G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TABOR CITY SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 24000118 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/7/2026 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 1/7/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a Five Star Center License issued August 21, 2023. Restrictions on the license a first shift capacity of fifty-four (54) children ages 3 to 6, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced rations minus one, and meets enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was completed on January 27, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 1, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 8, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Prior to the visit the program’s eighteen-month compliance history was one hundred percent (100%). C. Jackson and G. Gore, lead teachers, were present for the visit. There were forty-one (41) children enrolled and thirty-two (32) children present. A percentage of children’s files were reviewed. There are three (3) indoor spaces and one (1) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Group one was observed during outdoor play, participating in a teacher-led ball game and a variety of gross motor activities. Group two was observed participating in activities such as story time, a calendar activity, and using counting bears for patterns, in addition to free play throughout the room. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Lunch consisted of orange chicken with brown rice, corn dog nuggets, mixed vegetables, corn, banana, and milk. Staff and Training worksheet: A current and updated worksheet was not available. All staff files were reviewed and all documents and related dates were found to be in compliance. No later than Monday, January 12th, 2026, you must complete, sign, and email me a copy of an updated and completed staff and training worksheet. Failure to do so may result in a follow up visit to ensure compliance. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes were verified in compliance. Children attend the program from (7:30am-3:10pm), meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Screening, and TS Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental Screenings completed and Health Assessments were on file. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan. A Site Monitoring visit has been conducted by Columbus County Schools, the contracting agency, during a site visit completed on October 30, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. Family activities noted include a parent night and mid-year conferences. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website shows that testing for lead in water was completed in April 2025 and testing for lead-based paint and asbestos was completed in May 2025. The following violation(s) were documented Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not completed for December 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. A staff member hired September 18, 2024 completed the health and safety training on January 6, 2026. .1102(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before January 21, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Please note, if the compliance letter is not received by the agreed-upon date, a follow-up visit may be made to verify compliance. Mail or email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE. Your letter should either be typed within the body of the email so your facility email address is visible when your letter is printed (this serves as your signature), or your letter with signature may be scanned and attached to the email. The following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: It is important to keep your Staff and Training worksheet updated on an ongoing basis. Add new staff as hired and review it regularly for veteran staff. Not only are you required to have this available for review by your child care consultant, but it is also a helpful tracking tool in keeping up to date with staff files. Health and safety trainings are required within the first year of hire and then required to be renewed every 5 years. The staff file checklist is a helpful tool to track required dates and trainings. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information is completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records shall be maintained as required. Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. ABCMS Provider Portal: 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 or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. It was verified that W. Norris has completed the training. 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. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition has begun with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway One. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to working with you on your pathway to the stars! 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 that 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. Training opportunities: Every Relationship Matters Created by the ITTI Care Project, Every Relationship Matters! Strengthening Relationships between Adults in Child Care Settings for Directors, Teachers and FCCH Professionals is a free 1.5-hour training that highlights how important all the relationships that surround young children are. Address the Stress ITTI Care Project’s Address the Stress training is now available. This free 1-hour Wellness Workshop teaches ways to reduce stress and take care of YOU! Both are now available online via DCDEE Moodle! Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If you need further assistance, please contact my supervisor at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TABOR CITY SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 24000118 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/7/2026 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 1/7/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a Five Star Center License issued August 21, 2023. Restrictions on the license a first shift capacity of fifty-four (54) children ages 3 to 6, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced rations minus one, and meets enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was completed on January 27, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 1, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on October 8, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Prior to the visit the program’s eighteen-month compliance history was one hundred percent (100%). C. Jackson and G. Gore, lead teachers, were present for the visit. There were forty-one (41) children enrolled and thirty-two (32) children present. A percentage of children’s files were reviewed. There are three (3) indoor spaces and one (1) outdoor spaces approved for use. One indoor space is not currently being used. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. Group one was observed during outdoor play, participating in a teacher-led ball game and a variety of gross motor activities. Group two was observed participating in activities such as story time, a calendar activity, and using counting bears for patterns, in addition to free play throughout the room. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Lunch consisted of orange chicken with brown rice, corn dog nuggets, mixed vegetables, corn, banana, and milk. Staff and Training worksheet: A current and updated worksheet was not available. All staff files were reviewed and all documents and related dates were found to be in compliance. No later than Monday, January 12th, 2026, you must complete, sign, and email me a copy of an updated and completed staff and training worksheet. Failure to do so may result in a follow up visit to ensure compliance. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes were verified in compliance. Children attend the program from (7:30am-3:10pm), meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Screening, and TS Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental Screenings completed and Health Assessments were on file. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan. A Site Monitoring visit has been conducted by Columbus County Schools, the contracting agency, during a site visit completed on October 30, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. Family activities noted include a parent night and mid-year conferences. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website shows that testing for lead in water was completed in April 2025 and testing for lead-based paint and asbestos was completed in May 2025. The following violation(s) were documented Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not completed for December 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. A staff member hired September 18, 2024 completed the health and safety training on January 6, 2026. .1102(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before January 21, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Please note, if the compliance letter is not received by the agreed-upon date, a follow-up visit may be made to verify compliance. Mail or email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE. Your letter should either be typed within the body of the email so your facility email address is visible when your letter is printed (this serves as your signature), or your letter with signature may be scanned and attached to the email. The following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: It is important to keep your Staff and Training worksheet updated on an ongoing basis. Add new staff as hired and review it regularly for veteran staff. Not only are you required to have this available for review by your child care consultant, but it is also a helpful tracking tool in keeping up to date with staff files. Health and safety trainings are required within the first year of hire and then required to be renewed every 5 years. The staff file checklist is a helpful tool to track required dates and trainings. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information is completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records shall be maintained as required. Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. ABCMS Provider Portal: 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 or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. It was verified that W. Norris has completed the training. 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. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition has begun with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway One. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to working with you on your pathway to the stars! 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 that 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. Training opportunities: Every Relationship Matters Created by the ITTI Care Project, Every Relationship Matters! Strengthening Relationships between Adults in Child Care Settings for Directors, Teachers and FCCH Professionals is a free 1.5-hour training that highlights how important all the relationships that surround young children are. Address the Stress ITTI Care Project’s Address the Stress training is now available. This free 1-hour Wellness Workshop teaches ways to reduce stress and take care of YOU! Both are now available online via DCDEE Moodle! Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If you need further assistance, please contact my supervisor at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@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: TABOR CITY SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 24000118 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/31/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 1/31/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued August 21, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 54 children 3-6 years of age, meets enhanced space, and meets enhanced ratios minus one. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum, Guided Edition. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 16, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained September 26, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted August 15, 2023. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 91%. Lead Teachers, C. Jackson and A. Cribb were present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; only two indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. In Space #1, children were observed engaged in free choice activities including painting on an easel, writing with draw erase markers on whiteboards, pretending to give bottles to baby dolls, and playing with a dollhouse. Ms. Cribb was observed working individually with children on assessments. Next, this group participated in a circle time activity during which they sang a good morning song and discussed the calendar and weather. Children in Space #2 were also observed in free choice activities, using playdough and colored pencils, and putting on a puppet show. Ms. Jackson also appeared to be working with children on assessments. Next, children used the classroom restrooms independently and transitioned to a “Mighty Minutes” activity during which they sang about their five senses. Lunch served in the cafeteria consisted of a choice of General Tso’s chicken with rice or corn dog nuggets, with mixed vegetables, corn, fresh bananas and milk. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and the one staff member who initially completed training in 2017 has now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Both spaces in use are operated as NC Pre-K classrooms. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3:00pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during an on-site visit November 13, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff meet education requirements. Proof of at least six semester hours of coursework for the assistant teachers, both of whom are working towards Associate’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE), was observed on file as required. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on March 31, 2022 was 6.05. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not provide TB test results until October 26, 2023. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not complete the criminal background check process until November 30, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not have a qualification letter on file until November 30, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) A compliance letter is not required due to the fact that violations have been corrected. Please review technical assistance provided below to avoid similar violations in the future. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Routine Unannounced visit September 20, 2023 regarding substitute and new staff member requirements. As discussed, prior to allowing a new Pre-K staff member or substitute to start working in the classrooms, you must ensure all “Day 1” requirements are met and documentation is on file. Using the file checklists from the DCDEE website will help you to determine requirements and deadlines. “Day 1” or pre-employment items include a DCDEE criminal background check with valid qualification letter, proof of negative tuberculosis test results, staff health assessment, health questionnaire and emergency information form. Please let me know if I can help review requirements with Central Office or Human Resources staff to avoid similar violations in the future. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided during the last Annual Compliance visit and again today regarding completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, you may wish to first review file checklists for regular and substitute staff members to ensure all required documents and updates are on file. Then, enter dates on the worksheet as they correspond with document dates from the files. When information is required by a certain time or must be updated annually, this can be found on both the worksheet and the file checklists. Please use the worksheet as a tracking tool, noting due dates on a calendar and setting reminders, to ensure deadlines are not missed. I suggest you also review your worksheet at least monthly for accuracy and upcoming deadlines. Remember to include the administrator and all regular substitutes in the Pre-K program. Today I reminded you that a valid criminal records check qualification letter, updated health questionnaire and updated emergency information form must be on file for substitute Carnelia Johnson before she works in a Pre-K classroom again. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding emergency medications. As discussed, emergency medications such as rescue inhalers and Epi-pens may be stored in the classrooms at a height of five feet off the floor but unlocked for easy access by staff members. Today, the school nurse stated there is not a school policy which prohibits medication from being stored in the classroom, so she would discuss storing the inhaler for L. Hickman in Space #2 with Ms. Jackson. Today we also discussed sanitation requirements for pets in the classroom. Sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 states, “Animals that are not contained in a cage or restrained on a leash, except those used in supervised activities or pet therapy programs, shall not be allowed in a child care center, including the outdoor learning environment. When animals are on the child care center premises, copies of each animal's vaccination records shall be available for review upon request during a sanitation inspection of the child care center. Any animals kept at the child care center as pets shall be examined by a veterinarian to determine that they are free from pests and pathogens that could adversely affect human health. Animal cages shall be kept clean and animal waste materials shall be bagged, sealed, and immediately disposed of in the child care center's exterior garbage area in a covered container. Animals belonging to child care center owners, employees, volunteers, visitors, and children shall not be allowed in child care centers or on the premises unless the requirements set forth in this Paragraph are met.” Technical assistance was provided today regarding staff/child ratios. As discussed, the NC Pre-K ratio of one staff member to nine children with a maximum group size of eighteen children has changed to one staff member to ten children with a maximum group size of twenty children. On November 8, 2023 I received a request for Space #1 to begin operating under the new ratio and group size. Today we discussed that when the youngest child in the group is three years of age, a ratio of one staff member to nine children with a maximum group size of eighteen children must be followed due to the license restriction of reduced staff/child ratios and group sizes required at the seven-point level in Program Standards. Be sure your posted ratio charts are accurate and you keep this restriction in mind as you enroll children. Rated License Information As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit September 20, 2023, your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. As a reminder, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP this year or next year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Education information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. As discussed, L. Norris must still submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation, however it appears you are maintaining seven points in Education and your chosen Quality point. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Criminal records check qualification letters for substitute staff members M. Watts and C. Johnson expire in June and August 2024. Please ensure new qualification letters are obtained prior to expiration dates if they continue to work in Pre-K classrooms. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Please refer to the email invitation with Zoom link sent January 12, 2024 for instructions on how to join. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, reviewed with you and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: TABOR CITY SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 24000118 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/31/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 1/31/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued August 21, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 54 children 3-6 years of age, meets enhanced space, and meets enhanced ratios minus one. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum, Guided Edition. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 16, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained September 26, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted August 15, 2023. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 91%. Lead Teachers, C. Jackson and A. Cribb were present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; only two indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. In Space #1, children were observed engaged in free choice activities including painting on an easel, writing with draw erase markers on whiteboards, pretending to give bottles to baby dolls, and playing with a dollhouse. Ms. Cribb was observed working individually with children on assessments. Next, this group participated in a circle time activity during which they sang a good morning song and discussed the calendar and weather. Children in Space #2 were also observed in free choice activities, using playdough and colored pencils, and putting on a puppet show. Ms. Jackson also appeared to be working with children on assessments. Next, children used the classroom restrooms independently and transitioned to a “Mighty Minutes” activity during which they sang about their five senses. Lunch served in the cafeteria consisted of a choice of General Tso’s chicken with rice or corn dog nuggets, with mixed vegetables, corn, fresh bananas and milk. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and the one staff member who initially completed training in 2017 has now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Both spaces in use are operated as NC Pre-K classrooms. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3:00pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during an on-site visit November 13, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff meet education requirements. Proof of at least six semester hours of coursework for the assistant teachers, both of whom are working towards Associate’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE), was observed on file as required. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on March 31, 2022 was 6.05. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not provide TB test results until October 26, 2023. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not complete the criminal background check process until November 30, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not have a qualification letter on file until November 30, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) A compliance letter is not required due to the fact that violations have been corrected. Please review technical assistance provided below to avoid similar violations in the future. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Routine Unannounced visit September 20, 2023 regarding substitute and new staff member requirements. As discussed, prior to allowing a new Pre-K staff member or substitute to start working in the classrooms, you must ensure all “Day 1” requirements are met and documentation is on file. Using the file checklists from the DCDEE website will help you to determine requirements and deadlines. “Day 1” or pre-employment items include a DCDEE criminal background check with valid qualification letter, proof of negative tuberculosis test results, staff health assessment, health questionnaire and emergency information form. Please let me know if I can help review requirements with Central Office or Human Resources staff to avoid similar violations in the future. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided during the last Annual Compliance visit and again today regarding completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, you may wish to first review file checklists for regular and substitute staff members to ensure all required documents and updates are on file. Then, enter dates on the worksheet as they correspond with document dates from the files. When information is required by a certain time or must be updated annually, this can be found on both the worksheet and the file checklists. Please use the worksheet as a tracking tool, noting due dates on a calendar and setting reminders, to ensure deadlines are not missed. I suggest you also review your worksheet at least monthly for accuracy and upcoming deadlines. Remember to include the administrator and all regular substitutes in the Pre-K program. Today I reminded you that a valid criminal records check qualification letter, updated health questionnaire and updated emergency information form must be on file for substitute Carnelia Johnson before she works in a Pre-K classroom again. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding emergency medications. As discussed, emergency medications such as rescue inhalers and Epi-pens may be stored in the classrooms at a height of five feet off the floor but unlocked for easy access by staff members. Today, the school nurse stated there is not a school policy which prohibits medication from being stored in the classroom, so she would discuss storing the inhaler for L. Hickman in Space #2 with Ms. Jackson. Today we also discussed sanitation requirements for pets in the classroom. Sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 states, “Animals that are not contained in a cage or restrained on a leash, except those used in supervised activities or pet therapy programs, shall not be allowed in a child care center, including the outdoor learning environment. When animals are on the child care center premises, copies of each animal's vaccination records shall be available for review upon request during a sanitation inspection of the child care center. Any animals kept at the child care center as pets shall be examined by a veterinarian to determine that they are free from pests and pathogens that could adversely affect human health. Animal cages shall be kept clean and animal waste materials shall be bagged, sealed, and immediately disposed of in the child care center's exterior garbage area in a covered container. Animals belonging to child care center owners, employees, volunteers, visitors, and children shall not be allowed in child care centers or on the premises unless the requirements set forth in this Paragraph are met.” Technical assistance was provided today regarding staff/child ratios. As discussed, the NC Pre-K ratio of one staff member to nine children with a maximum group size of eighteen children has changed to one staff member to ten children with a maximum group size of twenty children. On November 8, 2023 I received a request for Space #1 to begin operating under the new ratio and group size. Today we discussed that when the youngest child in the group is three years of age, a ratio of one staff member to nine children with a maximum group size of eighteen children must be followed due to the license restriction of reduced staff/child ratios and group sizes required at the seven-point level in Program Standards. Be sure your posted ratio charts are accurate and you keep this restriction in mind as you enroll children. Rated License Information As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit September 20, 2023, your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. As a reminder, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP this year or next year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Education information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. As discussed, L. Norris must still submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation, however it appears you are maintaining seven points in Education and your chosen Quality point. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Criminal records check qualification letters for substitute staff members M. Watts and C. Johnson expire in June and August 2024. Please ensure new qualification letters are obtained prior to expiration dates if they continue to work in Pre-K classrooms. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Please refer to the email invitation with Zoom link sent January 12, 2024 for instructions on how to join. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, reviewed with you and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TABOR CITY SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 24000118 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/31/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 1/31/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued August 21, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 54 children 3-6 years of age, meets enhanced space, and meets enhanced ratios minus one. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum, Guided Edition. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 16, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained September 26, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted August 15, 2023. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 91%. Lead Teachers, C. Jackson and A. Cribb were present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; only two indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. In Space #1, children were observed engaged in free choice activities including painting on an easel, writing with draw erase markers on whiteboards, pretending to give bottles to baby dolls, and playing with a dollhouse. Ms. Cribb was observed working individually with children on assessments. Next, this group participated in a circle time activity during which they sang a good morning song and discussed the calendar and weather. Children in Space #2 were also observed in free choice activities, using playdough and colored pencils, and putting on a puppet show. Ms. Jackson also appeared to be working with children on assessments. Next, children used the classroom restrooms independently and transitioned to a “Mighty Minutes” activity during which they sang about their five senses. Lunch served in the cafeteria consisted of a choice of General Tso’s chicken with rice or corn dog nuggets, with mixed vegetables, corn, fresh bananas and milk. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and the one staff member who initially completed training in 2017 has now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Both spaces in use are operated as NC Pre-K classrooms. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3:00pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during an on-site visit November 13, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff meet education requirements. Proof of at least six semester hours of coursework for the assistant teachers, both of whom are working towards Associate’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE), was observed on file as required. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on March 31, 2022 was 6.05. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not provide TB test results until October 26, 2023. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not complete the criminal background check process until November 30, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not have a qualification letter on file until November 30, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) A compliance letter is not required due to the fact that violations have been corrected. Please review technical assistance provided below to avoid similar violations in the future. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Routine Unannounced visit September 20, 2023 regarding substitute and new staff member requirements. As discussed, prior to allowing a new Pre-K staff member or substitute to start working in the classrooms, you must ensure all “Day 1” requirements are met and documentation is on file. Using the file checklists from the DCDEE website will help you to determine requirements and deadlines. “Day 1” or pre-employment items include a DCDEE criminal background check with valid qualification letter, proof of negative tuberculosis test results, staff health assessment, health questionnaire and emergency information form. Please let me know if I can help review requirements with Central Office or Human Resources staff to avoid similar violations in the future. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided during the last Annual Compliance visit and again today regarding completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, you may wish to first review file checklists for regular and substitute staff members to ensure all required documents and updates are on file. Then, enter dates on the worksheet as they correspond with document dates from the files. When information is required by a certain time or must be updated annually, this can be found on both the worksheet and the file checklists. Please use the worksheet as a tracking tool, noting due dates on a calendar and setting reminders, to ensure deadlines are not missed. I suggest you also review your worksheet at least monthly for accuracy and upcoming deadlines. Remember to include the administrator and all regular substitutes in the Pre-K program. Today I reminded you that a valid criminal records check qualification letter, updated health questionnaire and updated emergency information form must be on file for substitute Carnelia Johnson before she works in a Pre-K classroom again. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding emergency medications. As discussed, emergency medications such as rescue inhalers and Epi-pens may be stored in the classrooms at a height of five feet off the floor but unlocked for easy access by staff members. Today, the school nurse stated there is not a school policy which prohibits medication from being stored in the classroom, so she would discuss storing the inhaler for L. Hickman in Space #2 with Ms. Jackson. Today we also discussed sanitation requirements for pets in the classroom. Sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 states, “Animals that are not contained in a cage or restrained on a leash, except those used in supervised activities or pet therapy programs, shall not be allowed in a child care center, including the outdoor learning environment. When animals are on the child care center premises, copies of each animal's vaccination records shall be available for review upon request during a sanitation inspection of the child care center. Any animals kept at the child care center as pets shall be examined by a veterinarian to determine that they are free from pests and pathogens that could adversely affect human health. Animal cages shall be kept clean and animal waste materials shall be bagged, sealed, and immediately disposed of in the child care center's exterior garbage area in a covered container. Animals belonging to child care center owners, employees, volunteers, visitors, and children shall not be allowed in child care centers or on the premises unless the requirements set forth in this Paragraph are met.” Technical assistance was provided today regarding staff/child ratios. As discussed, the NC Pre-K ratio of one staff member to nine children with a maximum group size of eighteen children has changed to one staff member to ten children with a maximum group size of twenty children. On November 8, 2023 I received a request for Space #1 to begin operating under the new ratio and group size. Today we discussed that when the youngest child in the group is three years of age, a ratio of one staff member to nine children with a maximum group size of eighteen children must be followed due to the license restriction of reduced staff/child ratios and group sizes required at the seven-point level in Program Standards. Be sure your posted ratio charts are accurate and you keep this restriction in mind as you enroll children. Rated License Information As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit September 20, 2023, your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. As a reminder, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP this year or next year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Education information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. As discussed, L. Norris must still submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation, however it appears you are maintaining seven points in Education and your chosen Quality point. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Criminal records check qualification letters for substitute staff members M. Watts and C. Johnson expire in June and August 2024. Please ensure new qualification letters are obtained prior to expiration dates if they continue to work in Pre-K classrooms. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Please refer to the email invitation with Zoom link sent January 12, 2024 for instructions on how to join. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, reviewed with you and emailed to 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: TABOR CITY SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 24000118 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/31/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 1/31/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued August 21, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 54 children 3-6 years of age, meets enhanced space, and meets enhanced ratios minus one. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum, Guided Edition. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 16, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained September 26, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted August 15, 2023. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 91%. Lead Teachers, C. Jackson and A. Cribb were present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; only two indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. In Space #1, children were observed engaged in free choice activities including painting on an easel, writing with draw erase markers on whiteboards, pretending to give bottles to baby dolls, and playing with a dollhouse. Ms. Cribb was observed working individually with children on assessments. Next, this group participated in a circle time activity during which they sang a good morning song and discussed the calendar and weather. Children in Space #2 were also observed in free choice activities, using playdough and colored pencils, and putting on a puppet show. Ms. Jackson also appeared to be working with children on assessments. Next, children used the classroom restrooms independently and transitioned to a “Mighty Minutes” activity during which they sang about their five senses. Lunch served in the cafeteria consisted of a choice of General Tso’s chicken with rice or corn dog nuggets, with mixed vegetables, corn, fresh bananas and milk. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and the one staff member who initially completed training in 2017 has now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Both spaces in use are operated as NC Pre-K classrooms. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 7:30am to 3:00pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during an on-site visit November 13, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff meet education requirements. Proof of at least six semester hours of coursework for the assistant teachers, both of whom are working towards Associate’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE), was observed on file as required. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on March 31, 2022 was 6.05. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not provide TB test results until October 26, 2023. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not complete the criminal background check process until November 30, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A new staff member was hired October 9, 2023 but did not have a qualification letter on file until November 30, 2023. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) A compliance letter is not required due to the fact that violations have been corrected. Please review technical assistance provided below to avoid similar violations in the future. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Routine Unannounced visit September 20, 2023 regarding substitute and new staff member requirements. As discussed, prior to allowing a new Pre-K staff member or substitute to start working in the classrooms, you must ensure all “Day 1” requirements are met and documentation is on file. Using the file checklists from the DCDEE website will help you to determine requirements and deadlines. “Day 1” or pre-employment items include a DCDEE criminal background check with valid qualification letter, proof of negative tuberculosis test results, staff health assessment, health questionnaire and emergency information form. Please let me know if I can help review requirements with Central Office or Human Resources staff to avoid similar violations in the future. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided during the last Annual Compliance visit and again today regarding completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, you may wish to first review file checklists for regular and substitute staff members to ensure all required documents and updates are on file. Then, enter dates on the worksheet as they correspond with document dates from the files. When information is required by a certain time or must be updated annually, this can be found on both the worksheet and the file checklists. Please use the worksheet as a tracking tool, noting due dates on a calendar and setting reminders, to ensure deadlines are not missed. I suggest you also review your worksheet at least monthly for accuracy and upcoming deadlines. Remember to include the administrator and all regular substitutes in the Pre-K program. Today I reminded you that a valid criminal records check qualification letter, updated health questionnaire and updated emergency information form must be on file for substitute Carnelia Johnson before she works in a Pre-K classroom again. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding emergency medications. As discussed, emergency medications such as rescue inhalers and Epi-pens may be stored in the classrooms at a height of five feet off the floor but unlocked for easy access by staff members. Today, the school nurse stated there is not a school policy which prohibits medication from being stored in the classroom, so she would discuss storing the inhaler for L. Hickman in Space #2 with Ms. Jackson. Today we also discussed sanitation requirements for pets in the classroom. Sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 states, “Animals that are not contained in a cage or restrained on a leash, except those used in supervised activities or pet therapy programs, shall not be allowed in a child care center, including the outdoor learning environment. When animals are on the child care center premises, copies of each animal's vaccination records shall be available for review upon request during a sanitation inspection of the child care center. Any animals kept at the child care center as pets shall be examined by a veterinarian to determine that they are free from pests and pathogens that could adversely affect human health. Animal cages shall be kept clean and animal waste materials shall be bagged, sealed, and immediately disposed of in the child care center's exterior garbage area in a covered container. Animals belonging to child care center owners, employees, volunteers, visitors, and children shall not be allowed in child care centers or on the premises unless the requirements set forth in this Paragraph are met.” Technical assistance was provided today regarding staff/child ratios. As discussed, the NC Pre-K ratio of one staff member to nine children with a maximum group size of eighteen children has changed to one staff member to ten children with a maximum group size of twenty children. On November 8, 2023 I received a request for Space #1 to begin operating under the new ratio and group size. Today we discussed that when the youngest child in the group is three years of age, a ratio of one staff member to nine children with a maximum group size of eighteen children must be followed due to the license restriction of reduced staff/child ratios and group sizes required at the seven-point level in Program Standards. Be sure your posted ratio charts are accurate and you keep this restriction in mind as you enroll children. Rated License Information As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit September 20, 2023, your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. As a reminder, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP this year or next year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Education information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. As discussed, L. Norris must still submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation, however it appears you are maintaining seven points in Education and your chosen Quality point. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Criminal records check qualification letters for substitute staff members M. Watts and C. Johnson expire in June and August 2024. Please ensure new qualification letters are obtained prior to expiration dates if they continue to work in Pre-K classrooms. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Please refer to the email invitation with Zoom link sent January 12, 2024 for instructions on how to join. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, reviewed with you and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TABOR CITY SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 24000118 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/20/2023 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 9/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 12:15 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued August 21, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 54 children 3-6 years of age, meets enhanced space, and meets enhanced ratios minus one. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum, Guided Edition. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 16, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained August 17, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted August 15, 2023. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 87%. Administrator, D. Norris, Lead Teacher, A. Cribb, and Assistant Teacher, K. Sellers, were present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; only two indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. In Space #1, children were observed listening to Ms. Cribb read a book. Next, she asked them open-ended questions about the story before helping them transition to free choice activities. During free choice center time, children worked with stamps and ink pads at the art table, built ramps for cars in the block center, and pretended to cook food in the dramatic play center. Next, children were served a snack of Cheez It crackers and milk. Children in Space #2 were initially observed on the fenced in playground, using the climbing structure and riding tricycles on the sidewalks. After outdoor time, this group was also served snack. After snack, both groups were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Children who were not resting were offered quiet activities on their cots. New staff members have not been hired since the Annual Compliance visit, however two substitute staff members were present today. Requirements for substitute staff members were monitored for compliance today. 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 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A substitute staff member without a Criminal Background Check was observed working in Space #1 today. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for a substitute staff member working in Space #1 today. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by October 4, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided today regarding Pre-K substitute staff requirements, including valid criminal background qualification letters. Today, substitute staff member Taylor Coleman stated she had completed a background check for the school system, however qualification as a child care provider could not be verified and a qualification letter was not on file. Another staff member who meets licensing requirements for Pre-K was working elsewhere in the school and was transferred to Space #1 to replace Ms. Coleman during the visit today. As discussed, Ms. Coleman will need to complete a criminal background check for child care and a valid qualification letter will need to be on file prior to allowing her to substitute in the Pre-K program again. A copy of the substitute staff file checklist for centers was given to you and reviewed with you today. Moving forward, I urged you to request a list of Pre-K qualified substitutes from the Central Office to help ensure only qualified substitutes are placed in the Pre-K classrooms. I also suggested you review the qualifications of some of the full-time teacher assistants, as they may have been required to get qualification letters and could be used as substitutes in the Pre-K program if they meet the other requirements as well. Please send a compliance letter stating any changes you have made or will make to ensure only qualified staff are placed in Pre-K classrooms moving forward. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding supervision of children using the restrooms. As discussed, the definition of adequate supervision includes that you can hear or see the children and be able to render immediate assistance if needed. Remember to ensure children do not close restroom doors all the way to ensure you can still check on them in the restrooms. Today I suggested that you use half doors or have a window cut into the tops of the doors if you have concerns about privacy. Otherwise, reminding children to leave the door slightly open will ensure you can maintain adequate supervision. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in June 2022, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed today, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP this year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Education information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. As discussed, L. Norris must submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation, however it appears you are still maintaining seven points in Education and your chosen Quality point. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Upcoming Training Announcement- Children’s Environmental Health has set up virtual trainings for child care center operators on the newly readopted child care sanitation rules. The next training date is September 26, 2023 from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Keep an eye out for an email blast with instructions for joining the training. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, reviewed with you and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TABOR CITY SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 24000118 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/20/2023 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 9/20/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 12:15 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued August 21, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 7 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 54 children 3-6 years of age, meets enhanced space, and meets enhanced ratios minus one. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum, Guided Edition. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 16, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was obtained August 17, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted August 15, 2023. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 87%. Administrator, D. Norris, Lead Teacher, A. Cribb, and Assistant Teacher, K. Sellers, were present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use by children; only two indoor spaces are currently being used for child care. In Space #1, children were observed listening to Ms. Cribb read a book. Next, she asked them open-ended questions about the story before helping them transition to free choice activities. During free choice center time, children worked with stamps and ink pads at the art table, built ramps for cars in the block center, and pretended to cook food in the dramatic play center. Next, children were served a snack of Cheez It crackers and milk. Children in Space #2 were initially observed on the fenced in playground, using the climbing structure and riding tricycles on the sidewalks. After outdoor time, this group was also served snack. After snack, both groups were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Children who were not resting were offered quiet activities on their cots. New staff members have not been hired since the Annual Compliance visit, however two substitute staff members were present today. Requirements for substitute staff members were monitored for compliance today. 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 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. A substitute staff member without a Criminal Background Check was observed working in Space #1 today. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file for a substitute staff member working in Space #1 today. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by October 4, 2023. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided today regarding Pre-K substitute staff requirements, including valid criminal background qualification letters. Today, substitute staff member Taylor Coleman stated she had completed a background check for the school system, however qualification as a child care provider could not be verified and a qualification letter was not on file. Another staff member who meets licensing requirements for Pre-K was working elsewhere in the school and was transferred to Space #1 to replace Ms. Coleman during the visit today. As discussed, Ms. Coleman will need to complete a criminal background check for child care and a valid qualification letter will need to be on file prior to allowing her to substitute in the Pre-K program again. A copy of the substitute staff file checklist for centers was given to you and reviewed with you today. Moving forward, I urged you to request a list of Pre-K qualified substitutes from the Central Office to help ensure only qualified substitutes are placed in the Pre-K classrooms. I also suggested you review the qualifications of some of the full-time teacher assistants, as they may have been required to get qualification letters and could be used as substitutes in the Pre-K program if they meet the other requirements as well. Please send a compliance letter stating any changes you have made or will make to ensure only qualified staff are placed in Pre-K classrooms moving forward. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding supervision of children using the restrooms. As discussed, the definition of adequate supervision includes that you can hear or see the children and be able to render immediate assistance if needed. Remember to ensure children do not close restroom doors all the way to ensure you can still check on them in the restrooms. Today I suggested that you use half doors or have a window cut into the tops of the doors if you have concerns about privacy. Otherwise, reminding children to leave the door slightly open will ensure you can maintain adequate supervision. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in June 2022, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed today, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP this year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. Education information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. As discussed, L. Norris must submit official transcripts to complete her evaluation, however it appears you are still maintaining seven points in Education and your chosen Quality point. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Upcoming Training Announcement- Children’s Environmental Health has set up virtual trainings for child care center operators on the newly readopted child care sanitation rules. The next training date is September 26, 2023 from 9:00 am – 11:30 am. Keep an eye out for an email blast with instructions for joining the training. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, reviewed with you and emailed to 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