G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: APPLESEED ACADEMY LLC Facility ID: 02000128 Consultant: CAROLYN CONLEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/14/2025 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 1/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 11:05 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. I was greeted by you, Darienne Fritz, Owner and Director. This facility was issued a temporary license on September 23, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. The following were posted: temporary license, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio charts, safe arrival and departure procedures, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, emergency medical care plan and evacuation plans. The daily schedules and activity plans were posted in each classroom. The children were observed during nap time, an infant having one on one with a staff member, waking up from nap, hand-washing routines, snack and free choice activities indoors. Supervision, staff/child ratio, grouping of children, the use of approved space, and permit restrictions were monitored during today’s visit. The last monthly fire drill was conducted on January 13, 2025, and the last monthly playground inspection was conducted on January 6, 2025. A fire inspection was conducted on June 10, 2024. A sanitation inspection was conducted on November 21, 2024, with no demerits and a superior classification. I monitored a portion of the children files. You had the Staff and Training Worksheet completed for me to review. There are four staff, including you, employed at this time and I monitored the staff files during the visit conducted on November 26, 2024. Rated License Discussion – I received the Rated License Assessment Review Form and a copy of the Application for Assessment for a Two component Star rated License on December 4, 2024. -Education Standard points: I monitored WORKS during today’s visit. *You, as the administrator, are eligible for three points at this time. You stated that you have completed additional coursework and that you will submit the official transcript to WORKS for evaluation. We will review your WORKS account during the next visit. *WORKS is showing that they have received additional paperwork on January 13, 2025, for the lead teacher working with children three years to five years of age and the lead teacher working with the infant-toddler aged children. You and the lead teachers and teachers(if applicable) must have their current education evaluated by the workforce unit in Raleigh. The education points will be determined upon the receipt of evaluation results from the workforce unit. If staffs' education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. -Program Standard Points: You stated that your ERS-3 assessment window begins February 3, 2025-February 28, 2025. -Quality point: You stated that you have ten years of verified documented child administrative work experience in a licensed program. We discussed that you will need to list the facilities you worked at in your WORKS account to show that you have at least ten years’ experience. You stated that you have not listed one of the facilities because it had a Notice of Compliance and not a Star Rated License. Please go into your WORKS account and list the facility because the program was monitored by the DCDEE. You are also using an approved curriculum (Funny Daffer). This will not be an option if you receive a four- or five-star license because an approved curriculum is required at the four- and five-star level. We will review the quality point option again during the next visit. Star Rated License 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. The following violations were observed and corrected today. Violation Number Comment Rule 611 All beds, cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child. There was a child in space one that did not have a sheet between him and his cot. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(c) 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. There was a tablet playing nap time music located on the diaper changing surface in space 3. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. Space 1 had two children two years of age and there foam blocks in the block area and foam stamps in the art area. .0604(q) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. The policy was not posted in space 2 which cares for infant aged children. .0606(b) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE: -Please remind staff that if they are caring for children two years of age in a mixed age classroom to ensure that there are no materials made out of foam accessible to the children. You removed the foam blocks and foam stamps from the classroom that had children between two years and five years of age (Space 1). -Notify all staff where extra sheets for the cots are located or remind staff to inform you if a sheet is needed. No child should lay on the cot without a sheet or blanket between them and the cot. -A Safe Sleep Poster or your Safe Sleep Policy is required to be posted in the classroom (space 2) that serves infant aged children. It may be helpful to develop a checklist for each classroom and what is required to be posted and monitored daily. -Remind staff not to place any items on the diaper changing surface. You stated that you are purchasing a shelf for the classroom that serves the toddler aged children (space 3) so that they can place the tablet on the shelf and not on the diaper changing surface. CONSULTATION: -We discussed the rabbit that was located in a cage in the classroom that has children between two years and five year of age (space 1). Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831(a)states that 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. You attempted to contact the parent who donated Ollie to see if she has any documentation that she had taken Ollie to the vet. If the parent has no documentation then Ollie will need to be removed or taken to a vet for a check up. -We discussed Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820 (e) which states that a locked kitchen is not considered to be a locked storage room or cabinet. Hazardous materials, including but not limited to large containers of soap, dishwashing tablets, aerosol cans, sanitizer wipes, bleach, etc., are required to be in locked storage even when located in a locked kitchen. You stated that you were unaware of this rule and that it was not considered a demerit during the sanitation inspection. -We discussed the daily schedule posted in space one. It has lunch listed 11:00-11:30. I arrived at 11:05 and the children were on their mats ready for nap with lights out. You stated that you and staff are working on the schedule to see what works best for this mixed age group. -We discussed that as long as there are no weather advisories children should go outside even if it is for a shorter period time. Ask families to donate winter clothing, coats, boots and shoes so that you have extra for the children that may not bring the proper clothing. Please refer to the Child Care Weather Watch poster that you have posted as guide as to whether children should or should not go outside. -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. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete 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 completed the reference 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 in 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The facility must earn a 3 star or higher to be eligible for DSS Subsidy to continue after the temporary time period. -Must meet minimum child care requirements including but not limited to a qualified administrator and a qualified lead teacher in each classroom in order to earn a star rated license per Child Care Rule .0403(c) and General Statute .2215(a)(8). If a star rated license is unable to be issued, an administrative action will be issued, and subsidy may be affected. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -DCDEE Documents and Forms: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates and Current Projects: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 704-594-0149 or carolyn.conley@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard, Lead Child Care Consultant, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Carolyn Conley Lead Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box 835 Kannapolis, NC 28082-0835 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: APPLESEED ACADEMY LLC Facility ID: 02000128 Consultant: CAROLYN CONLEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/14/2025 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 1/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 11:05 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. I was greeted by you, Darienne Fritz, Owner and Director. This facility was issued a temporary license on September 23, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. The following were posted: temporary license, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio charts, safe arrival and departure procedures, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, emergency medical care plan and evacuation plans. The daily schedules and activity plans were posted in each classroom. The children were observed during nap time, an infant having one on one with a staff member, waking up from nap, hand-washing routines, snack and free choice activities indoors. Supervision, staff/child ratio, grouping of children, the use of approved space, and permit restrictions were monitored during today’s visit. The last monthly fire drill was conducted on January 13, 2025, and the last monthly playground inspection was conducted on January 6, 2025. A fire inspection was conducted on June 10, 2024. A sanitation inspection was conducted on November 21, 2024, with no demerits and a superior classification. I monitored a portion of the children files. You had the Staff and Training Worksheet completed for me to review. There are four staff, including you, employed at this time and I monitored the staff files during the visit conducted on November 26, 2024. Rated License Discussion – I received the Rated License Assessment Review Form and a copy of the Application for Assessment for a Two component Star rated License on December 4, 2024. -Education Standard points: I monitored WORKS during today’s visit. *You, as the administrator, are eligible for three points at this time. You stated that you have completed additional coursework and that you will submit the official transcript to WORKS for evaluation. We will review your WORKS account during the next visit. *WORKS is showing that they have received additional paperwork on January 13, 2025, for the lead teacher working with children three years to five years of age and the lead teacher working with the infant-toddler aged children. You and the lead teachers and teachers(if applicable) must have their current education evaluated by the workforce unit in Raleigh. The education points will be determined upon the receipt of evaluation results from the workforce unit. If staffs' education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. -Program Standard Points: You stated that your ERS-3 assessment window begins February 3, 2025-February 28, 2025. -Quality point: You stated that you have ten years of verified documented child administrative work experience in a licensed program. We discussed that you will need to list the facilities you worked at in your WORKS account to show that you have at least ten years’ experience. You stated that you have not listed one of the facilities because it had a Notice of Compliance and not a Star Rated License. Please go into your WORKS account and list the facility because the program was monitored by the DCDEE. You are also using an approved curriculum (Funny Daffer). This will not be an option if you receive a four- or five-star license because an approved curriculum is required at the four- and five-star level. We will review the quality point option again during the next visit. Star Rated License 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. The following violations were observed and corrected today. Violation Number Comment Rule 611 All beds, cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child. There was a child in space one that did not have a sheet between him and his cot. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(c) 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. There was a tablet playing nap time music located on the diaper changing surface in space 3. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. Space 1 had two children two years of age and there foam blocks in the block area and foam stamps in the art area. .0604(q) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. The policy was not posted in space 2 which cares for infant aged children. .0606(b) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE: -Please remind staff that if they are caring for children two years of age in a mixed age classroom to ensure that there are no materials made out of foam accessible to the children. You removed the foam blocks and foam stamps from the classroom that had children between two years and five years of age (Space 1). -Notify all staff where extra sheets for the cots are located or remind staff to inform you if a sheet is needed. No child should lay on the cot without a sheet or blanket between them and the cot. -A Safe Sleep Poster or your Safe Sleep Policy is required to be posted in the classroom (space 2) that serves infant aged children. It may be helpful to develop a checklist for each classroom and what is required to be posted and monitored daily. -Remind staff not to place any items on the diaper changing surface. You stated that you are purchasing a shelf for the classroom that serves the toddler aged children (space 3) so that they can place the tablet on the shelf and not on the diaper changing surface. CONSULTATION: -We discussed the rabbit that was located in a cage in the classroom that has children between two years and five year of age (space 1). Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831(a)states that 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. You attempted to contact the parent who donated Ollie to see if she has any documentation that she had taken Ollie to the vet. If the parent has no documentation then Ollie will need to be removed or taken to a vet for a check up. -We discussed Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820 (e) which states that a locked kitchen is not considered to be a locked storage room or cabinet. Hazardous materials, including but not limited to large containers of soap, dishwashing tablets, aerosol cans, sanitizer wipes, bleach, etc., are required to be in locked storage even when located in a locked kitchen. You stated that you were unaware of this rule and that it was not considered a demerit during the sanitation inspection. -We discussed the daily schedule posted in space one. It has lunch listed 11:00-11:30. I arrived at 11:05 and the children were on their mats ready for nap with lights out. You stated that you and staff are working on the schedule to see what works best for this mixed age group. -We discussed that as long as there are no weather advisories children should go outside even if it is for a shorter period time. Ask families to donate winter clothing, coats, boots and shoes so that you have extra for the children that may not bring the proper clothing. Please refer to the Child Care Weather Watch poster that you have posted as guide as to whether children should or should not go outside. -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. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete 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 completed the reference 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 in 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The facility must earn a 3 star or higher to be eligible for DSS Subsidy to continue after the temporary time period. -Must meet minimum child care requirements including but not limited to a qualified administrator and a qualified lead teacher in each classroom in order to earn a star rated license per Child Care Rule .0403(c) and General Statute .2215(a)(8). If a star rated license is unable to be issued, an administrative action will be issued, and subsidy may be affected. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -DCDEE Documents and Forms: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates and Current Projects: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 704-594-0149 or carolyn.conley@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard, Lead Child Care Consultant, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Carolyn Conley Lead Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box 835 Kannapolis, NC 28082-0835 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: APPLESEED ACADEMY LLC Facility ID: 02000128 Consultant: CAROLYN CONLEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor the program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary period visit (TTP). I was greeted by you, Darienne Fritz, Owner and Director. This facility was issued a temporary license on September 23, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. The children were observed during free choice activities indoors, hand-washing routines, families arriving for Thanksgiving lunch and nap time. Positive interactions between the staff and children took place throughout the visit today. You stated that there are 14 children enrolled between infant aged and five years of age and that there are 12 children present today. You had the Staff and Training Worksheet completed for me to review. There are four staff, including you, employed at this time and I monitored the staff files. We discussed that you would need to complete the Staff and Training Worksheets for all staff and have it current and available for review by DCDEE staff. A fire inspection was conducted on June 10, 2024. A sanitation inspection was conducted on November 21, 2024, with no demerits. The last fire drill was conducted on November 21, 2024, a shelter in place was conducted on September 26, 2024 and the last outdoor inspection was conducted on November 13, 2024. The facility does not provide transportation. We discussed the rated license process. You were reminded that a compliance history score of seventy five percent or above must be maintained to receive a rated license. You stated that you would like to have the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments completed. I gave you the “Initial Application for Assessment for a Two-Through Five Star Rated License” and the “Rated License Assessment Request Review” form to complete. Please submit the paperwork to me no later than December 4, 2024. You stated that Ashli Elder, Early Childhood Support Coordinator from the Alexander Partnership for Children, is working with you and staff to provide support and technical assistance with the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS). -Education Standard points: The administrator, lead teachers and teachers must have their current education evaluated by the workforce unit in Raleigh. The education points will be determined upon the receipt of evaluation results from the workforce unit. If staffs' education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. Quality point: The quality point options were reviewed, and a copy of options was given to you. You can inform me during the 2nd TTP what quality point option you would like to be approved for, to earn one extra point towards your star rated license. The following violations were observed during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu posted on the Parent Board was for the week of 11/18/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The sanitizer spray was located on the shelf that was 4.5 feet from the floor in the children's bathroom. It needs to be at least five feet from the floor. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The attendance record in space #3 was last completed on 11/21/24. GS 110-91(9) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child was enrolled on 10/7/24 and there was no record of her immunizations in her file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE: -Remind staff to complete attendance as children arrive in their classrooms. Place the attendance record in view close to the door as a visual reminder to complete this task daily. -Post a sign reminding staff to place the sanitizing spray on the shelf at least five feet from the floor in the bathroom. -At the end of the week post the upcoming menu on the parent board. The beginning of the week conduct a walkthrough and monitor menus and attendance records to ensure that they are current. -When completing the immunization record for DHHS pull the child’s entire file out instead of just the immunization records as reminder to place the records back in that child’s file prior to moving on to another task. CONSULTATION: -Make sure that the years of experience for staff on the Staff and Training Worksheet is documented in the staff’s file. -You will need to put the expiration date for the CPR/FA on the Staff and Training Worksheet. -Make sure the hire date on Staff and Training Worksheet matches the documents in the staff’s file. -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. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete 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 completed the reference 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 in 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -Health and safety trainings need to be taken over if you are hiring staff that have health and safety trainings that are older than 12 months. -For continued eligibility in the subsidized child care program, you must achieve a three star or higher rated license at the end of the temporary licensed period. -A lead teacher must already have earned the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) per Child Care Rule .0703(c) or meet the Preservice Lead Teacher requirements per Child Care Rule .0710(a) while working on the EDU 119 college course within six months of assuming the position. Once the EDU 119 course is complete, staff need to mail an unopened official transcript to the workforce unit in Raleigh, and request in WORKS for their transcript to be evaluated as a lead teacher. CC RULE REFERENCES for lead teachers and teachers: *.0710(b) A lead teacher or a teacher shall be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have one of the following: (1) One year of child care experience working in a child care center or two years of verifiable experience as a licensed family child care home operator; or (2) Completion of a two-year high school program of Early Childhood Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education; or (3) Twenty hours of training in child development, which shall include the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential coursework, within the first six months of employment in addition to the number of on-going training hours required in Rule .1103 of this Chapter. *.0703(c) Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. -All staff must have their current education evaluated by the WORKS Unit in Raleigh. Instructions for the DCDEE WORKS system, including establishing a NCID, is located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Remember to track the date information is submitted by staff. If you have questions regarding submitting information in the WORKS system, contact WORKS at 1-800-859-0829. If staff’s education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. -Have staff visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s website: ncrlap.org. There are training and resources available. -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. Your temporary license expires on March 23, 2025. Prior to the expiration date of your license, additional unannounced monitoring visits will be completed. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled the following items. The description of the recalled product and a link summarizing the recall. Please share this information with families, as a few of these items might be used in a child’s home and not in child care facilities. South Shore Cribs: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 Stokke, YOYO3 Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Stokke-Recalls-YOYO3-Strollers-Due-to-Injury-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Guava Family, Roam Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Guava-Family-Recalls-Roam-Strollers-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Outdoor Essentials, Cultivar Planter Boxes: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Outdoor-Essentials-Recalls-Cultivar-Planter-Boxes-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Tractor-Supply-Company?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Dreamgro Lullaby Travel Soothers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Dreamgro-Recalls-Lullaby-Travel-Soothers-Due-to-Choking-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Todson, Nerf Barrage Bicycle Helmets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 10, 2024. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when violations are cited, it is expected you correct all violations immediately. When you are asked to send a compliance letter to me, it is expected and required that your compliance letter be sent to me no later than the date indicated in this documentation. Your letter must include the following: -Name of your program -ID number of your program -Date of Letter -Violation number -Explain how you corrected the violation (send supporting documentation to show compliance) -Describe your plan to make sure you will not have that same violation in the future -Name or signature of the person who wrote the letter. (If emailing the letter, your email address will be considered your digital signature.) At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 704-594-0149 or carolyn.conley@dhhs.nc.gov. or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Carolyn Conley Lead Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box 835 Kannapolis, NC 28082-0835 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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: APPLESEED ACADEMY LLC Facility ID: 02000128 Consultant: CAROLYN CONLEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor the program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary period visit (TTP). I was greeted by you, Darienne Fritz, Owner and Director. This facility was issued a temporary license on September 23, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. The children were observed during free choice activities indoors, hand-washing routines, families arriving for Thanksgiving lunch and nap time. Positive interactions between the staff and children took place throughout the visit today. You stated that there are 14 children enrolled between infant aged and five years of age and that there are 12 children present today. You had the Staff and Training Worksheet completed for me to review. There are four staff, including you, employed at this time and I monitored the staff files. We discussed that you would need to complete the Staff and Training Worksheets for all staff and have it current and available for review by DCDEE staff. A fire inspection was conducted on June 10, 2024. A sanitation inspection was conducted on November 21, 2024, with no demerits. The last fire drill was conducted on November 21, 2024, a shelter in place was conducted on September 26, 2024 and the last outdoor inspection was conducted on November 13, 2024. The facility does not provide transportation. We discussed the rated license process. You were reminded that a compliance history score of seventy five percent or above must be maintained to receive a rated license. You stated that you would like to have the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments completed. I gave you the “Initial Application for Assessment for a Two-Through Five Star Rated License” and the “Rated License Assessment Request Review” form to complete. Please submit the paperwork to me no later than December 4, 2024. You stated that Ashli Elder, Early Childhood Support Coordinator from the Alexander Partnership for Children, is working with you and staff to provide support and technical assistance with the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS). -Education Standard points: The administrator, lead teachers and teachers must have their current education evaluated by the workforce unit in Raleigh. The education points will be determined upon the receipt of evaluation results from the workforce unit. If staffs' education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. Quality point: The quality point options were reviewed, and a copy of options was given to you. You can inform me during the 2nd TTP what quality point option you would like to be approved for, to earn one extra point towards your star rated license. The following violations were observed during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu posted on the Parent Board was for the week of 11/18/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The sanitizer spray was located on the shelf that was 4.5 feet from the floor in the children's bathroom. It needs to be at least five feet from the floor. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The attendance record in space #3 was last completed on 11/21/24. GS 110-91(9) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child was enrolled on 10/7/24 and there was no record of her immunizations in her file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE: -Remind staff to complete attendance as children arrive in their classrooms. Place the attendance record in view close to the door as a visual reminder to complete this task daily. -Post a sign reminding staff to place the sanitizing spray on the shelf at least five feet from the floor in the bathroom. -At the end of the week post the upcoming menu on the parent board. The beginning of the week conduct a walkthrough and monitor menus and attendance records to ensure that they are current. -When completing the immunization record for DHHS pull the child’s entire file out instead of just the immunization records as reminder to place the records back in that child’s file prior to moving on to another task. CONSULTATION: -Make sure that the years of experience for staff on the Staff and Training Worksheet is documented in the staff’s file. -You will need to put the expiration date for the CPR/FA on the Staff and Training Worksheet. -Make sure the hire date on Staff and Training Worksheet matches the documents in the staff’s file. -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. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete 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 completed the reference 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 in 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -Health and safety trainings need to be taken over if you are hiring staff that have health and safety trainings that are older than 12 months. -For continued eligibility in the subsidized child care program, you must achieve a three star or higher rated license at the end of the temporary licensed period. -A lead teacher must already have earned the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) per Child Care Rule .0703(c) or meet the Preservice Lead Teacher requirements per Child Care Rule .0710(a) while working on the EDU 119 college course within six months of assuming the position. Once the EDU 119 course is complete, staff need to mail an unopened official transcript to the workforce unit in Raleigh, and request in WORKS for their transcript to be evaluated as a lead teacher. CC RULE REFERENCES for lead teachers and teachers: *.0710(b) A lead teacher or a teacher shall be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have one of the following: (1) One year of child care experience working in a child care center or two years of verifiable experience as a licensed family child care home operator; or (2) Completion of a two-year high school program of Early Childhood Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education; or (3) Twenty hours of training in child development, which shall include the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential coursework, within the first six months of employment in addition to the number of on-going training hours required in Rule .1103 of this Chapter. *.0703(c) Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. -All staff must have their current education evaluated by the WORKS Unit in Raleigh. Instructions for the DCDEE WORKS system, including establishing a NCID, is located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Remember to track the date information is submitted by staff. If you have questions regarding submitting information in the WORKS system, contact WORKS at 1-800-859-0829. If staff’s education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. -Have staff visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s website: ncrlap.org. There are training and resources available. -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. Your temporary license expires on March 23, 2025. Prior to the expiration date of your license, additional unannounced monitoring visits will be completed. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled the following items. The description of the recalled product and a link summarizing the recall. Please share this information with families, as a few of these items might be used in a child’s home and not in child care facilities. South Shore Cribs: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 Stokke, YOYO3 Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Stokke-Recalls-YOYO3-Strollers-Due-to-Injury-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Guava Family, Roam Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Guava-Family-Recalls-Roam-Strollers-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Outdoor Essentials, Cultivar Planter Boxes: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Outdoor-Essentials-Recalls-Cultivar-Planter-Boxes-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Tractor-Supply-Company?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Dreamgro Lullaby Travel Soothers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Dreamgro-Recalls-Lullaby-Travel-Soothers-Due-to-Choking-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Todson, Nerf Barrage Bicycle Helmets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 10, 2024. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when violations are cited, it is expected you correct all violations immediately. When you are asked to send a compliance letter to me, it is expected and required that your compliance letter be sent to me no later than the date indicated in this documentation. Your letter must include the following: -Name of your program -ID number of your program -Date of Letter -Violation number -Explain how you corrected the violation (send supporting documentation to show compliance) -Describe your plan to make sure you will not have that same violation in the future -Name or signature of the person who wrote the letter. (If emailing the letter, your email address will be considered your digital signature.) At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 704-594-0149 or carolyn.conley@dhhs.nc.gov. or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Carolyn Conley Lead Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box 835 Kannapolis, NC 28082-0835 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: APPLESEED ACADEMY LLC Facility ID: 02000128 Consultant: CAROLYN CONLEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor the program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary period visit (TTP). I was greeted by you, Darienne Fritz, Owner and Director. This facility was issued a temporary license on September 23, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. The children were observed during free choice activities indoors, hand-washing routines, families arriving for Thanksgiving lunch and nap time. Positive interactions between the staff and children took place throughout the visit today. You stated that there are 14 children enrolled between infant aged and five years of age and that there are 12 children present today. You had the Staff and Training Worksheet completed for me to review. There are four staff, including you, employed at this time and I monitored the staff files. We discussed that you would need to complete the Staff and Training Worksheets for all staff and have it current and available for review by DCDEE staff. A fire inspection was conducted on June 10, 2024. A sanitation inspection was conducted on November 21, 2024, with no demerits. The last fire drill was conducted on November 21, 2024, a shelter in place was conducted on September 26, 2024 and the last outdoor inspection was conducted on November 13, 2024. The facility does not provide transportation. We discussed the rated license process. You were reminded that a compliance history score of seventy five percent or above must be maintained to receive a rated license. You stated that you would like to have the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments completed. I gave you the “Initial Application for Assessment for a Two-Through Five Star Rated License” and the “Rated License Assessment Request Review” form to complete. Please submit the paperwork to me no later than December 4, 2024. You stated that Ashli Elder, Early Childhood Support Coordinator from the Alexander Partnership for Children, is working with you and staff to provide support and technical assistance with the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS). -Education Standard points: The administrator, lead teachers and teachers must have their current education evaluated by the workforce unit in Raleigh. The education points will be determined upon the receipt of evaluation results from the workforce unit. If staffs' education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. Quality point: The quality point options were reviewed, and a copy of options was given to you. You can inform me during the 2nd TTP what quality point option you would like to be approved for, to earn one extra point towards your star rated license. The following violations were observed during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu posted on the Parent Board was for the week of 11/18/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The sanitizer spray was located on the shelf that was 4.5 feet from the floor in the children's bathroom. It needs to be at least five feet from the floor. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The attendance record in space #3 was last completed on 11/21/24. GS 110-91(9) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child was enrolled on 10/7/24 and there was no record of her immunizations in her file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE: -Remind staff to complete attendance as children arrive in their classrooms. Place the attendance record in view close to the door as a visual reminder to complete this task daily. -Post a sign reminding staff to place the sanitizing spray on the shelf at least five feet from the floor in the bathroom. -At the end of the week post the upcoming menu on the parent board. The beginning of the week conduct a walkthrough and monitor menus and attendance records to ensure that they are current. -When completing the immunization record for DHHS pull the child’s entire file out instead of just the immunization records as reminder to place the records back in that child’s file prior to moving on to another task. CONSULTATION: -Make sure that the years of experience for staff on the Staff and Training Worksheet is documented in the staff’s file. -You will need to put the expiration date for the CPR/FA on the Staff and Training Worksheet. -Make sure the hire date on Staff and Training Worksheet matches the documents in the staff’s file. -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. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete 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 completed the reference 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 in 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -Health and safety trainings need to be taken over if you are hiring staff that have health and safety trainings that are older than 12 months. -For continued eligibility in the subsidized child care program, you must achieve a three star or higher rated license at the end of the temporary licensed period. -A lead teacher must already have earned the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) per Child Care Rule .0703(c) or meet the Preservice Lead Teacher requirements per Child Care Rule .0710(a) while working on the EDU 119 college course within six months of assuming the position. Once the EDU 119 course is complete, staff need to mail an unopened official transcript to the workforce unit in Raleigh, and request in WORKS for their transcript to be evaluated as a lead teacher. CC RULE REFERENCES for lead teachers and teachers: *.0710(b) A lead teacher or a teacher shall be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have one of the following: (1) One year of child care experience working in a child care center or two years of verifiable experience as a licensed family child care home operator; or (2) Completion of a two-year high school program of Early Childhood Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education; or (3) Twenty hours of training in child development, which shall include the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential coursework, within the first six months of employment in addition to the number of on-going training hours required in Rule .1103 of this Chapter. *.0703(c) Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. -All staff must have their current education evaluated by the WORKS Unit in Raleigh. Instructions for the DCDEE WORKS system, including establishing a NCID, is located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Remember to track the date information is submitted by staff. If you have questions regarding submitting information in the WORKS system, contact WORKS at 1-800-859-0829. If staff’s education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. -Have staff visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s website: ncrlap.org. There are training and resources available. -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. Your temporary license expires on March 23, 2025. Prior to the expiration date of your license, additional unannounced monitoring visits will be completed. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled the following items. The description of the recalled product and a link summarizing the recall. Please share this information with families, as a few of these items might be used in a child’s home and not in child care facilities. South Shore Cribs: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 Stokke, YOYO3 Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Stokke-Recalls-YOYO3-Strollers-Due-to-Injury-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Guava Family, Roam Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Guava-Family-Recalls-Roam-Strollers-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Outdoor Essentials, Cultivar Planter Boxes: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Outdoor-Essentials-Recalls-Cultivar-Planter-Boxes-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Tractor-Supply-Company?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Dreamgro Lullaby Travel Soothers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Dreamgro-Recalls-Lullaby-Travel-Soothers-Due-to-Choking-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Todson, Nerf Barrage Bicycle Helmets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 10, 2024. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when violations are cited, it is expected you correct all violations immediately. When you are asked to send a compliance letter to me, it is expected and required that your compliance letter be sent to me no later than the date indicated in this documentation. Your letter must include the following: -Name of your program -ID number of your program -Date of Letter -Violation number -Explain how you corrected the violation (send supporting documentation to show compliance) -Describe your plan to make sure you will not have that same violation in the future -Name or signature of the person who wrote the letter. (If emailing the letter, your email address will be considered your digital signature.) At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 704-594-0149 or carolyn.conley@dhhs.nc.gov. or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Carolyn Conley Lead Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box 835 Kannapolis, NC 28082-0835 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: APPLESEED ACADEMY LLC Facility ID: 02000128 Consultant: CAROLYN CONLEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor the program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary period visit (TTP). I was greeted by you, Darienne Fritz, Owner and Director. This facility was issued a temporary license on September 23, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. The children were observed during free choice activities indoors, hand-washing routines, families arriving for Thanksgiving lunch and nap time. Positive interactions between the staff and children took place throughout the visit today. You stated that there are 14 children enrolled between infant aged and five years of age and that there are 12 children present today. You had the Staff and Training Worksheet completed for me to review. There are four staff, including you, employed at this time and I monitored the staff files. We discussed that you would need to complete the Staff and Training Worksheets for all staff and have it current and available for review by DCDEE staff. A fire inspection was conducted on June 10, 2024. A sanitation inspection was conducted on November 21, 2024, with no demerits. The last fire drill was conducted on November 21, 2024, a shelter in place was conducted on September 26, 2024 and the last outdoor inspection was conducted on November 13, 2024. The facility does not provide transportation. We discussed the rated license process. You were reminded that a compliance history score of seventy five percent or above must be maintained to receive a rated license. You stated that you would like to have the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments completed. I gave you the “Initial Application for Assessment for a Two-Through Five Star Rated License” and the “Rated License Assessment Request Review” form to complete. Please submit the paperwork to me no later than December 4, 2024. You stated that Ashli Elder, Early Childhood Support Coordinator from the Alexander Partnership for Children, is working with you and staff to provide support and technical assistance with the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS). -Education Standard points: The administrator, lead teachers and teachers must have their current education evaluated by the workforce unit in Raleigh. The education points will be determined upon the receipt of evaluation results from the workforce unit. If staffs' education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. Quality point: The quality point options were reviewed, and a copy of options was given to you. You can inform me during the 2nd TTP what quality point option you would like to be approved for, to earn one extra point towards your star rated license. The following violations were observed during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu posted on the Parent Board was for the week of 11/18/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The sanitizer spray was located on the shelf that was 4.5 feet from the floor in the children's bathroom. It needs to be at least five feet from the floor. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The attendance record in space #3 was last completed on 11/21/24. GS 110-91(9) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child was enrolled on 10/7/24 and there was no record of her immunizations in her file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE: -Remind staff to complete attendance as children arrive in their classrooms. Place the attendance record in view close to the door as a visual reminder to complete this task daily. -Post a sign reminding staff to place the sanitizing spray on the shelf at least five feet from the floor in the bathroom. -At the end of the week post the upcoming menu on the parent board. The beginning of the week conduct a walkthrough and monitor menus and attendance records to ensure that they are current. -When completing the immunization record for DHHS pull the child’s entire file out instead of just the immunization records as reminder to place the records back in that child’s file prior to moving on to another task. CONSULTATION: -Make sure that the years of experience for staff on the Staff and Training Worksheet is documented in the staff’s file. -You will need to put the expiration date for the CPR/FA on the Staff and Training Worksheet. -Make sure the hire date on Staff and Training Worksheet matches the documents in the staff’s file. -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. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete 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 completed the reference 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 in 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -Health and safety trainings need to be taken over if you are hiring staff that have health and safety trainings that are older than 12 months. -For continued eligibility in the subsidized child care program, you must achieve a three star or higher rated license at the end of the temporary licensed period. -A lead teacher must already have earned the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) per Child Care Rule .0703(c) or meet the Preservice Lead Teacher requirements per Child Care Rule .0710(a) while working on the EDU 119 college course within six months of assuming the position. Once the EDU 119 course is complete, staff need to mail an unopened official transcript to the workforce unit in Raleigh, and request in WORKS for their transcript to be evaluated as a lead teacher. CC RULE REFERENCES for lead teachers and teachers: *.0710(b) A lead teacher or a teacher shall be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have one of the following: (1) One year of child care experience working in a child care center or two years of verifiable experience as a licensed family child care home operator; or (2) Completion of a two-year high school program of Early Childhood Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education; or (3) Twenty hours of training in child development, which shall include the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential coursework, within the first six months of employment in addition to the number of on-going training hours required in Rule .1103 of this Chapter. *.0703(c) Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. -All staff must have their current education evaluated by the WORKS Unit in Raleigh. Instructions for the DCDEE WORKS system, including establishing a NCID, is located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Remember to track the date information is submitted by staff. If you have questions regarding submitting information in the WORKS system, contact WORKS at 1-800-859-0829. If staff’s education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. -Have staff visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s website: ncrlap.org. There are training and resources available. -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. Your temporary license expires on March 23, 2025. Prior to the expiration date of your license, additional unannounced monitoring visits will be completed. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled the following items. The description of the recalled product and a link summarizing the recall. Please share this information with families, as a few of these items might be used in a child’s home and not in child care facilities. South Shore Cribs: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 Stokke, YOYO3 Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Stokke-Recalls-YOYO3-Strollers-Due-to-Injury-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Guava Family, Roam Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Guava-Family-Recalls-Roam-Strollers-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Outdoor Essentials, Cultivar Planter Boxes: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Outdoor-Essentials-Recalls-Cultivar-Planter-Boxes-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Tractor-Supply-Company?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Dreamgro Lullaby Travel Soothers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Dreamgro-Recalls-Lullaby-Travel-Soothers-Due-to-Choking-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Todson, Nerf Barrage Bicycle Helmets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 10, 2024. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when violations are cited, it is expected you correct all violations immediately. When you are asked to send a compliance letter to me, it is expected and required that your compliance letter be sent to me no later than the date indicated in this documentation. Your letter must include the following: -Name of your program -ID number of your program -Date of Letter -Violation number -Explain how you corrected the violation (send supporting documentation to show compliance) -Describe your plan to make sure you will not have that same violation in the future -Name or signature of the person who wrote the letter. (If emailing the letter, your email address will be considered your digital signature.) At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 704-594-0149 or carolyn.conley@dhhs.nc.gov. or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Carolyn Conley Lead Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box 835 Kannapolis, NC 28082-0835 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: APPLESEED ACADEMY LLC Facility ID: 02000128 Consultant: CAROLYN CONLEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor the program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary period visit (TTP). I was greeted by you, Darienne Fritz, Owner and Director. This facility was issued a temporary license on September 23, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. The children were observed during free choice activities indoors, hand-washing routines, families arriving for Thanksgiving lunch and nap time. Positive interactions between the staff and children took place throughout the visit today. You stated that there are 14 children enrolled between infant aged and five years of age and that there are 12 children present today. You had the Staff and Training Worksheet completed for me to review. There are four staff, including you, employed at this time and I monitored the staff files. We discussed that you would need to complete the Staff and Training Worksheets for all staff and have it current and available for review by DCDEE staff. A fire inspection was conducted on June 10, 2024. A sanitation inspection was conducted on November 21, 2024, with no demerits. The last fire drill was conducted on November 21, 2024, a shelter in place was conducted on September 26, 2024 and the last outdoor inspection was conducted on November 13, 2024. The facility does not provide transportation. We discussed the rated license process. You were reminded that a compliance history score of seventy five percent or above must be maintained to receive a rated license. You stated that you would like to have the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments completed. I gave you the “Initial Application for Assessment for a Two-Through Five Star Rated License” and the “Rated License Assessment Request Review” form to complete. Please submit the paperwork to me no later than December 4, 2024. You stated that Ashli Elder, Early Childhood Support Coordinator from the Alexander Partnership for Children, is working with you and staff to provide support and technical assistance with the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS). -Education Standard points: The administrator, lead teachers and teachers must have their current education evaluated by the workforce unit in Raleigh. The education points will be determined upon the receipt of evaluation results from the workforce unit. If staffs' education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. Quality point: The quality point options were reviewed, and a copy of options was given to you. You can inform me during the 2nd TTP what quality point option you would like to be approved for, to earn one extra point towards your star rated license. The following violations were observed during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu posted on the Parent Board was for the week of 11/18/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The sanitizer spray was located on the shelf that was 4.5 feet from the floor in the children's bathroom. It needs to be at least five feet from the floor. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The attendance record in space #3 was last completed on 11/21/24. GS 110-91(9) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child was enrolled on 10/7/24 and there was no record of her immunizations in her file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE: -Remind staff to complete attendance as children arrive in their classrooms. Place the attendance record in view close to the door as a visual reminder to complete this task daily. -Post a sign reminding staff to place the sanitizing spray on the shelf at least five feet from the floor in the bathroom. -At the end of the week post the upcoming menu on the parent board. The beginning of the week conduct a walkthrough and monitor menus and attendance records to ensure that they are current. -When completing the immunization record for DHHS pull the child’s entire file out instead of just the immunization records as reminder to place the records back in that child’s file prior to moving on to another task. CONSULTATION: -Make sure that the years of experience for staff on the Staff and Training Worksheet is documented in the staff’s file. -You will need to put the expiration date for the CPR/FA on the Staff and Training Worksheet. -Make sure the hire date on Staff and Training Worksheet matches the documents in the staff’s file. -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. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete 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 completed the reference 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 in 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -Health and safety trainings need to be taken over if you are hiring staff that have health and safety trainings that are older than 12 months. -For continued eligibility in the subsidized child care program, you must achieve a three star or higher rated license at the end of the temporary licensed period. -A lead teacher must already have earned the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) per Child Care Rule .0703(c) or meet the Preservice Lead Teacher requirements per Child Care Rule .0710(a) while working on the EDU 119 college course within six months of assuming the position. Once the EDU 119 course is complete, staff need to mail an unopened official transcript to the workforce unit in Raleigh, and request in WORKS for their transcript to be evaluated as a lead teacher. CC RULE REFERENCES for lead teachers and teachers: *.0710(b) A lead teacher or a teacher shall be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have one of the following: (1) One year of child care experience working in a child care center or two years of verifiable experience as a licensed family child care home operator; or (2) Completion of a two-year high school program of Early Childhood Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education; or (3) Twenty hours of training in child development, which shall include the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential coursework, within the first six months of employment in addition to the number of on-going training hours required in Rule .1103 of this Chapter. *.0703(c) Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. -All staff must have their current education evaluated by the WORKS Unit in Raleigh. Instructions for the DCDEE WORKS system, including establishing a NCID, is located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Remember to track the date information is submitted by staff. If you have questions regarding submitting information in the WORKS system, contact WORKS at 1-800-859-0829. If staff’s education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. -Have staff visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s website: ncrlap.org. There are training and resources available. -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. Your temporary license expires on March 23, 2025. Prior to the expiration date of your license, additional unannounced monitoring visits will be completed. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled the following items. The description of the recalled product and a link summarizing the recall. Please share this information with families, as a few of these items might be used in a child’s home and not in child care facilities. South Shore Cribs: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 Stokke, YOYO3 Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Stokke-Recalls-YOYO3-Strollers-Due-to-Injury-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Guava Family, Roam Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Guava-Family-Recalls-Roam-Strollers-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Outdoor Essentials, Cultivar Planter Boxes: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Outdoor-Essentials-Recalls-Cultivar-Planter-Boxes-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Tractor-Supply-Company?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Dreamgro Lullaby Travel Soothers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Dreamgro-Recalls-Lullaby-Travel-Soothers-Due-to-Choking-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Todson, Nerf Barrage Bicycle Helmets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 10, 2024. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when violations are cited, it is expected you correct all violations immediately. When you are asked to send a compliance letter to me, it is expected and required that your compliance letter be sent to me no later than the date indicated in this documentation. Your letter must include the following: -Name of your program -ID number of your program -Date of Letter -Violation number -Explain how you corrected the violation (send supporting documentation to show compliance) -Describe your plan to make sure you will not have that same violation in the future -Name or signature of the person who wrote the letter. (If emailing the letter, your email address will be considered your digital signature.) At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 704-594-0149 or carolyn.conley@dhhs.nc.gov. or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Carolyn Conley Lead Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box 835 Kannapolis, NC 28082-0835 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: APPLESEED ACADEMY LLC Facility ID: 02000128 Consultant: CAROLYN CONLEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor the program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary period visit (TTP). I was greeted by you, Darienne Fritz, Owner and Director. This facility was issued a temporary license on September 23, 2024, with a restriction of daytime care only. The children were observed during free choice activities indoors, hand-washing routines, families arriving for Thanksgiving lunch and nap time. Positive interactions between the staff and children took place throughout the visit today. You stated that there are 14 children enrolled between infant aged and five years of age and that there are 12 children present today. You had the Staff and Training Worksheet completed for me to review. There are four staff, including you, employed at this time and I monitored the staff files. We discussed that you would need to complete the Staff and Training Worksheets for all staff and have it current and available for review by DCDEE staff. A fire inspection was conducted on June 10, 2024. A sanitation inspection was conducted on November 21, 2024, with no demerits. The last fire drill was conducted on November 21, 2024, a shelter in place was conducted on September 26, 2024 and the last outdoor inspection was conducted on November 13, 2024. The facility does not provide transportation. We discussed the rated license process. You were reminded that a compliance history score of seventy five percent or above must be maintained to receive a rated license. You stated that you would like to have the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments completed. I gave you the “Initial Application for Assessment for a Two-Through Five Star Rated License” and the “Rated License Assessment Request Review” form to complete. Please submit the paperwork to me no later than December 4, 2024. You stated that Ashli Elder, Early Childhood Support Coordinator from the Alexander Partnership for Children, is working with you and staff to provide support and technical assistance with the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS). -Education Standard points: The administrator, lead teachers and teachers must have their current education evaluated by the workforce unit in Raleigh. The education points will be determined upon the receipt of evaluation results from the workforce unit. If staffs' education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. Quality point: The quality point options were reviewed, and a copy of options was given to you. You can inform me during the 2nd TTP what quality point option you would like to be approved for, to earn one extra point towards your star rated license. The following violations were observed during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu posted on the Parent Board was for the week of 11/18/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The sanitizer spray was located on the shelf that was 4.5 feet from the floor in the children's bathroom. It needs to be at least five feet from the floor. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The attendance record in space #3 was last completed on 11/21/24. GS 110-91(9) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child was enrolled on 10/7/24 and there was no record of her immunizations in her file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE: -Remind staff to complete attendance as children arrive in their classrooms. Place the attendance record in view close to the door as a visual reminder to complete this task daily. -Post a sign reminding staff to place the sanitizing spray on the shelf at least five feet from the floor in the bathroom. -At the end of the week post the upcoming menu on the parent board. The beginning of the week conduct a walkthrough and monitor menus and attendance records to ensure that they are current. -When completing the immunization record for DHHS pull the child’s entire file out instead of just the immunization records as reminder to place the records back in that child’s file prior to moving on to another task. CONSULTATION: -Make sure that the years of experience for staff on the Staff and Training Worksheet is documented in the staff’s file. -You will need to put the expiration date for the CPR/FA on the Staff and Training Worksheet. -Make sure the hire date on Staff and Training Worksheet matches the documents in the staff’s file. -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. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete 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 completed the reference 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 in 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. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -Health and safety trainings need to be taken over if you are hiring staff that have health and safety trainings that are older than 12 months. -For continued eligibility in the subsidized child care program, you must achieve a three star or higher rated license at the end of the temporary licensed period. -A lead teacher must already have earned the NC Early Childhood Credential (NCECC) per Child Care Rule .0703(c) or meet the Preservice Lead Teacher requirements per Child Care Rule .0710(a) while working on the EDU 119 college course within six months of assuming the position. Once the EDU 119 course is complete, staff need to mail an unopened official transcript to the workforce unit in Raleigh, and request in WORKS for their transcript to be evaluated as a lead teacher. CC RULE REFERENCES for lead teachers and teachers: *.0710(b) A lead teacher or a teacher shall be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have one of the following: (1) One year of child care experience working in a child care center or two years of verifiable experience as a licensed family child care home operator; or (2) Completion of a two-year high school program of Early Childhood Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education; or (3) Twenty hours of training in child development, which shall include the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential coursework, within the first six months of employment in addition to the number of on-going training hours required in Rule .1103 of this Chapter. *.0703(c) Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. -All staff must have their current education evaluated by the WORKS Unit in Raleigh. Instructions for the DCDEE WORKS system, including establishing a NCID, is located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Remember to track the date information is submitted by staff. If you have questions regarding submitting information in the WORKS system, contact WORKS at 1-800-859-0829. If staff’s education is not evaluated by the fourth month of the temporary license, the education points will be calculated with the current education showing in WORKS. -Have staff visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s website: ncrlap.org. There are training and resources available. -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. Your temporary license expires on March 23, 2025. Prior to the expiration date of your license, additional unannounced monitoring visits will be completed. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled the following items. The description of the recalled product and a link summarizing the recall. Please share this information with families, as a few of these items might be used in a child’s home and not in child care facilities. South Shore Cribs: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 Stokke, YOYO3 Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Stokke-Recalls-YOYO3-Strollers-Due-to-Injury-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Guava Family, Roam Strollers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Guava-Family-Recalls-Roam-Strollers-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Outdoor Essentials, Cultivar Planter Boxes: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Outdoor-Essentials-Recalls-Cultivar-Planter-Boxes-Due-to-Injury-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Tractor-Supply-Company?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241114 Dreamgro Lullaby Travel Soothers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Dreamgro-Recalls-Lullaby-Travel-Soothers-Due-to-Choking-Hazard?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241107 Todson, Nerf Barrage Bicycle Helmets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/South-Shore-Cribs-Recalled-Due-to-Entrapment-Hazard-Violation-of-Federal-Regulation-for-Full-Sized-Cribs-Imported-by-South-Shore-Industries?utm_campaign=recalls&utm_content=M1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20241121 The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 10, 2024. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when violations are cited, it is expected you correct all violations immediately. When you are asked to send a compliance letter to me, it is expected and required that your compliance letter be sent to me no later than the date indicated in this documentation. Your letter must include the following: -Name of your program -ID number of your program -Date of Letter -Violation number -Explain how you corrected the violation (send supporting documentation to show compliance) -Describe your plan to make sure you will not have that same violation in the future -Name or signature of the person who wrote the letter. (If emailing the letter, your email address will be considered your digital signature.) At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was given to you. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 704-594-0149 or carolyn.conley@dhhs.nc.gov. or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Carolyn Conley Lead Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education Post Office Box 835 Kannapolis, NC 28082-0835 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