G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: PRECIOUS STEPS CHILDCARE Facility ID: 31000203 Consultant: CARLA HANCHEY-EDWARDS Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 9/3/2025 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 9/3/2025 Age: From 1 To 2 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 10:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable Family Child Care Home requirements during an annual compliance visit. An annual compliance monitoring checklist was used. You completed the FCCH and Centers in a Residence Statements of Responsibility and the FCCH Verification Form. Your signature on these forms will serve as verification that the information is accurate and complete. This program currently operates with a four-star license, issued May 23, 2018. You stated you had completed the mock assessments through NCRLAP and you were waiting to receive the summary information with your score. During the visit, the inside and outside areas of your home were monitored. During the visit there were three children present. The children were observed playing with toys. The childcare room and the bathroom the children use were observed. Smoke detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, refrigerator thermometer, storage of medication and hazardous products, outlets, garbage storage, steps, toys, and materials were all monitored for compliance. The permit, emergency numbers, schedule and NC Summary of the Child Care Law were posted. Qualifying letters, CPR / First Aid, health questionnaire, emergency procedures, and children's records were also monitored for compliance. The lunch menu for today consisted of chicken, green beans, sliced bananas, wheat roll and milk. Your last fire inspection was completed 7/30/25 I received prior to today’s visit. Your last fire drill and monthly outdoor playground inspection were completed 8/22/25. Your last EPR drill was a lockdown completed 8/22/25. I reminded you this must be completed every three months and documentation kept on file for review. I recommend that you place your due dates on a calendar or a spreadsheet to help in maintaining compliance. Violations documented were corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 706 Corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, and products under pressure in an aerosol dispenser and any substance that may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not kept in locked storage when children were in care. A box of tide powdered detergent was left on top of the washing machine and not kept in locked storage. .1719 (a)(7) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. A container of hand soap labeled "keep out of reach of children" was on the counter in the bathroom the children use. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare law and rules. Technical assistance regarding the following items were reviewed with you today. I reminded you that the health and safety training courses have been relocated from Pro-Solutions to Moodle on the DCDEE website and they are free of charge. I discussed various other training resources, including those online and in-person. Remember continuing professional development training provides you and your staff with the knowledge and skills needed to provide a quality child care program. Please be reminded that the health and safety training courses are required to be completed every five years. CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance 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. Additional information and resources for Pathways to the Stars regarding QRIS Modernization and rules are available at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization . During today’s visit I reviewed the information with you for Pathways 1 and 2 of the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization for your FCCH. You stated you were not interested in having the Rating Scales completed therefore you were interested in Pathway 1. I reminded you there will be an upcoming child care meeting in late September or October for more information to help you focus on information regarding the pathways. Please keep checking your email for updated information on ORIS through the Raise NC newsletter. Today I also notified you of a marketing tool that is available through the child care resource and referral agencies. I encouraged you to go to findchildcarenc.org to claim your program and enter your information so it will be available to parents who are seeking child care. For the most up to date information, copies of sample forms, and copies of the child care requirements, you were encouraged to periodically visit the Division's website and click on the What’s New tab at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov Please contact me at 910-824-0500 or email at carla.hanchey-edwards@dhhs.nc.gov if I may be of assistance. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.