10A NCAC 09 .0714 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS #3 EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000529 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/22/2025 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 7/22/2025 Age: From 1 To 9 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Laura Hager, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on February 03, 2025. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. You stated there has been no change with the corporate owner, Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC, that owns your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Your center's compliance history was 92% as of July 21, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on February 10, 2023, earning five points in staff education, two points in program standards, and zero quality points. Your most recent fire inspection was dated January 23, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated March 27, 2025, with a Superior classification and four demerits. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. You and I completed a walk-through of the outdoor licensed spaces today. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed that today’s lunch consisted of ground turkey, wheat Torito shells, lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and milk . I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for four returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters ( all Criminal Background Check qualification letters were checked in the ABCMS System) , valid CPR and First Aid training, completion of Basic School Age Care training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on August 06, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 404 All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. During the diaper changing process the staff did not follow proper procedures by removing gloves and washing hands before washing the hands of the student. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 1013 At least one person who meets qualifications for lead teacher was not responsible for each group for at least two-thirds of the total daily hours of operation. In space 1 and 2 there was not a lead teacher assigned or in the classroom for two-thirds of the day. 10A NCAC 09 .0714(c) Technical Assistance: 1. It was discussed with the director that she contact the Rachel Lentz, Regional Child Care Health Consultant 828-544-1532 or at https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/ for information and training on diaper changing and handwashing for all teachers. It was also discussed that the director observe classrooms and give technical assistance to teachers when needed. 2. It was discussed that the director discuss with staff that they need to enroll in EDU-119 to complete requirements for Lead Teachers in the classrooms. CONSULTATION: 1 Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 2 Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. 3 The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit or connect the new employee to the facility through the ABCMS portal. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. Administrators may take the ABCMS training through DCDEE MOODLE to gain access codes necessary to complete the process in ABCMS. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. 1) Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2)Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than August 05, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS #3 EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000529 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/3/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 2/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Laura Hager, Director assisted me with today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on March 01, 2024. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on April 30, 2021, earning 5 points in staff education, 2 points in program standards, and 0 quality points. Your program’s compliance history was 92 % as of January 31, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. I observed you sanitation inspection was dated July 23, 2024, with a superior classification and 3 demerits. I observed your last fire inspection was dated January 23, 2025. I visited each license indoor space and each outdoor space with you today. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed staff-child ratio not maintained during today’s visit. I observed that in space 1 the classroom was out of ratio from 9:30am to 10:15am. There were eleven children to one teacher. The ratio in this classroom is 1 teacher to ten children. The youngest child in this classroom is two years of age and the oldest is five years of age. I also observed that teacher in space one did not wash her hands between diaper changing. I observed adequate approved space use maintained during today’s visit. I observed children engaged in free play activities indoor and outdoor. I observed toys, materials, and equipment to be child-sized, developmentally appropriate, and in good repair. I observed materials accessible to the children and of sufficient quantity. You stated there are no children in the facility at this time on medications. I observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in good repair. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed monthly outdoor inspections documented for the past twelve months. I observed the last outdoor inspection dated January 03, 2025. I observed your monthly fire drill log documented for the past twelve (12) months. I observed your last fire drill was January 05, 2025. I observed your quarterly shelter-in-place and lock-down drill log. I observed your last dill was a Lockdown Drill and was dated November 05, 2024. I observed your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan was last updated in December 2024. I observed menus posted for the week of February 03- February 07, 2025. I observed today’s lunch consisted of Pepperoni and cheese pizza, with tomato sauce, peaches, and milk. I observed your Incident Log to be current for the school year. I reviewed children’s records today and observed no violation regarding children’s records. I reviewed staff records today and all were in compliance. All staff qualifying letters have been checked in the ABCMS system during my visit today. I reviewed your completed Staff and Training worksheet. The visit summary packet was discussed at the end of you visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In space one staff child ratio was not maintained from 9:45 to 10:15. The ratio was one teacher to eleven children. The ratio for this classroom is 1/10. The youngest child was 2 year of age. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in the infant classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floors were not kept clean through out the building. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Teacher did not wash hand between diaper changing. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 3 plastic bags were stored in a cabinet that was not lock under the sink. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Documentation was not maintained for one child when sleeping. The week of 1/27-1/31 was not recorded. .0606(g) Technical Assistance: 1. It was discussed with the director that the diaper changing procedure should be reviewed with staff. It also needs to be discussed that hand washing is important in the classroom and during the diaper changing process for staff and children. 2. An individualized written activity plan should be created, posted, and followed for each infant and 1- year-old group or classroom. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags including diaper wipe refill bags, Ziploc bags, grocery bags, and opened shrink wrapped or bagged products should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by storing these items above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Foam rubber products including foam blocks in block centers should not be used with children under three years of age. Styrofoam plates, bowls, and cups may be used with children under three years of age for food service. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you place all plastic bags above five feet or in a locked cabinet or drawer and remove all foam materials from the activity areas in the rooms serving children under three years of age. 4. Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met in space one. It was suggested that when the teacher is out of ratio that administrative staff are called and children are moved or staff are sent into classroom to help keep ratio. It is suggested that teachers do not accept additional children when out of ratio. Consultation 1. 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. 2. We have been directed by the health department that air fresheners and essential oils are not permitted to be sitting on shelving or hanging on the walls and spraying intermittingly throughout the day. According to sanitation rule .2820(b) Products that are stored in aerosol cans or are inhaled must be kept in locked storage. The rule also defines what is considered locked storage. 3. 1 Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than February 17, 2025. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Compliance History: You are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for having your Staff & Training Worksheet complete and available for review prior to today’s visit. The most up to date Staff & Training Worksheet form is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and “Provider Documents and Forms”. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS #3 EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000529 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/3/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 2/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Laura Hager, Director assisted me with today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on March 01, 2024. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on April 30, 2021, earning 5 points in staff education, 2 points in program standards, and 0 quality points. Your program’s compliance history was 92 % as of January 31, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. I observed you sanitation inspection was dated July 23, 2024, with a superior classification and 3 demerits. I observed your last fire inspection was dated January 23, 2025. I visited each license indoor space and each outdoor space with you today. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed staff-child ratio not maintained during today’s visit. I observed that in space 1 the classroom was out of ratio from 9:30am to 10:15am. There were eleven children to one teacher. The ratio in this classroom is 1 teacher to ten children. The youngest child in this classroom is two years of age and the oldest is five years of age. I also observed that teacher in space one did not wash her hands between diaper changing. I observed adequate approved space use maintained during today’s visit. I observed children engaged in free play activities indoor and outdoor. I observed toys, materials, and equipment to be child-sized, developmentally appropriate, and in good repair. I observed materials accessible to the children and of sufficient quantity. You stated there are no children in the facility at this time on medications. I observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in good repair. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed monthly outdoor inspections documented for the past twelve months. I observed the last outdoor inspection dated January 03, 2025. I observed your monthly fire drill log documented for the past twelve (12) months. I observed your last fire drill was January 05, 2025. I observed your quarterly shelter-in-place and lock-down drill log. I observed your last dill was a Lockdown Drill and was dated November 05, 2024. I observed your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan was last updated in December 2024. I observed menus posted for the week of February 03- February 07, 2025. I observed today’s lunch consisted of Pepperoni and cheese pizza, with tomato sauce, peaches, and milk. I observed your Incident Log to be current for the school year. I reviewed children’s records today and observed no violation regarding children’s records. I reviewed staff records today and all were in compliance. All staff qualifying letters have been checked in the ABCMS system during my visit today. I reviewed your completed Staff and Training worksheet. The visit summary packet was discussed at the end of you visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In space one staff child ratio was not maintained from 9:45 to 10:15. The ratio was one teacher to eleven children. The ratio for this classroom is 1/10. The youngest child was 2 year of age. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in the infant classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floors were not kept clean through out the building. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Teacher did not wash hand between diaper changing. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 3 plastic bags were stored in a cabinet that was not lock under the sink. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Documentation was not maintained for one child when sleeping. The week of 1/27-1/31 was not recorded. .0606(g) Technical Assistance: 1. It was discussed with the director that the diaper changing procedure should be reviewed with staff. It also needs to be discussed that hand washing is important in the classroom and during the diaper changing process for staff and children. 2. An individualized written activity plan should be created, posted, and followed for each infant and 1- year-old group or classroom. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags including diaper wipe refill bags, Ziploc bags, grocery bags, and opened shrink wrapped or bagged products should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by storing these items above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Foam rubber products including foam blocks in block centers should not be used with children under three years of age. Styrofoam plates, bowls, and cups may be used with children under three years of age for food service. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you place all plastic bags above five feet or in a locked cabinet or drawer and remove all foam materials from the activity areas in the rooms serving children under three years of age. 4. Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met in space one. It was suggested that when the teacher is out of ratio that administrative staff are called and children are moved or staff are sent into classroom to help keep ratio. It is suggested that teachers do not accept additional children when out of ratio. Consultation 1. 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. 2. We have been directed by the health department that air fresheners and essential oils are not permitted to be sitting on shelving or hanging on the walls and spraying intermittingly throughout the day. According to sanitation rule .2820(b) Products that are stored in aerosol cans or are inhaled must be kept in locked storage. The rule also defines what is considered locked storage. 3. 1 Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than February 17, 2025. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Compliance History: You are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for having your Staff & Training Worksheet complete and available for review prior to today’s visit. The most up to date Staff & Training Worksheet form is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and “Provider Documents and Forms”. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS #3 EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000529 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/3/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 2/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Laura Hager, Director assisted me with today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on March 01, 2024. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on April 30, 2021, earning 5 points in staff education, 2 points in program standards, and 0 quality points. Your program’s compliance history was 92 % as of January 31, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. I observed you sanitation inspection was dated July 23, 2024, with a superior classification and 3 demerits. I observed your last fire inspection was dated January 23, 2025. I visited each license indoor space and each outdoor space with you today. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed staff-child ratio not maintained during today’s visit. I observed that in space 1 the classroom was out of ratio from 9:30am to 10:15am. There were eleven children to one teacher. The ratio in this classroom is 1 teacher to ten children. The youngest child in this classroom is two years of age and the oldest is five years of age. I also observed that teacher in space one did not wash her hands between diaper changing. I observed adequate approved space use maintained during today’s visit. I observed children engaged in free play activities indoor and outdoor. I observed toys, materials, and equipment to be child-sized, developmentally appropriate, and in good repair. I observed materials accessible to the children and of sufficient quantity. You stated there are no children in the facility at this time on medications. I observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in good repair. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed monthly outdoor inspections documented for the past twelve months. I observed the last outdoor inspection dated January 03, 2025. I observed your monthly fire drill log documented for the past twelve (12) months. I observed your last fire drill was January 05, 2025. I observed your quarterly shelter-in-place and lock-down drill log. I observed your last dill was a Lockdown Drill and was dated November 05, 2024. I observed your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan was last updated in December 2024. I observed menus posted for the week of February 03- February 07, 2025. I observed today’s lunch consisted of Pepperoni and cheese pizza, with tomato sauce, peaches, and milk. I observed your Incident Log to be current for the school year. I reviewed children’s records today and observed no violation regarding children’s records. I reviewed staff records today and all were in compliance. All staff qualifying letters have been checked in the ABCMS system during my visit today. I reviewed your completed Staff and Training worksheet. The visit summary packet was discussed at the end of you visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In space one staff child ratio was not maintained from 9:45 to 10:15. The ratio was one teacher to eleven children. The ratio for this classroom is 1/10. The youngest child was 2 year of age. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in the infant classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floors were not kept clean through out the building. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Teacher did not wash hand between diaper changing. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 3 plastic bags were stored in a cabinet that was not lock under the sink. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Documentation was not maintained for one child when sleeping. The week of 1/27-1/31 was not recorded. .0606(g) Technical Assistance: 1. It was discussed with the director that the diaper changing procedure should be reviewed with staff. It also needs to be discussed that hand washing is important in the classroom and during the diaper changing process for staff and children. 2. An individualized written activity plan should be created, posted, and followed for each infant and 1- year-old group or classroom. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags including diaper wipe refill bags, Ziploc bags, grocery bags, and opened shrink wrapped or bagged products should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by storing these items above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Foam rubber products including foam blocks in block centers should not be used with children under three years of age. Styrofoam plates, bowls, and cups may be used with children under three years of age for food service. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you place all plastic bags above five feet or in a locked cabinet or drawer and remove all foam materials from the activity areas in the rooms serving children under three years of age. 4. Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met in space one. It was suggested that when the teacher is out of ratio that administrative staff are called and children are moved or staff are sent into classroom to help keep ratio. It is suggested that teachers do not accept additional children when out of ratio. Consultation 1. 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. 2. We have been directed by the health department that air fresheners and essential oils are not permitted to be sitting on shelving or hanging on the walls and spraying intermittingly throughout the day. According to sanitation rule .2820(b) Products that are stored in aerosol cans or are inhaled must be kept in locked storage. The rule also defines what is considered locked storage. 3. 1 Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than February 17, 2025. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Compliance History: You are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for having your Staff & Training Worksheet complete and available for review prior to today’s visit. The most up to date Staff & Training Worksheet form is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and “Provider Documents and Forms”. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS #3 EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000529 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/1/2024 Number Present: 8 Completed Date: 3/1/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Laura Hager, Director assisted me with today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on March 20, 2023. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on April 30, 2021, earning 5 points in staff education, 2 points in program standards, and 0 quality points. Your program’s compliance history was 88 % as of February 29, 2024, and was reviewed with you today. I observed you sanitation inspection was dated September 07, 2023, with a superior classification and 3 demerits. I observed your last fire inspection was dated January 22, 2024. I visited each license indoor space and each outdoor space with you today. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed staff-child ratio maintained during today’s visit. I observed adequate approved space use maintained during today’s visit. I observed children engaged in free play activities indoor and outdoor. I observed toys, materials, and equipment to be child-sized, developmentally appropriate, and in good repair. I observed materials accessible to the children and of sufficient quantity. You stated there are no children in the facility at this time on medications. I observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in good repair. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed monthly outdoor inspections documented for the past twelve months. I observed the last outdoor inspection was dated February 05,2024 . I observed your monthly fire drill log documented for the past twelve (12) months. I observed your last fire drill was February 22, 2024. I observed your quarterly shelter-in-place and lock-down drill log. I observed you last dill was a Shelter in Place drill and was dated February 12, 2024. I observed your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan was last updated in August 2022. The EPR Plan needs to be updated with current staff and consultant information. I observed menus posted for the week of February 26- March 1 2024. I observed today’s lunch consisted of Pepperoni and cheese pizza, green beans, pineapples, and milk. I observed your Incident Log to be current for the school year. I reviewed children’s records today and observed one violation regarding children’s records. I reviewed staff records today and all were in compliance. All staff qualifying letters have been checked in the ABCMS system during my visit today. I reviewed your completed Staff and Training worksheet. The visit summary packet was discussed at the end of you visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Shelter needs to be painted and wood needs to be replaced in some areas. Outdoor equipment needs to be cleaned and power washed. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. The ERP Plan needs to be updated with current information. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. Two children files monitored did not have a signed notification to parents of the smoking policy and tobacco restrictions. .0604(j) Technical Assistance: 1. Make sure that you update your EPR Plan each year or when you have changes at your facility. 2.Make sure that when completing your Playground inspections that your check all materials and make sure they are in good repair. If any material need to be repaired make sure it is written down on the inspection sheet and repaired as soon as possible. 3. Make sure that the administrator checks children files to make sure they are current and that all needed information is in the file. Using the children's file check list form will help with this process. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than March 15, 2024. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Compliance History: You are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for having your Staff & Training Worksheet complete and available for review prior to today’s visit. The most up to date Staff & Training Worksheet form is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and “Provider Documents and Forms”. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. or at (704)594-0153. 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.