cabinet. Mold poses significant health risks to children, especially those with potential respiratory conditions and allergies. This must be addressed immediately. Reach out to your environmental health to your environmental health specialist for guidance on how to safely address the mold. Visit Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA for additional resources. Front door: the handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. This could pose a safety hazard during an emergency as the exit door is no longer single action. Replace the door handle with a new sturdy fixture. Locks: the exits lock must be unlocked from the inside at all times during your operating hours. Consider replacing your locks with looks that remain locked on the outside yet are still single action on the inside. Sandbox: Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. Place a secure cover over your sandbox when not in use. Technical assistance: According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Technical Assistance: in-service training: Ensure all in-service training has been approved by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. If you have any questions regarding approved trainings please email dcdee.inservice.training@dhhs.nc.gov or you may reach out to the Training and Program Development Consultant by phone (919) 814-6365. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns regarding this visit. 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/21/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 7/21/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed and meets enhanced space. This facility is owned and operated by a sole propitiator. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 24, 2024. A fire inspection was completed on July 17, 2025; the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained on December 3, 2024. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Administrator V. Thompson was present and available for consultation today. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk through and observations were conducted. Eight (8) children are enrolled. Four (4) children ages two to four-years-old were present today. Upon arrival, all the children were engaged in free play in their classroom; supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance. The space is arranged into the following activity areas: language, manipulatives, sensory, music, art and dramatic play. Your activity plan was current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Staff had informal conversations with children and engaged in play as well. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. No new staff have been hired since your last visit, and no stationary equipment has been added to your playground. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – April 20, 2023. According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. Shade was not available in any area of the outdoor space. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. The handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Today the grass was over 6 inches high in some areas. Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Your facility has not completed the ABCMS training and linked your staff to your facility as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 1, 2025. Include the dated you completed the ABCMS training, as well as the date you completed the lead and asbestos section as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS: North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Shade: No shade was available on the outdoor area today. Staff reported that shade is onsite but not yet installed. North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1402 (c) states: the outdoor play area shall provide an area that is shaded by a building, awnings, trees, or other methods. You must provide shelter from the sun. Shade helps reduce UV exposure and offers a place to cool off. You could add umbrellas for shade until your permanent structure is installed. Grass: The grass was over six inches tall in some areas. Grass should be maintained so that it does not encourage the harborage of vermin as according to North Carolina Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (i). Consider weekly lawn maintenance during the spring and summer months to ensure the grass is cut as needed. Safe environment: Mold: In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. Staff stated they were aware of the mold and have been waiting for someone to fix the leak and cabinet. Mold poses significant health risks to children, especially those with potential respiratory conditions and allergies. This must be addressed immediately. Reach out to your environmental health to your environmental health specialist for guidance on how to safely address the mold. Visit Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA for additional resources. Front door: the handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. This could pose a safety hazard during an emergency as the exit door is no longer single action. Replace the door handle with a new sturdy fixture. Locks: the exits lock must be unlocked from the inside at all times during your operating hours. Consider replacing your locks with looks that remain locked on the outside yet are still single action on the inside. Sandbox: Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. Place a secure cover over your sandbox when not in use. Technical assistance: According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Technical Assistance: in-service training: Ensure all in-service training has been approved by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. If you have any questions regarding approved trainings please email dcdee.inservice.training@dhhs.nc.gov or you may reach out to the Training and Program Development Consultant by phone (919) 814-6365. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns regarding this visit. 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 .1402 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/21/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 7/21/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed and meets enhanced space. This facility is owned and operated by a sole propitiator. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 24, 2024. A fire inspection was completed on July 17, 2025; the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained on December 3, 2024. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Administrator V. Thompson was present and available for consultation today. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk through and observations were conducted. Eight (8) children are enrolled. Four (4) children ages two to four-years-old were present today. Upon arrival, all the children were engaged in free play in their classroom; supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance. The space is arranged into the following activity areas: language, manipulatives, sensory, music, art and dramatic play. Your activity plan was current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Staff had informal conversations with children and engaged in play as well. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. No new staff have been hired since your last visit, and no stationary equipment has been added to your playground. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – April 20, 2023. According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. Shade was not available in any area of the outdoor space. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. The handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Today the grass was over 6 inches high in some areas. Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Your facility has not completed the ABCMS training and linked your staff to your facility as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 1, 2025. Include the dated you completed the ABCMS training, as well as the date you completed the lead and asbestos section as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS: North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Shade: No shade was available on the outdoor area today. Staff reported that shade is onsite but not yet installed. North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1402 (c) states: the outdoor play area shall provide an area that is shaded by a building, awnings, trees, or other methods. You must provide shelter from the sun. Shade helps reduce UV exposure and offers a place to cool off. You could add umbrellas for shade until your permanent structure is installed. Grass: The grass was over six inches tall in some areas. Grass should be maintained so that it does not encourage the harborage of vermin as according to North Carolina Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (i). Consider weekly lawn maintenance during the spring and summer months to ensure the grass is cut as needed. Safe environment: Mold: In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. Staff stated they were aware of the mold and have been waiting for someone to fix the leak and cabinet. Mold poses significant health risks to children, especially those with potential respiratory conditions and allergies. This must be addressed immediately. Reach out to your environmental health to your environmental health specialist for guidance on how to safely address the mold. Visit Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA for additional resources. Front door: the handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. This could pose a safety hazard during an emergency as the exit door is no longer single action. Replace the door handle with a new sturdy fixture. Locks: the exits lock must be unlocked from the inside at all times during your operating hours. Consider replacing your locks with looks that remain locked on the outside yet are still single action on the inside. Sandbox: Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. Place a secure cover over your sandbox when not in use. Technical assistance: According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Technical Assistance: in-service training: Ensure all in-service training has been approved by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. If you have any questions regarding approved trainings please email dcdee.inservice.training@dhhs.nc.gov or you may reach out to the Training and Program Development Consultant by phone (919) 814-6365. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns regarding this visit. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/21/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 7/21/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed and meets enhanced space. This facility is owned and operated by a sole propitiator. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 24, 2024. A fire inspection was completed on July 17, 2025; the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained on December 3, 2024. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Administrator V. Thompson was present and available for consultation today. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk through and observations were conducted. Eight (8) children are enrolled. Four (4) children ages two to four-years-old were present today. Upon arrival, all the children were engaged in free play in their classroom; supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance. The space is arranged into the following activity areas: language, manipulatives, sensory, music, art and dramatic play. Your activity plan was current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Staff had informal conversations with children and engaged in play as well. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. No new staff have been hired since your last visit, and no stationary equipment has been added to your playground. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – April 20, 2023. According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. Shade was not available in any area of the outdoor space. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. The handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Today the grass was over 6 inches high in some areas. Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Your facility has not completed the ABCMS training and linked your staff to your facility as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 1, 2025. Include the dated you completed the ABCMS training, as well as the date you completed the lead and asbestos section as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS: North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Shade: No shade was available on the outdoor area today. Staff reported that shade is onsite but not yet installed. North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1402 (c) states: the outdoor play area shall provide an area that is shaded by a building, awnings, trees, or other methods. You must provide shelter from the sun. Shade helps reduce UV exposure and offers a place to cool off. You could add umbrellas for shade until your permanent structure is installed. Grass: The grass was over six inches tall in some areas. Grass should be maintained so that it does not encourage the harborage of vermin as according to North Carolina Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (i). Consider weekly lawn maintenance during the spring and summer months to ensure the grass is cut as needed. Safe environment: Mold: In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. Staff stated they were aware of the mold and have been waiting for someone to fix the leak and cabinet. Mold poses significant health risks to children, especially those with potential respiratory conditions and allergies. This must be addressed immediately. Reach out to your environmental health to your environmental health specialist for guidance on how to safely address the mold. Visit Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA for additional resources. Front door: the handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. This could pose a safety hazard during an emergency as the exit door is no longer single action. Replace the door handle with a new sturdy fixture. Locks: the exits lock must be unlocked from the inside at all times during your operating hours. Consider replacing your locks with looks that remain locked on the outside yet are still single action on the inside. Sandbox: Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. Place a secure cover over your sandbox when not in use. Technical assistance: According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Technical Assistance: in-service training: Ensure all in-service training has been approved by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. If you have any questions regarding approved trainings please email dcdee.inservice.training@dhhs.nc.gov or you may reach out to the Training and Program Development Consultant by phone (919) 814-6365. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns regarding this visit. 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: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/21/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 7/21/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed and meets enhanced space. This facility is owned and operated by a sole propitiator. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 24, 2024. A fire inspection was completed on July 17, 2025; the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained on December 3, 2024. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 86%. Administrator V. Thompson was present and available for consultation today. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk through and observations were conducted. Eight (8) children are enrolled. Four (4) children ages two to four-years-old were present today. Upon arrival, all the children were engaged in free play in their classroom; supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance. The space is arranged into the following activity areas: language, manipulatives, sensory, music, art and dramatic play. Your activity plan was current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Staff had informal conversations with children and engaged in play as well. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. No new staff have been hired since your last visit, and no stationary equipment has been added to your playground. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed five years or more have repeated all topics within five years as required. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – April 20, 2023. According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. Shade was not available in any area of the outdoor space. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. The handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Today the grass was over 6 inches high in some areas. Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Your facility has not completed the ABCMS training and linked your staff to your facility as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by August 1, 2025. Include the dated you completed the ABCMS training, as well as the date you completed the lead and asbestos section as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS: North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Shade: No shade was available on the outdoor area today. Staff reported that shade is onsite but not yet installed. North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1402 (c) states: the outdoor play area shall provide an area that is shaded by a building, awnings, trees, or other methods. You must provide shelter from the sun. Shade helps reduce UV exposure and offers a place to cool off. You could add umbrellas for shade until your permanent structure is installed. Grass: The grass was over six inches tall in some areas. Grass should be maintained so that it does not encourage the harborage of vermin as according to North Carolina Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (i). Consider weekly lawn maintenance during the spring and summer months to ensure the grass is cut as needed. Safe environment: Mold: In the classroom, the bottom of the cabinet under the sink is damp and appears to have black mold. Staff stated they were aware of the mold and have been waiting for someone to fix the leak and cabinet. Mold poses significant health risks to children, especially those with potential respiratory conditions and allergies. This must be addressed immediately. Reach out to your environmental health to your environmental health specialist for guidance on how to safely address the mold. Visit Mold and Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA for additional resources. Front door: the handle on the front door has been broken and is missing. This could pose a safety hazard during an emergency as the exit door is no longer single action. Replace the door handle with a new sturdy fixture. Locks: the exits lock must be unlocked from the inside at all times during your operating hours. Consider replacing your locks with looks that remain locked on the outside yet are still single action on the inside. Sandbox: Your sandbox is not covered when not in use which attracts cats and other animals. Place a secure cover over your sandbox when not in use. Technical assistance: According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Technical Assistance: in-service training: Ensure all in-service training has been approved by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. If you have any questions regarding approved trainings please email dcdee.inservice.training@dhhs.nc.gov or you may reach out to the Training and Program Development Consultant by phone (919) 814-6365. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns regarding this visit. 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 .0510 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/27/2025 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/27/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 08:25 AM Time Out: 10:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited monitoring occurred. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. This facility is owned and operated by a sole propitiator. The last visit was conducted on July 24 2024. A fire inspection was completed on July 25, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime and overnight care. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on December 3, 2024, with a Superior Classification. As of January 26, 2025, the center's compliance history is 89%. Vida Thompson, administrator and lead teacher, was present during today’s visit. A walk through and observations were conducted. Nine (9) children are enrolled. Five (5) children ages two to four-years-old were present today. Upon arrival, all children, including a two-year-old were sitting on the floor watching Coco Mellon on television. Children then transitioned to free play. Children were cooking in dramatic play and playing with cars in blocks. After free play children completed personal care routines and prepared for morning snack. Morning snack consisted of applesauce, waffles, sausage and apple juice. No new staff have been hired since your last visit and no stationary equipment has been added to your playground. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival, all children, including a two-year-old were sitting on the floor watching Coco Mellon on television. .0510(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the bathroom used by children, the storage closet door was open. On the shelves in the open closet was aerosol disinfectant spray, Pine Sol cleaner, window cleaner, Hot Shot ant, roach and spider spray, aerosol Lysol air sanitizer and various additional cleaners and chemicals. .2820(b) On or before February 1, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Hazardous products: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested prior to accepting children each morning ensure storage closets as closed and locked. Screen time: Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Rated License Information - Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-3 and ECERS-3 as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Technical Assistance: ABCMS- North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/27/2025 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/27/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 08:25 AM Time Out: 10:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited monitoring occurred. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. This facility is owned and operated by a sole propitiator. The last visit was conducted on July 24 2024. A fire inspection was completed on July 25, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime and overnight care. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on December 3, 2024, with a Superior Classification. As of January 26, 2025, the center's compliance history is 89%. Vida Thompson, administrator and lead teacher, was present during today’s visit. A walk through and observations were conducted. Nine (9) children are enrolled. Five (5) children ages two to four-years-old were present today. Upon arrival, all children, including a two-year-old were sitting on the floor watching Coco Mellon on television. Children then transitioned to free play. Children were cooking in dramatic play and playing with cars in blocks. After free play children completed personal care routines and prepared for morning snack. Morning snack consisted of applesauce, waffles, sausage and apple juice. No new staff have been hired since your last visit and no stationary equipment has been added to your playground. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival, all children, including a two-year-old were sitting on the floor watching Coco Mellon on television. .0510(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the bathroom used by children, the storage closet door was open. On the shelves in the open closet was aerosol disinfectant spray, Pine Sol cleaner, window cleaner, Hot Shot ant, roach and spider spray, aerosol Lysol air sanitizer and various additional cleaners and chemicals. .2820(b) On or before February 1, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Hazardous products: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested prior to accepting children each morning ensure storage closets as closed and locked. Screen time: Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Rated License Information - Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-3 and ECERS-3 as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Technical Assistance: ABCMS- North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/27/2025 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/27/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 08:25 AM Time Out: 10:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited monitoring occurred. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. This facility is owned and operated by a sole propitiator. The last visit was conducted on July 24 2024. A fire inspection was completed on July 25, 2024; the facility was approved for daytime and overnight care. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on December 3, 2024, with a Superior Classification. As of January 26, 2025, the center's compliance history is 89%. Vida Thompson, administrator and lead teacher, was present during today’s visit. A walk through and observations were conducted. Nine (9) children are enrolled. Five (5) children ages two to four-years-old were present today. Upon arrival, all children, including a two-year-old were sitting on the floor watching Coco Mellon on television. Children then transitioned to free play. Children were cooking in dramatic play and playing with cars in blocks. After free play children completed personal care routines and prepared for morning snack. Morning snack consisted of applesauce, waffles, sausage and apple juice. No new staff have been hired since your last visit and no stationary equipment has been added to your playground. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival, all children, including a two-year-old were sitting on the floor watching Coco Mellon on television. .0510(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the bathroom used by children, the storage closet door was open. On the shelves in the open closet was aerosol disinfectant spray, Pine Sol cleaner, window cleaner, Hot Shot ant, roach and spider spray, aerosol Lysol air sanitizer and various additional cleaners and chemicals. .2820(b) On or before February 1, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. According to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program website, you have not completed your enrollment for lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Hazardous products: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested prior to accepting children each morning ensure storage closets as closed and locked. Screen time: Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Rated License Information - Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-3 and ECERS-3 as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Technical Assistance: ABCMS- North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2024 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 7/25/2024 Age: From 2 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed, and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. As the facility was licensed August 21, 2023, this is the first annual compliance visit. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained April 23, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted today; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 94%. Owner, L. Jordan, and Administrator, V. Thompson, were present and available for consultation today. One indoor space and one outdoor space are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, nine children two through ten years of age were observed in the indoor space with two staff members. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including building with Megablocks, working on number puzzles, pretending to cook and dress up in the dramatic play area, and playing in a sensory table filled with dried pasta and plastic animals. At 10:00 A.M., one of the staff members took the children to the fenced in playground, where they used riding and push toys as well as balls. Lunch served consisted of breaded chicken strips, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. After lunch, children two through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on mats which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. The school age child read a chapter book during this time. It was discovered today that the facility transported children to an off-premise activity on July 11, 2024 without prior transportation approval. Limited transportation and off-premise activity requirements were monitored today. The Legal Designee form was also updated and submitted today by Mr. Jordan. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. Requirements were in compliance as the facility has not yet been licensed for one year. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The facility's previous fire inspection was completed April 26, 2023 and the next inspection was not completed until today, July 25, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On July 11, 2024, the facility transported ten children two through twelve years of age on a van to an off-premise activity without prior transportation approval by the Division. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 441 Children under the age of three participated in off premise activities that involved children being transported in a motor vehicle. One child two years of age was transported to an off-premise activity in a van on July 11, 2024. .1005(b)(1) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Grain based desserts including Pop Tarts and cookies were observed in the kitchen and on the planned menu for this week. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two staff members did not have medical reports on file prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff member was began employment April 8, 2024 had TB test results from October 2022, older than 12 months. .0701(a) 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. First Aid training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .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. CPR training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .1102(d) 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. The owner has not yet completed this required training. The facility was licensed August 21, 2023. .1102(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For the safety of children and staff, fire inspections must be conducted annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. You were able to get your approved fire inspection today, however moving forward I suggested noting the date of the inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your next one at least one month in advance of the deadline. As discussed today, you may not transport children without prior approval from the Division. In addition, children under three years of age may not be transported to off-premise activities. Transportation requirements including vehicle inspections and insurance, travel authorization and travel logs were reviewed with you today. If you wish to be approved for transportation, you must submit a transportation policy stating how you plan to maintain compliance with all requirements, and I may begin the approval process. Technical assistance was provided today regarding USDA Meal Pattern guidelines, specifically related to the prohibition of grain-based desserts and high sugar cereals. Multiple handouts to assist with compliance were emailed to you during the visit. Regarding staff records and training requirements, we reviewed the Staff and Training Worksheet and Staff File checklist together today. As discussed, staff members should not begin employment without a medical report and negative TB test results which are less than 12 months old. In addition, CPR and First Aid training must be from an approved agency (the list was emailed to you today). Training resources were also emailed. You must 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 training deadlines. Technical Assistance As discussed today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards to separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement and materials. As manipulatives were observed in two different areas of the room, I suggested you relocate the Megablock table with blocks to the other side of the room where the rest of the manipulatives are located. As discussed, this type of “block” is actually considered a manipulative since it connects. I also suggested you move the dramatic play center to the same side of the wall as the block center, and add larger blocks for building such as wooden or foam unit blocks and hollow, cardboard blocks. Small block accessories such as people and animals should also be added to the block center to enhance play. In addition, adding items such as body pillows, large bean bags or pet beds to the reading area would make it more cozy for the children. It was observed today that a stove has been put in the kitchen, but it is not wired and you stated it is not in use. During today’s fire inspection, we discussed that you may not use the stove until a hood system has been installed and approved by the Fire Marshal, cooking has been approved by Environmental Health, and the cooking restriction has been removed from your license. Please let me know if and when you have approval from the Fire Marshal and Environmental Health to remove the restriction. Until then, you may only continue to use the microwave to heat food. Rated License Information Education, Program Standards and your chosen Quality point were verified in compliance today. Regarding Education points, it is required that Education points are maintained when staff changes occur, therefore all new staff members must register for DCDEE WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation, and submit official transcripts as needed to complete evaluations and ensure compliance. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation in the future. As discussed, you may voluntarily request a rated license reassessment at any time if you wish to try to increase your star rating based on Education levels of staff or the Environment Rating Scales assessments. Currently, revised versions of the rating scales for preschool and school age children are being used for assessments, however there is a plan to transition to the third editions of the rating scales after February 2025. You may find more information and numerous training resources on the Environment Rating Scales at www.ncrlap.org. Reminders One staff member must complete Playground Safety training as soon as possible since the current trained staff member is leaving employment in August. A link to the next available training was emailed to you today. Mr. Jordan must complete all required Health and Safety training topics by August 21, 2024. Additional staff members must complete all topics within the first year of employment. At least one person employed at the facility must also complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response training by August 21, 2024. A link to training agencies was emailed to you today. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2024 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 7/25/2024 Age: From 2 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed, and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. As the facility was licensed August 21, 2023, this is the first annual compliance visit. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained April 23, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted today; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 94%. Owner, L. Jordan, and Administrator, V. Thompson, were present and available for consultation today. One indoor space and one outdoor space are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, nine children two through ten years of age were observed in the indoor space with two staff members. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including building with Megablocks, working on number puzzles, pretending to cook and dress up in the dramatic play area, and playing in a sensory table filled with dried pasta and plastic animals. At 10:00 A.M., one of the staff members took the children to the fenced in playground, where they used riding and push toys as well as balls. Lunch served consisted of breaded chicken strips, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. After lunch, children two through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on mats which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. The school age child read a chapter book during this time. It was discovered today that the facility transported children to an off-premise activity on July 11, 2024 without prior transportation approval. Limited transportation and off-premise activity requirements were monitored today. The Legal Designee form was also updated and submitted today by Mr. Jordan. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. Requirements were in compliance as the facility has not yet been licensed for one year. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The facility's previous fire inspection was completed April 26, 2023 and the next inspection was not completed until today, July 25, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On July 11, 2024, the facility transported ten children two through twelve years of age on a van to an off-premise activity without prior transportation approval by the Division. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 441 Children under the age of three participated in off premise activities that involved children being transported in a motor vehicle. One child two years of age was transported to an off-premise activity in a van on July 11, 2024. .1005(b)(1) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Grain based desserts including Pop Tarts and cookies were observed in the kitchen and on the planned menu for this week. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two staff members did not have medical reports on file prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff member was began employment April 8, 2024 had TB test results from October 2022, older than 12 months. .0701(a) 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. First Aid training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .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. CPR training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .1102(d) 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. The owner has not yet completed this required training. The facility was licensed August 21, 2023. .1102(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For the safety of children and staff, fire inspections must be conducted annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. You were able to get your approved fire inspection today, however moving forward I suggested noting the date of the inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your next one at least one month in advance of the deadline. As discussed today, you may not transport children without prior approval from the Division. In addition, children under three years of age may not be transported to off-premise activities. Transportation requirements including vehicle inspections and insurance, travel authorization and travel logs were reviewed with you today. If you wish to be approved for transportation, you must submit a transportation policy stating how you plan to maintain compliance with all requirements, and I may begin the approval process. Technical assistance was provided today regarding USDA Meal Pattern guidelines, specifically related to the prohibition of grain-based desserts and high sugar cereals. Multiple handouts to assist with compliance were emailed to you during the visit. Regarding staff records and training requirements, we reviewed the Staff and Training Worksheet and Staff File checklist together today. As discussed, staff members should not begin employment without a medical report and negative TB test results which are less than 12 months old. In addition, CPR and First Aid training must be from an approved agency (the list was emailed to you today). Training resources were also emailed. You must 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 training deadlines. Technical Assistance As discussed today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards to separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement and materials. As manipulatives were observed in two different areas of the room, I suggested you relocate the Megablock table with blocks to the other side of the room where the rest of the manipulatives are located. As discussed, this type of “block” is actually considered a manipulative since it connects. I also suggested you move the dramatic play center to the same side of the wall as the block center, and add larger blocks for building such as wooden or foam unit blocks and hollow, cardboard blocks. Small block accessories such as people and animals should also be added to the block center to enhance play. In addition, adding items such as body pillows, large bean bags or pet beds to the reading area would make it more cozy for the children. It was observed today that a stove has been put in the kitchen, but it is not wired and you stated it is not in use. During today’s fire inspection, we discussed that you may not use the stove until a hood system has been installed and approved by the Fire Marshal, cooking has been approved by Environmental Health, and the cooking restriction has been removed from your license. Please let me know if and when you have approval from the Fire Marshal and Environmental Health to remove the restriction. Until then, you may only continue to use the microwave to heat food. Rated License Information Education, Program Standards and your chosen Quality point were verified in compliance today. Regarding Education points, it is required that Education points are maintained when staff changes occur, therefore all new staff members must register for DCDEE WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation, and submit official transcripts as needed to complete evaluations and ensure compliance. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation in the future. As discussed, you may voluntarily request a rated license reassessment at any time if you wish to try to increase your star rating based on Education levels of staff or the Environment Rating Scales assessments. Currently, revised versions of the rating scales for preschool and school age children are being used for assessments, however there is a plan to transition to the third editions of the rating scales after February 2025. You may find more information and numerous training resources on the Environment Rating Scales at www.ncrlap.org. Reminders One staff member must complete Playground Safety training as soon as possible since the current trained staff member is leaving employment in August. A link to the next available training was emailed to you today. Mr. Jordan must complete all required Health and Safety training topics by August 21, 2024. Additional staff members must complete all topics within the first year of employment. At least one person employed at the facility must also complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response training by August 21, 2024. A link to training agencies was emailed to you today. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2024 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 7/25/2024 Age: From 2 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed, and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. As the facility was licensed August 21, 2023, this is the first annual compliance visit. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained April 23, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted today; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 94%. Owner, L. Jordan, and Administrator, V. Thompson, were present and available for consultation today. One indoor space and one outdoor space are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, nine children two through ten years of age were observed in the indoor space with two staff members. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including building with Megablocks, working on number puzzles, pretending to cook and dress up in the dramatic play area, and playing in a sensory table filled with dried pasta and plastic animals. At 10:00 A.M., one of the staff members took the children to the fenced in playground, where they used riding and push toys as well as balls. Lunch served consisted of breaded chicken strips, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. After lunch, children two through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on mats which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. The school age child read a chapter book during this time. It was discovered today that the facility transported children to an off-premise activity on July 11, 2024 without prior transportation approval. Limited transportation and off-premise activity requirements were monitored today. The Legal Designee form was also updated and submitted today by Mr. Jordan. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. Requirements were in compliance as the facility has not yet been licensed for one year. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The facility's previous fire inspection was completed April 26, 2023 and the next inspection was not completed until today, July 25, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On July 11, 2024, the facility transported ten children two through twelve years of age on a van to an off-premise activity without prior transportation approval by the Division. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 441 Children under the age of three participated in off premise activities that involved children being transported in a motor vehicle. One child two years of age was transported to an off-premise activity in a van on July 11, 2024. .1005(b)(1) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Grain based desserts including Pop Tarts and cookies were observed in the kitchen and on the planned menu for this week. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two staff members did not have medical reports on file prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff member was began employment April 8, 2024 had TB test results from October 2022, older than 12 months. .0701(a) 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. First Aid training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .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. CPR training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .1102(d) 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. The owner has not yet completed this required training. The facility was licensed August 21, 2023. .1102(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For the safety of children and staff, fire inspections must be conducted annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. You were able to get your approved fire inspection today, however moving forward I suggested noting the date of the inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your next one at least one month in advance of the deadline. As discussed today, you may not transport children without prior approval from the Division. In addition, children under three years of age may not be transported to off-premise activities. Transportation requirements including vehicle inspections and insurance, travel authorization and travel logs were reviewed with you today. If you wish to be approved for transportation, you must submit a transportation policy stating how you plan to maintain compliance with all requirements, and I may begin the approval process. Technical assistance was provided today regarding USDA Meal Pattern guidelines, specifically related to the prohibition of grain-based desserts and high sugar cereals. Multiple handouts to assist with compliance were emailed to you during the visit. Regarding staff records and training requirements, we reviewed the Staff and Training Worksheet and Staff File checklist together today. As discussed, staff members should not begin employment without a medical report and negative TB test results which are less than 12 months old. In addition, CPR and First Aid training must be from an approved agency (the list was emailed to you today). Training resources were also emailed. You must 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 training deadlines. Technical Assistance As discussed today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards to separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement and materials. As manipulatives were observed in two different areas of the room, I suggested you relocate the Megablock table with blocks to the other side of the room where the rest of the manipulatives are located. As discussed, this type of “block” is actually considered a manipulative since it connects. I also suggested you move the dramatic play center to the same side of the wall as the block center, and add larger blocks for building such as wooden or foam unit blocks and hollow, cardboard blocks. Small block accessories such as people and animals should also be added to the block center to enhance play. In addition, adding items such as body pillows, large bean bags or pet beds to the reading area would make it more cozy for the children. It was observed today that a stove has been put in the kitchen, but it is not wired and you stated it is not in use. During today’s fire inspection, we discussed that you may not use the stove until a hood system has been installed and approved by the Fire Marshal, cooking has been approved by Environmental Health, and the cooking restriction has been removed from your license. Please let me know if and when you have approval from the Fire Marshal and Environmental Health to remove the restriction. Until then, you may only continue to use the microwave to heat food. Rated License Information Education, Program Standards and your chosen Quality point were verified in compliance today. Regarding Education points, it is required that Education points are maintained when staff changes occur, therefore all new staff members must register for DCDEE WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation, and submit official transcripts as needed to complete evaluations and ensure compliance. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation in the future. As discussed, you may voluntarily request a rated license reassessment at any time if you wish to try to increase your star rating based on Education levels of staff or the Environment Rating Scales assessments. Currently, revised versions of the rating scales for preschool and school age children are being used for assessments, however there is a plan to transition to the third editions of the rating scales after February 2025. You may find more information and numerous training resources on the Environment Rating Scales at www.ncrlap.org. Reminders One staff member must complete Playground Safety training as soon as possible since the current trained staff member is leaving employment in August. A link to the next available training was emailed to you today. Mr. Jordan must complete all required Health and Safety training topics by August 21, 2024. Additional staff members must complete all topics within the first year of employment. At least one person employed at the facility must also complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response training by August 21, 2024. A link to training agencies was emailed to you today. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2024 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 7/25/2024 Age: From 2 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed, and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. As the facility was licensed August 21, 2023, this is the first annual compliance visit. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained April 23, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted today; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 94%. Owner, L. Jordan, and Administrator, V. Thompson, were present and available for consultation today. One indoor space and one outdoor space are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, nine children two through ten years of age were observed in the indoor space with two staff members. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including building with Megablocks, working on number puzzles, pretending to cook and dress up in the dramatic play area, and playing in a sensory table filled with dried pasta and plastic animals. At 10:00 A.M., one of the staff members took the children to the fenced in playground, where they used riding and push toys as well as balls. Lunch served consisted of breaded chicken strips, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. After lunch, children two through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on mats which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. The school age child read a chapter book during this time. It was discovered today that the facility transported children to an off-premise activity on July 11, 2024 without prior transportation approval. Limited transportation and off-premise activity requirements were monitored today. The Legal Designee form was also updated and submitted today by Mr. Jordan. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. Requirements were in compliance as the facility has not yet been licensed for one year. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The facility's previous fire inspection was completed April 26, 2023 and the next inspection was not completed until today, July 25, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On July 11, 2024, the facility transported ten children two through twelve years of age on a van to an off-premise activity without prior transportation approval by the Division. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 441 Children under the age of three participated in off premise activities that involved children being transported in a motor vehicle. One child two years of age was transported to an off-premise activity in a van on July 11, 2024. .1005(b)(1) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Grain based desserts including Pop Tarts and cookies were observed in the kitchen and on the planned menu for this week. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two staff members did not have medical reports on file prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff member was began employment April 8, 2024 had TB test results from October 2022, older than 12 months. .0701(a) 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. First Aid training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .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. CPR training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .1102(d) 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. The owner has not yet completed this required training. The facility was licensed August 21, 2023. .1102(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For the safety of children and staff, fire inspections must be conducted annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. You were able to get your approved fire inspection today, however moving forward I suggested noting the date of the inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your next one at least one month in advance of the deadline. As discussed today, you may not transport children without prior approval from the Division. In addition, children under three years of age may not be transported to off-premise activities. Transportation requirements including vehicle inspections and insurance, travel authorization and travel logs were reviewed with you today. If you wish to be approved for transportation, you must submit a transportation policy stating how you plan to maintain compliance with all requirements, and I may begin the approval process. Technical assistance was provided today regarding USDA Meal Pattern guidelines, specifically related to the prohibition of grain-based desserts and high sugar cereals. Multiple handouts to assist with compliance were emailed to you during the visit. Regarding staff records and training requirements, we reviewed the Staff and Training Worksheet and Staff File checklist together today. As discussed, staff members should not begin employment without a medical report and negative TB test results which are less than 12 months old. In addition, CPR and First Aid training must be from an approved agency (the list was emailed to you today). Training resources were also emailed. You must 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 training deadlines. Technical Assistance As discussed today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards to separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement and materials. As manipulatives were observed in two different areas of the room, I suggested you relocate the Megablock table with blocks to the other side of the room where the rest of the manipulatives are located. As discussed, this type of “block” is actually considered a manipulative since it connects. I also suggested you move the dramatic play center to the same side of the wall as the block center, and add larger blocks for building such as wooden or foam unit blocks and hollow, cardboard blocks. Small block accessories such as people and animals should also be added to the block center to enhance play. In addition, adding items such as body pillows, large bean bags or pet beds to the reading area would make it more cozy for the children. It was observed today that a stove has been put in the kitchen, but it is not wired and you stated it is not in use. During today’s fire inspection, we discussed that you may not use the stove until a hood system has been installed and approved by the Fire Marshal, cooking has been approved by Environmental Health, and the cooking restriction has been removed from your license. Please let me know if and when you have approval from the Fire Marshal and Environmental Health to remove the restriction. Until then, you may only continue to use the microwave to heat food. Rated License Information Education, Program Standards and your chosen Quality point were verified in compliance today. Regarding Education points, it is required that Education points are maintained when staff changes occur, therefore all new staff members must register for DCDEE WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation, and submit official transcripts as needed to complete evaluations and ensure compliance. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation in the future. As discussed, you may voluntarily request a rated license reassessment at any time if you wish to try to increase your star rating based on Education levels of staff or the Environment Rating Scales assessments. Currently, revised versions of the rating scales for preschool and school age children are being used for assessments, however there is a plan to transition to the third editions of the rating scales after February 2025. You may find more information and numerous training resources on the Environment Rating Scales at www.ncrlap.org. Reminders One staff member must complete Playground Safety training as soon as possible since the current trained staff member is leaving employment in August. A link to the next available training was emailed to you today. Mr. Jordan must complete all required Health and Safety training topics by August 21, 2024. Additional staff members must complete all topics within the first year of employment. At least one person employed at the facility must also complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response training by August 21, 2024. A link to training agencies was emailed to you today. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-106 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2024 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 7/25/2024 Age: From 2 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed, and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. As the facility was licensed August 21, 2023, this is the first annual compliance visit. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained April 23, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted today; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 94%. Owner, L. Jordan, and Administrator, V. Thompson, were present and available for consultation today. One indoor space and one outdoor space are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, nine children two through ten years of age were observed in the indoor space with two staff members. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including building with Megablocks, working on number puzzles, pretending to cook and dress up in the dramatic play area, and playing in a sensory table filled with dried pasta and plastic animals. At 10:00 A.M., one of the staff members took the children to the fenced in playground, where they used riding and push toys as well as balls. Lunch served consisted of breaded chicken strips, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. After lunch, children two through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on mats which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. The school age child read a chapter book during this time. It was discovered today that the facility transported children to an off-premise activity on July 11, 2024 without prior transportation approval. Limited transportation and off-premise activity requirements were monitored today. The Legal Designee form was also updated and submitted today by Mr. Jordan. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. Requirements were in compliance as the facility has not yet been licensed for one year. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The facility's previous fire inspection was completed April 26, 2023 and the next inspection was not completed until today, July 25, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On July 11, 2024, the facility transported ten children two through twelve years of age on a van to an off-premise activity without prior transportation approval by the Division. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 441 Children under the age of three participated in off premise activities that involved children being transported in a motor vehicle. One child two years of age was transported to an off-premise activity in a van on July 11, 2024. .1005(b)(1) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Grain based desserts including Pop Tarts and cookies were observed in the kitchen and on the planned menu for this week. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two staff members did not have medical reports on file prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff member was began employment April 8, 2024 had TB test results from October 2022, older than 12 months. .0701(a) 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. First Aid training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .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. CPR training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .1102(d) 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. The owner has not yet completed this required training. The facility was licensed August 21, 2023. .1102(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For the safety of children and staff, fire inspections must be conducted annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. You were able to get your approved fire inspection today, however moving forward I suggested noting the date of the inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your next one at least one month in advance of the deadline. As discussed today, you may not transport children without prior approval from the Division. In addition, children under three years of age may not be transported to off-premise activities. Transportation requirements including vehicle inspections and insurance, travel authorization and travel logs were reviewed with you today. If you wish to be approved for transportation, you must submit a transportation policy stating how you plan to maintain compliance with all requirements, and I may begin the approval process. Technical assistance was provided today regarding USDA Meal Pattern guidelines, specifically related to the prohibition of grain-based desserts and high sugar cereals. Multiple handouts to assist with compliance were emailed to you during the visit. Regarding staff records and training requirements, we reviewed the Staff and Training Worksheet and Staff File checklist together today. As discussed, staff members should not begin employment without a medical report and negative TB test results which are less than 12 months old. In addition, CPR and First Aid training must be from an approved agency (the list was emailed to you today). Training resources were also emailed. You must 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 training deadlines. Technical Assistance As discussed today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards to separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement and materials. As manipulatives were observed in two different areas of the room, I suggested you relocate the Megablock table with blocks to the other side of the room where the rest of the manipulatives are located. As discussed, this type of “block” is actually considered a manipulative since it connects. I also suggested you move the dramatic play center to the same side of the wall as the block center, and add larger blocks for building such as wooden or foam unit blocks and hollow, cardboard blocks. Small block accessories such as people and animals should also be added to the block center to enhance play. In addition, adding items such as body pillows, large bean bags or pet beds to the reading area would make it more cozy for the children. It was observed today that a stove has been put in the kitchen, but it is not wired and you stated it is not in use. During today’s fire inspection, we discussed that you may not use the stove until a hood system has been installed and approved by the Fire Marshal, cooking has been approved by Environmental Health, and the cooking restriction has been removed from your license. Please let me know if and when you have approval from the Fire Marshal and Environmental Health to remove the restriction. Until then, you may only continue to use the microwave to heat food. Rated License Information Education, Program Standards and your chosen Quality point were verified in compliance today. Regarding Education points, it is required that Education points are maintained when staff changes occur, therefore all new staff members must register for DCDEE WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation, and submit official transcripts as needed to complete evaluations and ensure compliance. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation in the future. As discussed, you may voluntarily request a rated license reassessment at any time if you wish to try to increase your star rating based on Education levels of staff or the Environment Rating Scales assessments. Currently, revised versions of the rating scales for preschool and school age children are being used for assessments, however there is a plan to transition to the third editions of the rating scales after February 2025. You may find more information and numerous training resources on the Environment Rating Scales at www.ncrlap.org. Reminders One staff member must complete Playground Safety training as soon as possible since the current trained staff member is leaving employment in August. A link to the next available training was emailed to you today. Mr. Jordan must complete all required Health and Safety training topics by August 21, 2024. Additional staff members must complete all topics within the first year of employment. At least one person employed at the facility must also complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response training by August 21, 2024. A link to training agencies was emailed to you today. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2024 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 7/25/2024 Age: From 2 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed, and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. As the facility was licensed August 21, 2023, this is the first annual compliance visit. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained April 23, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted today; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 94%. Owner, L. Jordan, and Administrator, V. Thompson, were present and available for consultation today. One indoor space and one outdoor space are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, nine children two through ten years of age were observed in the indoor space with two staff members. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including building with Megablocks, working on number puzzles, pretending to cook and dress up in the dramatic play area, and playing in a sensory table filled with dried pasta and plastic animals. At 10:00 A.M., one of the staff members took the children to the fenced in playground, where they used riding and push toys as well as balls. Lunch served consisted of breaded chicken strips, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. After lunch, children two through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on mats which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. The school age child read a chapter book during this time. It was discovered today that the facility transported children to an off-premise activity on July 11, 2024 without prior transportation approval. Limited transportation and off-premise activity requirements were monitored today. The Legal Designee form was also updated and submitted today by Mr. Jordan. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. Requirements were in compliance as the facility has not yet been licensed for one year. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The facility's previous fire inspection was completed April 26, 2023 and the next inspection was not completed until today, July 25, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On July 11, 2024, the facility transported ten children two through twelve years of age on a van to an off-premise activity without prior transportation approval by the Division. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 441 Children under the age of three participated in off premise activities that involved children being transported in a motor vehicle. One child two years of age was transported to an off-premise activity in a van on July 11, 2024. .1005(b)(1) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Grain based desserts including Pop Tarts and cookies were observed in the kitchen and on the planned menu for this week. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two staff members did not have medical reports on file prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff member was began employment April 8, 2024 had TB test results from October 2022, older than 12 months. .0701(a) 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. First Aid training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .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. CPR training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .1102(d) 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. The owner has not yet completed this required training. The facility was licensed August 21, 2023. .1102(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For the safety of children and staff, fire inspections must be conducted annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. You were able to get your approved fire inspection today, however moving forward I suggested noting the date of the inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your next one at least one month in advance of the deadline. As discussed today, you may not transport children without prior approval from the Division. In addition, children under three years of age may not be transported to off-premise activities. Transportation requirements including vehicle inspections and insurance, travel authorization and travel logs were reviewed with you today. If you wish to be approved for transportation, you must submit a transportation policy stating how you plan to maintain compliance with all requirements, and I may begin the approval process. Technical assistance was provided today regarding USDA Meal Pattern guidelines, specifically related to the prohibition of grain-based desserts and high sugar cereals. Multiple handouts to assist with compliance were emailed to you during the visit. Regarding staff records and training requirements, we reviewed the Staff and Training Worksheet and Staff File checklist together today. As discussed, staff members should not begin employment without a medical report and negative TB test results which are less than 12 months old. In addition, CPR and First Aid training must be from an approved agency (the list was emailed to you today). Training resources were also emailed. You must 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 training deadlines. Technical Assistance As discussed today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards to separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement and materials. As manipulatives were observed in two different areas of the room, I suggested you relocate the Megablock table with blocks to the other side of the room where the rest of the manipulatives are located. As discussed, this type of “block” is actually considered a manipulative since it connects. I also suggested you move the dramatic play center to the same side of the wall as the block center, and add larger blocks for building such as wooden or foam unit blocks and hollow, cardboard blocks. Small block accessories such as people and animals should also be added to the block center to enhance play. In addition, adding items such as body pillows, large bean bags or pet beds to the reading area would make it more cozy for the children. It was observed today that a stove has been put in the kitchen, but it is not wired and you stated it is not in use. During today’s fire inspection, we discussed that you may not use the stove until a hood system has been installed and approved by the Fire Marshal, cooking has been approved by Environmental Health, and the cooking restriction has been removed from your license. Please let me know if and when you have approval from the Fire Marshal and Environmental Health to remove the restriction. Until then, you may only continue to use the microwave to heat food. Rated License Information Education, Program Standards and your chosen Quality point were verified in compliance today. Regarding Education points, it is required that Education points are maintained when staff changes occur, therefore all new staff members must register for DCDEE WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation, and submit official transcripts as needed to complete evaluations and ensure compliance. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation in the future. As discussed, you may voluntarily request a rated license reassessment at any time if you wish to try to increase your star rating based on Education levels of staff or the Environment Rating Scales assessments. Currently, revised versions of the rating scales for preschool and school age children are being used for assessments, however there is a plan to transition to the third editions of the rating scales after February 2025. You may find more information and numerous training resources on the Environment Rating Scales at www.ncrlap.org. Reminders One staff member must complete Playground Safety training as soon as possible since the current trained staff member is leaving employment in August. A link to the next available training was emailed to you today. Mr. Jordan must complete all required Health and Safety training topics by August 21, 2024. Additional staff members must complete all topics within the first year of employment. At least one person employed at the facility must also complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response training by August 21, 2024. A link to training agencies was emailed to you today. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2024 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 7/25/2024 Age: From 2 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Three Star license issued February 22, 2024, earning 5 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first and second shift capacity of 19 children 2-12 years of age, no cooking allowed, and meets enhanced space. Restrictions were in compliance today. As the facility was licensed August 21, 2023, this is the first annual compliance visit. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained April 23, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted today; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 94%. Owner, L. Jordan, and Administrator, V. Thompson, were present and available for consultation today. One indoor space and one outdoor space are approved for use by children. Upon arrival, nine children two through ten years of age were observed in the indoor space with two staff members. Children were observed engaged in free choice activities including building with Megablocks, working on number puzzles, pretending to cook and dress up in the dramatic play area, and playing in a sensory table filled with dried pasta and plastic animals. At 10:00 A.M., one of the staff members took the children to the fenced in playground, where they used riding and push toys as well as balls. Lunch served consisted of breaded chicken strips, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. After lunch, children two through four years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on mats which were appropriately spaced or separated by dividers. Individual linens were provided, soft music played and lights were dimmed. The school age child read a chapter book during this time. It was discovered today that the facility transported children to an off-premise activity on July 11, 2024 without prior transportation approval. Limited transportation and off-premise activity requirements were monitored today. The Legal Designee form was also updated and submitted today by Mr. Jordan. Health and Safety training requirements as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102 were monitored today. Requirements were in compliance as the facility has not yet been licensed for one year. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The facility's previous fire inspection was completed April 26, 2023 and the next inspection was not completed until today, July 25, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On July 11, 2024, the facility transported ten children two through twelve years of age on a van to an off-premise activity without prior transportation approval by the Division. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 441 Children under the age of three participated in off premise activities that involved children being transported in a motor vehicle. One child two years of age was transported to an off-premise activity in a van on July 11, 2024. .1005(b)(1) 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Grain based desserts including Pop Tarts and cookies were observed in the kitchen and on the planned menu for this week. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two staff members did not have medical reports on file prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A staff member was began employment April 8, 2024 had TB test results from October 2022, older than 12 months. .0701(a) 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. First Aid training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .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. CPR training for one staff member who has been employed over 90 days is not from an approved agency. .1102(d) 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. The owner has not yet completed this required training. The facility was licensed August 21, 2023. .1102(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by August 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For the safety of children and staff, fire inspections must be conducted annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. You were able to get your approved fire inspection today, however moving forward I suggested noting the date of the inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your next one at least one month in advance of the deadline. As discussed today, you may not transport children without prior approval from the Division. In addition, children under three years of age may not be transported to off-premise activities. Transportation requirements including vehicle inspections and insurance, travel authorization and travel logs were reviewed with you today. If you wish to be approved for transportation, you must submit a transportation policy stating how you plan to maintain compliance with all requirements, and I may begin the approval process. Technical assistance was provided today regarding USDA Meal Pattern guidelines, specifically related to the prohibition of grain-based desserts and high sugar cereals. Multiple handouts to assist with compliance were emailed to you during the visit. Regarding staff records and training requirements, we reviewed the Staff and Training Worksheet and Staff File checklist together today. As discussed, staff members should not begin employment without a medical report and negative TB test results which are less than 12 months old. In addition, CPR and First Aid training must be from an approved agency (the list was emailed to you today). Training resources were also emailed. You must 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 training deadlines. Technical Assistance As discussed today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards to separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement and materials. As manipulatives were observed in two different areas of the room, I suggested you relocate the Megablock table with blocks to the other side of the room where the rest of the manipulatives are located. As discussed, this type of “block” is actually considered a manipulative since it connects. I also suggested you move the dramatic play center to the same side of the wall as the block center, and add larger blocks for building such as wooden or foam unit blocks and hollow, cardboard blocks. Small block accessories such as people and animals should also be added to the block center to enhance play. In addition, adding items such as body pillows, large bean bags or pet beds to the reading area would make it more cozy for the children. It was observed today that a stove has been put in the kitchen, but it is not wired and you stated it is not in use. During today’s fire inspection, we discussed that you may not use the stove until a hood system has been installed and approved by the Fire Marshal, cooking has been approved by Environmental Health, and the cooking restriction has been removed from your license. Please let me know if and when you have approval from the Fire Marshal and Environmental Health to remove the restriction. Until then, you may only continue to use the microwave to heat food. Rated License Information Education, Program Standards and your chosen Quality point were verified in compliance today. Regarding Education points, it is required that Education points are maintained when staff changes occur, therefore all new staff members must register for DCDEE WORKS accounts, apply for evaluation, and submit official transcripts as needed to complete evaluations and ensure compliance. Please let me know if you need assistance with DCDEE WORKS or education evaluation in the future. As discussed, you may voluntarily request a rated license reassessment at any time if you wish to try to increase your star rating based on Education levels of staff or the Environment Rating Scales assessments. Currently, revised versions of the rating scales for preschool and school age children are being used for assessments, however there is a plan to transition to the third editions of the rating scales after February 2025. You may find more information and numerous training resources on the Environment Rating Scales at www.ncrlap.org. Reminders One staff member must complete Playground Safety training as soon as possible since the current trained staff member is leaving employment in August. A link to the next available training was emailed to you today. Mr. Jordan must complete all required Health and Safety training topics by August 21, 2024. Additional staff members must complete all topics within the first year of employment. At least one person employed at the facility must also complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response training by August 21, 2024. A link to training agencies was emailed to you today. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/10/2024 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 1/10/2024 Age: From 2 To 3 Total Minutes: 110 Time In: 12:40 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the second temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 21, 2023 and is valid through February 23, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 19 children ages 2 to 5 years old on first and second shifts; no cooking allowed. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces as well as staff and children’s records were reviewed today. While the facility has been licensed since August 21, 2023, yesterday, November 6, 2023 was the first day children were present. One space is approved for use. The space is arranged into an activity areas to include dramatic play and family living, blocks and construction, art and manipulatives. Colorful curtains divide the space between the activity area and the tables. Three children were present during today’s visit. All children were asleep on mats. The outdoor playground contains no stationary equipment. Staff take a variety of gross motor materials with them outside each day. Violation Number Comment Rule 611 All beds,cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child. Children did not have a linen between them and the sleeping surface. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(c) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Staff did not complete Recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment within the first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by January 19, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Your temporary license expires February 21, 2024. Prior to the expiration date of your license, one additional unannounced monitoring visits will be completed. 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. As discussed, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is required within 90 days of initial licensure. You may complete this training online for free at www.preventchildabusenc.org. Remember to send a copy of your certificate to verify compliance, and file it upon completion. Staff member V. Thompson must also complete this training by February 7, 2024. Technical assistance was provided today regarding completion of Health and Safety training topics, most of which are now available for FREE on DCDEE's training platform called Moodle. As discussed, you may use Moodle to complete the topics and it will also count towards your on-going hours due for this year. Please see instructions for Moodle access below: 1. Visit https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/ 2. Log-in with your NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. 3. After log-in, scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, you should type in the short name “Year 2023 CCDF” and then click go. You should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. 4. After completing the course search for “Year 2023 CCDF”, you should be able to register for the course. 5. Once registered, you will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Remember to use the Record of Health and Safety training, found under Provider Documents and Forms on the DCDEE website, to track completion of trainings. All topics must be completed within the first year of employment and repeated every five years thereafter. Centers and family child care homes have (1) one year from the date of their initial license to complete the EPR in Child Care Training. When staff trained in EPR leaves employment, the center or family child care home must ensure another staff person completes the required training within four months of the vacancy. This must be completed by August 21, 2024. Technical assistance was provided today regarding sanitation requirements for sleeping/resting. Beds, cots, and mats shall be assigned and labeled for use by an individual child and equipped with individual linens. Mats shall be of a waterproof, washable material at least two inches thick and shall be stored so that the side of the mats that makes contact with the floor does not touch the side of a mat that any child sleeps on. The sleeping surface of one child's mat shall not come in contact with the sleeping surface of another child's mat during storage. Linens shall be kept clean, in good repair, and stored with the mat or cot that the linens are assigned to or stored apart from the mattress or cot in a manner that keeps the linens used for each child separate from the linens belonging to other children. Linens shall be laundered between users, when soiled, and otherwise once per week. Linens shall be large enough to cover the bed, cot, or mat's sleeping surface. Today I suggested you ask parents to bring in small, fitted sheets or large towels to cover children’s mats, and keep a few extra on hand yourself in case you need to replace a soiled one. We also discussed the requirement for space to store children’s personal belongings, and I suggested you use fabric bins or plastic totes to store children’s linens, changes of clothes, etc. Today we also discussed nutrition requirements for meals and snacks as stated in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 (a). Meals and snacks served to children in a child care center shall comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which are based on the recommended nutrient intake judged by the National Research Council to be adequate for maintaining good nutrition. Please reference your copy of the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs when planning your menus to ensure you are serving all required components. For example, snack must include two of the listed components, so you may choose yogurt and apple slices or goldfish and oranges. When serving 100% juice, you may count this is a component for snack, just be sure to serve no more than 6 ounces per day to each child. Playground Safety and Inspections: One staff member shall complete training in playground safety within six months from the date of employment. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Following completion of playground safety training as required by Rule .1102(e) of this Chapter, a monthly playground inspection shall be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff person shall make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp. The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. Must be completed no later than February 21, 2024. RATED LICENSE: A rated license assessment request has not been received. You may choose to request an environment rating scale assessment at any time. Your current 2-5 star application will be processed without the assessment. Program: As we have discussed the NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ECERS-R and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: V. Thompson has submitted all current education information to WORKS and has been evaluated. V. Thompson is a 7 point lead teacher. L. Jordan’s WORKS account could not be verified during this visit due to technical difficulties. WORKS will be reviewed by the end of this week and I will follow-up with an email. Ensure all current education information/ original transcript has been submitted to WORKS and staff have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy emailed to you. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/10/2024 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 1/10/2024 Age: From 2 To 3 Total Minutes: 110 Time In: 12:40 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the second temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 21, 2023 and is valid through February 23, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 19 children ages 2 to 5 years old on first and second shifts; no cooking allowed. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces as well as staff and children’s records were reviewed today. While the facility has been licensed since August 21, 2023, yesterday, November 6, 2023 was the first day children were present. One space is approved for use. The space is arranged into an activity areas to include dramatic play and family living, blocks and construction, art and manipulatives. Colorful curtains divide the space between the activity area and the tables. Three children were present during today’s visit. All children were asleep on mats. The outdoor playground contains no stationary equipment. Staff take a variety of gross motor materials with them outside each day. Violation Number Comment Rule 611 All beds,cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child. Children did not have a linen between them and the sleeping surface. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(c) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Staff did not complete Recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment within the first 90 days of employment. .1102(g) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by January 19, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Your temporary license expires February 21, 2024. Prior to the expiration date of your license, one additional unannounced monitoring visits will be completed. 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. As discussed, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is required within 90 days of initial licensure. You may complete this training online for free at www.preventchildabusenc.org. Remember to send a copy of your certificate to verify compliance, and file it upon completion. Staff member V. Thompson must also complete this training by February 7, 2024. Technical assistance was provided today regarding completion of Health and Safety training topics, most of which are now available for FREE on DCDEE's training platform called Moodle. As discussed, you may use Moodle to complete the topics and it will also count towards your on-going hours due for this year. Please see instructions for Moodle access below: 1. Visit https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/ 2. Log-in with your NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. 3. After log-in, scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, you should type in the short name “Year 2023 CCDF” and then click go. You should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. 4. After completing the course search for “Year 2023 CCDF”, you should be able to register for the course. 5. Once registered, you will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Remember to use the Record of Health and Safety training, found under Provider Documents and Forms on the DCDEE website, to track completion of trainings. All topics must be completed within the first year of employment and repeated every five years thereafter. Centers and family child care homes have (1) one year from the date of their initial license to complete the EPR in Child Care Training. When staff trained in EPR leaves employment, the center or family child care home must ensure another staff person completes the required training within four months of the vacancy. This must be completed by August 21, 2024. Technical assistance was provided today regarding sanitation requirements for sleeping/resting. Beds, cots, and mats shall be assigned and labeled for use by an individual child and equipped with individual linens. Mats shall be of a waterproof, washable material at least two inches thick and shall be stored so that the side of the mats that makes contact with the floor does not touch the side of a mat that any child sleeps on. The sleeping surface of one child's mat shall not come in contact with the sleeping surface of another child's mat during storage. Linens shall be kept clean, in good repair, and stored with the mat or cot that the linens are assigned to or stored apart from the mattress or cot in a manner that keeps the linens used for each child separate from the linens belonging to other children. Linens shall be laundered between users, when soiled, and otherwise once per week. Linens shall be large enough to cover the bed, cot, or mat's sleeping surface. Today I suggested you ask parents to bring in small, fitted sheets or large towels to cover children’s mats, and keep a few extra on hand yourself in case you need to replace a soiled one. We also discussed the requirement for space to store children’s personal belongings, and I suggested you use fabric bins or plastic totes to store children’s linens, changes of clothes, etc. Today we also discussed nutrition requirements for meals and snacks as stated in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 (a). Meals and snacks served to children in a child care center shall comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which are based on the recommended nutrient intake judged by the National Research Council to be adequate for maintaining good nutrition. Please reference your copy of the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs when planning your menus to ensure you are serving all required components. For example, snack must include two of the listed components, so you may choose yogurt and apple slices or goldfish and oranges. When serving 100% juice, you may count this is a component for snack, just be sure to serve no more than 6 ounces per day to each child. Playground Safety and Inspections: One staff member shall complete training in playground safety within six months from the date of employment. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Following completion of playground safety training as required by Rule .1102(e) of this Chapter, a monthly playground inspection shall be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff person shall make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp. The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. Must be completed no later than February 21, 2024. RATED LICENSE: A rated license assessment request has not been received. You may choose to request an environment rating scale assessment at any time. Your current 2-5 star application will be processed without the assessment. Program: As we have discussed the NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ECERS-R and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: V. Thompson has submitted all current education information to WORKS and has been evaluated. V. Thompson is a 7 point lead teacher. L. Jordan’s WORKS account could not be verified during this visit due to technical difficulties. WORKS will be reviewed by the end of this week and I will follow-up with an email. Ensure all current education information/ original transcript has been submitted to WORKS and staff have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy emailed to you. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0510 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2023 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 11/7/2023 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 21, 2023 and is valid through February 23, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 19 children ages 2 to 5 years old on first and second shifts; no cooking allowed. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces as well as staff and children’s records were reviewed today. While the facility has been licensed since August 21, 2023, yesterday, November 6, 2023 was the first day children were present. There is one child enrolled and one child aged 2 was present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Activity plans were observed in the classroom. The child sat with the caregiver and painted with paint on paper today while the two talked quietly about what colors they were painting with. After completing the painting project, the caregiver and the child sat together and built with blocks, read books and pretending to cook in the play kitchen area. Violation Number Comment Rule 102 The license was not posted in a prominent place at all times. The license was not posted. G.S. 110-99(a1) 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted. G.S. 110-102 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not posted where they can be seen by parents. .1003(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. One staff member with a start date of 11/07/2023 did not have the required medical report on file. .0701(d) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by November 13, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. You will receive a minimum of two additional unannounced visits during the temporary time period. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Today the following technical assistance was provided: Sanitizing Bottles: Today you had your sanitizer and disinfectant in the closet in the bathroom. You stated today that you are going to put up a shelf near the changing table to store these bottles on so that they are near the child care area and convenient to you. "Approved Disinfectant" means a chlorine solution containing 500 to 800 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. "Sanitizing Solution" means a solution containing 50 to 200 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. You need to ensure that these bottles are filled each day and the solutions are tested with approved test strips and are in the above range for each solution. Screen Time: Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Children younger than 2 years old need hands-on exploration and social interaction with trusted caregivers to develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills. Because of their immature symbolic, memory, and attentional skills, infants and toddlers cannot learn from traditional digital media as they do from interactions with caregivers. For children younger than 2 years old, evidence for the benefits of media is limited. Adult interaction with the child during media use is crucial, and there continues to be evidence of harm from excessive digital media use as they cannot discern imaginary from reality. Plastic Bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Hazardous Materials: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Lock on front Door: Today we discussed that the front door of your facility must remain unlocked as there will need to be an exit open to allow evacuation of the facility in case of an emergency. Today we discussed adding in a door that will allow access to the outside even when it is locked and does not allow entry to the building from the outside. until you have these types of handles or doors installed, you will need to leave the front door of the building unlocked. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Emergency Preparedness and Response: As stated in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS, new centers shall have one person on staff who has completed the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the initial license. You will need to complete this training by 08/21/2024. Documentation of completion of the training shall be maintained in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Upon completion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, the trained staff shall develop the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The trained staff shall review the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan annually, or when information in the plan changes, to ensure all information is current. All staff shall review the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan during orientation and on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review shall be maintained at the center in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment: The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Playground Safety and Inspections: One staff member shall complete training in playground safety within six months from the date of employment. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Following completion of playground safety training as required by Rule .1102(e) of this Chapter, a monthly playground inspection shall be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff person shall make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp. The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. The following items will need to be posted and remain posted in your facility in a prominent area that is accessible to the parents: Emergency Medical Care Plan License Drop off and Pick up procedures Summary of the Law In the classroom area, you will need to ensure the following are posted for both parents and caregivers: Lesson Plans Schedule for the children Staff and Child Ratio Chart RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. 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 .0607 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2023 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 11/7/2023 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 21, 2023 and is valid through February 23, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 19 children ages 2 to 5 years old on first and second shifts; no cooking allowed. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces as well as staff and children’s records were reviewed today. While the facility has been licensed since August 21, 2023, yesterday, November 6, 2023 was the first day children were present. There is one child enrolled and one child aged 2 was present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Activity plans were observed in the classroom. The child sat with the caregiver and painted with paint on paper today while the two talked quietly about what colors they were painting with. After completing the painting project, the caregiver and the child sat together and built with blocks, read books and pretending to cook in the play kitchen area. Violation Number Comment Rule 102 The license was not posted in a prominent place at all times. The license was not posted. G.S. 110-99(a1) 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted. G.S. 110-102 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not posted where they can be seen by parents. .1003(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. One staff member with a start date of 11/07/2023 did not have the required medical report on file. .0701(d) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by November 13, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. You will receive a minimum of two additional unannounced visits during the temporary time period. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Today the following technical assistance was provided: Sanitizing Bottles: Today you had your sanitizer and disinfectant in the closet in the bathroom. You stated today that you are going to put up a shelf near the changing table to store these bottles on so that they are near the child care area and convenient to you. "Approved Disinfectant" means a chlorine solution containing 500 to 800 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. "Sanitizing Solution" means a solution containing 50 to 200 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. You need to ensure that these bottles are filled each day and the solutions are tested with approved test strips and are in the above range for each solution. Screen Time: Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Children younger than 2 years old need hands-on exploration and social interaction with trusted caregivers to develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills. Because of their immature symbolic, memory, and attentional skills, infants and toddlers cannot learn from traditional digital media as they do from interactions with caregivers. For children younger than 2 years old, evidence for the benefits of media is limited. Adult interaction with the child during media use is crucial, and there continues to be evidence of harm from excessive digital media use as they cannot discern imaginary from reality. Plastic Bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Hazardous Materials: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Lock on front Door: Today we discussed that the front door of your facility must remain unlocked as there will need to be an exit open to allow evacuation of the facility in case of an emergency. Today we discussed adding in a door that will allow access to the outside even when it is locked and does not allow entry to the building from the outside. until you have these types of handles or doors installed, you will need to leave the front door of the building unlocked. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Emergency Preparedness and Response: As stated in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS, new centers shall have one person on staff who has completed the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the initial license. You will need to complete this training by 08/21/2024. Documentation of completion of the training shall be maintained in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Upon completion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, the trained staff shall develop the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The trained staff shall review the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan annually, or when information in the plan changes, to ensure all information is current. All staff shall review the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan during orientation and on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review shall be maintained at the center in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment: The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Playground Safety and Inspections: One staff member shall complete training in playground safety within six months from the date of employment. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Following completion of playground safety training as required by Rule .1102(e) of this Chapter, a monthly playground inspection shall be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff person shall make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp. The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. The following items will need to be posted and remain posted in your facility in a prominent area that is accessible to the parents: Emergency Medical Care Plan License Drop off and Pick up procedures Summary of the Law In the classroom area, you will need to ensure the following are posted for both parents and caregivers: Lesson Plans Schedule for the children Staff and Child Ratio Chart RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2023 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 11/7/2023 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 21, 2023 and is valid through February 23, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 19 children ages 2 to 5 years old on first and second shifts; no cooking allowed. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces as well as staff and children’s records were reviewed today. While the facility has been licensed since August 21, 2023, yesterday, November 6, 2023 was the first day children were present. There is one child enrolled and one child aged 2 was present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Activity plans were observed in the classroom. The child sat with the caregiver and painted with paint on paper today while the two talked quietly about what colors they were painting with. After completing the painting project, the caregiver and the child sat together and built with blocks, read books and pretending to cook in the play kitchen area. Violation Number Comment Rule 102 The license was not posted in a prominent place at all times. The license was not posted. G.S. 110-99(a1) 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted. G.S. 110-102 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not posted where they can be seen by parents. .1003(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. One staff member with a start date of 11/07/2023 did not have the required medical report on file. .0701(d) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by November 13, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. You will receive a minimum of two additional unannounced visits during the temporary time period. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Today the following technical assistance was provided: Sanitizing Bottles: Today you had your sanitizer and disinfectant in the closet in the bathroom. You stated today that you are going to put up a shelf near the changing table to store these bottles on so that they are near the child care area and convenient to you. "Approved Disinfectant" means a chlorine solution containing 500 to 800 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. "Sanitizing Solution" means a solution containing 50 to 200 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. You need to ensure that these bottles are filled each day and the solutions are tested with approved test strips and are in the above range for each solution. Screen Time: Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Children younger than 2 years old need hands-on exploration and social interaction with trusted caregivers to develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills. Because of their immature symbolic, memory, and attentional skills, infants and toddlers cannot learn from traditional digital media as they do from interactions with caregivers. For children younger than 2 years old, evidence for the benefits of media is limited. Adult interaction with the child during media use is crucial, and there continues to be evidence of harm from excessive digital media use as they cannot discern imaginary from reality. Plastic Bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Hazardous Materials: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Lock on front Door: Today we discussed that the front door of your facility must remain unlocked as there will need to be an exit open to allow evacuation of the facility in case of an emergency. Today we discussed adding in a door that will allow access to the outside even when it is locked and does not allow entry to the building from the outside. until you have these types of handles or doors installed, you will need to leave the front door of the building unlocked. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Emergency Preparedness and Response: As stated in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS, new centers shall have one person on staff who has completed the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the initial license. You will need to complete this training by 08/21/2024. Documentation of completion of the training shall be maintained in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Upon completion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, the trained staff shall develop the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The trained staff shall review the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan annually, or when information in the plan changes, to ensure all information is current. All staff shall review the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan during orientation and on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review shall be maintained at the center in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment: The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Playground Safety and Inspections: One staff member shall complete training in playground safety within six months from the date of employment. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Following completion of playground safety training as required by Rule .1102(e) of this Chapter, a monthly playground inspection shall be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff person shall make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp. The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. The following items will need to be posted and remain posted in your facility in a prominent area that is accessible to the parents: Emergency Medical Care Plan License Drop off and Pick up procedures Summary of the Law In the classroom area, you will need to ensure the following are posted for both parents and caregivers: Lesson Plans Schedule for the children Staff and Child Ratio Chart RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-99 · Violation

Name of Operation: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2023 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 11/7/2023 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 21, 2023 and is valid through February 23, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 19 children ages 2 to 5 years old on first and second shifts; no cooking allowed. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces as well as staff and children’s records were reviewed today. While the facility has been licensed since August 21, 2023, yesterday, November 6, 2023 was the first day children were present. There is one child enrolled and one child aged 2 was present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Activity plans were observed in the classroom. The child sat with the caregiver and painted with paint on paper today while the two talked quietly about what colors they were painting with. After completing the painting project, the caregiver and the child sat together and built with blocks, read books and pretending to cook in the play kitchen area. Violation Number Comment Rule 102 The license was not posted in a prominent place at all times. The license was not posted. G.S. 110-99(a1) 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted. G.S. 110-102 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not posted where they can be seen by parents. .1003(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. One staff member with a start date of 11/07/2023 did not have the required medical report on file. .0701(d) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by November 13, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. You will receive a minimum of two additional unannounced visits during the temporary time period. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Today the following technical assistance was provided: Sanitizing Bottles: Today you had your sanitizer and disinfectant in the closet in the bathroom. You stated today that you are going to put up a shelf near the changing table to store these bottles on so that they are near the child care area and convenient to you. "Approved Disinfectant" means a chlorine solution containing 500 to 800 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. "Sanitizing Solution" means a solution containing 50 to 200 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. You need to ensure that these bottles are filled each day and the solutions are tested with approved test strips and are in the above range for each solution. Screen Time: Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Children younger than 2 years old need hands-on exploration and social interaction with trusted caregivers to develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills. Because of their immature symbolic, memory, and attentional skills, infants and toddlers cannot learn from traditional digital media as they do from interactions with caregivers. For children younger than 2 years old, evidence for the benefits of media is limited. Adult interaction with the child during media use is crucial, and there continues to be evidence of harm from excessive digital media use as they cannot discern imaginary from reality. Plastic Bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Hazardous Materials: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Lock on front Door: Today we discussed that the front door of your facility must remain unlocked as there will need to be an exit open to allow evacuation of the facility in case of an emergency. Today we discussed adding in a door that will allow access to the outside even when it is locked and does not allow entry to the building from the outside. until you have these types of handles or doors installed, you will need to leave the front door of the building unlocked. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Emergency Preparedness and Response: As stated in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS, new centers shall have one person on staff who has completed the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the initial license. You will need to complete this training by 08/21/2024. Documentation of completion of the training shall be maintained in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Upon completion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, the trained staff shall develop the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The trained staff shall review the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan annually, or when information in the plan changes, to ensure all information is current. All staff shall review the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan during orientation and on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review shall be maintained at the center in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment: The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Playground Safety and Inspections: One staff member shall complete training in playground safety within six months from the date of employment. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Following completion of playground safety training as required by Rule .1102(e) of this Chapter, a monthly playground inspection shall be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff person shall make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp. The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. The following items will need to be posted and remain posted in your facility in a prominent area that is accessible to the parents: Emergency Medical Care Plan License Drop off and Pick up procedures Summary of the Law In the classroom area, you will need to ensure the following are posted for both parents and caregivers: Lesson Plans Schedule for the children Staff and Child Ratio Chart RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. 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: Safe Hands Childcare Facility ID: 24000177 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/7/2023 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 11/7/2023 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 21, 2023 and is valid through February 23, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 19 children ages 2 to 5 years old on first and second shifts; no cooking allowed. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces as well as staff and children’s records were reviewed today. While the facility has been licensed since August 21, 2023, yesterday, November 6, 2023 was the first day children were present. There is one child enrolled and one child aged 2 was present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Activity plans were observed in the classroom. The child sat with the caregiver and painted with paint on paper today while the two talked quietly about what colors they were painting with. After completing the painting project, the caregiver and the child sat together and built with blocks, read books and pretending to cook in the play kitchen area. Violation Number Comment Rule 102 The license was not posted in a prominent place at all times. The license was not posted. G.S. 110-99(a1) 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted. G.S. 110-102 802 Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents. Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not posted where they can be seen by parents. .1003(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. One staff member with a start date of 11/07/2023 did not have the required medical report on file. .0701(d) The above violations were observed today. A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by November 13, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. You will receive a minimum of two additional unannounced visits during the temporary time period. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Today the following technical assistance was provided: Sanitizing Bottles: Today you had your sanitizer and disinfectant in the closet in the bathroom. You stated today that you are going to put up a shelf near the changing table to store these bottles on so that they are near the child care area and convenient to you. "Approved Disinfectant" means a chlorine solution containing 500 to 800 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. "Sanitizing Solution" means a solution containing 50 to 200 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. You need to ensure that these bottles are filled each day and the solutions are tested with approved test strips and are in the above range for each solution. Screen Time: Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Children younger than 2 years old need hands-on exploration and social interaction with trusted caregivers to develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills. Because of their immature symbolic, memory, and attentional skills, infants and toddlers cannot learn from traditional digital media as they do from interactions with caregivers. For children younger than 2 years old, evidence for the benefits of media is limited. Adult interaction with the child during media use is crucial, and there continues to be evidence of harm from excessive digital media use as they cannot discern imaginary from reality. Plastic Bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Hazardous Materials: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Lock on front Door: Today we discussed that the front door of your facility must remain unlocked as there will need to be an exit open to allow evacuation of the facility in case of an emergency. Today we discussed adding in a door that will allow access to the outside even when it is locked and does not allow entry to the building from the outside. until you have these types of handles or doors installed, you will need to leave the front door of the building unlocked. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Emergency Preparedness and Response: As stated in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS, new centers shall have one person on staff who has completed the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the initial license. You will need to complete this training by 08/21/2024. Documentation of completion of the training shall be maintained in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Upon completion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, the trained staff shall develop the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. The trained staff shall review the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan annually, or when information in the plan changes, to ensure all information is current. All staff shall review the center's Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan during orientation and on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review shall be maintained at the center in the individual's personnel file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment: The child care administrator and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is available at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/services/trainings-and-professional-development/rrcourse. A certificate of each staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Playground Safety and Inspections: One staff member shall complete training in playground safety within six months from the date of employment. This training shall address playground safety hazards, playground supervision, maintenance and general upkeep of the outdoor learning environment, and age and developmentally appropriate playground materials and equipment. A certificate of each designated staff member's completion of this course shall be maintained in the staff member's file in the center. Following completion of playground safety training as required by Rule .1102(e) of this Chapter, a monthly playground inspection shall be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff person shall make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp. The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. The following items will need to be posted and remain posted in your facility in a prominent area that is accessible to the parents: Emergency Medical Care Plan License Drop off and Pick up procedures Summary of the Law In the classroom area, you will need to ensure the following are posted for both parents and caregivers: Lesson Plans Schedule for the children Staff and Child Ratio Chart RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. 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