10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0426-142L Visit Date: 4/15/2026 Number Present: 10 Completed Date: 4/15/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 55 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 11:40 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate allegations of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Licensing Requirements received by the agency on 4-10-26 and by Samone, Director on 4-8-26. Today’s report was reviewed with Samone, Director and Whitney, Assistant Director. ALLEGATIONS There are allegations of violations of childcare requirements in reference to supervision, incident reports & unexplained injuries. MONITORING I completed a partial assessment monitoring the indoor/outdoor spaces. I observed two out of three classrooms, the classroom for the school-age children was closed. The infants were on the floor with a provider, and the preschool children were having free play. Staff/child ratios, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, and licensed restrictions were monitored. Samone stated she’s trying to get her camera’s in operating order; they’ve not worked in a long time. On 4-8-26, Samone called me to report the incident. On 4-9-26, Samone disenrolled the child. On 4-9-26, I sent the intake department an email. We discussed the allegation concerning a 4-year-old child was not supervised and “ran out the classroom door.” NOTE: A majority of the parents use classroom #1 for arrival and departure procedures. Upon entering space 1 (preschool classroom), there’s a porch and ramp with a self-closing gate; the porch is enclosed with lattice about 3 ft. high. In classroom #1, there were 10 preschool children (ages 3 & 4) with two teachers. The ratios are 1:10 or 2:20. Samone and Whitney stated on 4-8-26 between 9:35 & 9:45, during arrival, the child was playing with playdough, he went to the classroom door, opened it, stuck his arm outside in the sun and said he wanted to “put his playdough in the sun”. Samone stated she, Whitney and Wake Three School Staff (visitors) witnessed this occurrence. Samone immediately closed the door and re-directed him back to the table, reminding him that he’s not permitted to open the door. Samone and Whitney stated the child never walked out on the enclosed porch. This happened twice within this time frame. Almost immediately, he walked back to the door, a teacher called his name as he opened the door and stepped onto the doormat at the threshold. A teacher walked over to him, got him and they went back to the area he was at. This was witnessed by two staff members; the child was never unsupervised. Once again, the child started running to the classroom door that leads into a small foyer and was calling “Samone’s name” as he was running. Samone and Whitney observed this incident too. At no point was the child out of staff sight or unsupervised. Later the same day, while on the fence in playground, a child was being released to his/her parent. As they were preparing to walk through the gate on the playground to exit, the parent opened the gate, the child ran behind the parent/child with a ball and was on the other side of the gate. The staff member was standing near the gate and instructed him to step back inside the gate. The child initially refused but returned when given a firm directive. The parents and the staff witnessed this incident. The child was supervised. The child tried to exit the classroom and the playground, although his attempts were witnessed. The Director stated, in the past, she tried suspension and asking the parents for support and it did not help. She did not want to terminate his care, but due to these incidents and other concerning behaviors, inappropriate behavior and language toward the staff, as well as physical aggression, the center was not the best fit to meet the child’s needs. I observed incident reports and incident logs for this child since May 2025. Whitney shared each time any child has an injury or incident at the center, an incident report and log is completed. Whitney shared this child has a pet at home and she would often see scratches/bruises on the child and the child told her it was from his pet. I observed the NC summary of the law posted beside the door, DCDEE’s contact information is on this document for staff and parents. A copy is also part of the enrollment packet. Based on observations and information provided, the allegations are not substantiated. No violations were cited today related to the complaint allegation. The gate that encloses the porch is a self-latching gate. It does not swing back into place. Upon arrival it was closed. It’s too heavy for a child to lift and push/pull at the same time to open or close it. The door needs to be adjusted. Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violation cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violation must be corrected immediately. Please email a signed and dated corrective action letter BY 4-29-26 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Upon entering the building at the front entrance. The door is surrounded by a porch with 3 ft. high lattice and a self-closing gate. The door to the gate needs adjusting so it will swing back into place vs. lifting and pulling/pushing it to open/close. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) At the completion of the visit, the findings were reviewed and a handwritten visit summary was signed. If you have any questions or concerns, contact me at 919-819-9304. Michelle Ezzell, Child Care Consultant 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-220L Visit Date: 3/3/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/3/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 08:00 AM Time Out: 10:05 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate allegations of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Licensing Requirements received by the agency on 2-23-26. Today’s report was reviewed with Samone Cole, Director/Owner, Whitney Black, Assistant/Teacher, and Tiffany Weaver, Techer/floater and the cook. Samone assisted me during my observation. ALLEGATIONS There are allegations of violations of childcare requirements. The allegations were in reference to an unexplained incident of scratches on a child’s face, employee hitting a child and breakfast not being served to children. MONITORING The children were observed being dropped off by their guardians, in space one (1). Upon my arrival, the school-age children were being moved to space two (2) and one infant was in space three (3) with one caregiver. I completed a partial assessment monitoring the indoor spaces. All three classrooms and the kitchen were walked through. Observed areas were assessed for violations related to the allegations of the report. Most of the allegations were discussed at separate times with the three staff members listed in the allegation. I asked Samone to see video footage; she stated the video cameras have not worked since 2023. During a visit in 2024, Samone explained to me that the center’s cameras were not connected, and I observed wires hanging from one of the cameras at a previously visit. On Sunday, 2-22-26, Samone submitted a written statement to me stating an employee, which is also a parent at the facility had given a two week notice for her and her child. The parent has been working there since September. The parent then requested the notice be effective immediately, which Samone granted both separations the same day. Samone stated on the child’s final day, the parent raised concern regarding a small amount of blood observed on the child’s nasal area. The parent stated she requested to see video footage. The allegation stated a few weeks ago the employee/parent heard her child crying and went to check on him and the Director was holding the child’s face. The allegation stated the Director told the employee/parent that she accidentally hit the child with a walkie talkie. When I asked the Director about this, she stated she remembered this incident. It happened on Wednesday, 1-21-26. She stated it was not a walkie-talkie because the walkie-talkie is attached to her pants pocket, which I observed today. The walkie-talkie is about the size of a small flip phone. The Director stated she was walking in the small classroom by the table where the child was sitting, she had a folded piece of cardboard that’s used as a divider at nap time tucked under her arm and when she turned, the child started crying and she said assumed she bumped the child’s head. She said the child is non-verbal and the child began to cry, she bent down to talk to the child, and the parent entered the room. There were no visible marks on the child, so she assumed that’s what happened. Later that day, the allegation states the parent left early for an event and the child had “scratches on his face” and asked the teacher what happened, and the parents said the teacher did not know, so the parent left the facility. An incident report was completed, and it’s documented on the report that “no visible injury observed at the time of the incident”. When the child and the parent did not come back until Friday, 1-23-26. On Friday, the child had a small scratch under his nose upper lip) and bottom lip. According to teacher interviews and the incident report completed on 1-21-26, the teacher witnessed another child hit the child with a toy while playing in the classroom, but there were no visible signs/marks/scratches. The parent stated she was given the incident report. On Friday, 1-23-26, at the end of the day, the parent stated the child had dried blood on the inside of his nose. Staff stated the child has/had sinus issues and was snoring at naptime and sounded congested. The parent and staff agreed that the child has nose bleeds; staff stated there was a little dried blood under his nose and thinks it was nasal drainage during nap because it had happened before. The allegation stated there are concerns that a staff member hit the children and a former staff member witnessed this happening. After my observation and staff interviews the staff member in question was upset about being accused of this. She stated she has never hit a child and does not discipline her own children by hitting them. This allegation is unsubstantiated, since it cannot be determined if an employee hit a child and if the scratches happened at the center or after the child left the facility. NUTRITION: The allegation stated breakfast is not being served, “especially to the children who arrive at 7 or 8am” and pizza is served twice a week. I arrived at the center at 8:00am, children were present and observed being dropped off. According to staff and the cook, breakfast is served between 8:45 & 9:00am daily. Samone stated that Little Ceasars pizza is served once a week, usually on Fridays, and they’re not currently enrolled in a food program but uses a food programs menu and so they are in compliance with nutritional guidelines and food portions. Today, I observed the posted menu in the kitchen and the breakfast being served matched the menu, which was bagels, oranges and milk. Breakfast was served from 8:45 to 9:20. Samone stated, they’re flexible with the breakfast since some children will arrive later than 9am. I explained that all children must be offered breakfast. She stated children are given breakfast, even if a child pushes it away. Based on my observations and staff interview, this is allegation is unsubstantiated. OTHER INFORMATION: GROUPING CHILDREN & RATIOS: The allegation mentioned that toddlers are combined with infants. This is not a violation. Children ages 0 to 1 can be mixed together. Today, technical assistance was given on safety issues with mixing different age groups. Samone stated that the youngest infant is 10 months old; today, one 10-month-old was present with one teacher, in space three. The allegation mentioned there are two children at the center with behavior issues, causing chaos in a classroom and the children are not getting the needed assistance. These children were present during my last visit and today. During these visits, Samone and I discussed the resources available for the children, and one is receiving speech therapy. The classroom is small and when one or two children are active and or have behavioral issues, the classroom seems chaotic. Today, two staff members were present with eight children. The ratio was 1:9. Samone was very attentive to the children that needed extra attention. No violations were cited today related to the allegations. One violation was cited related to ABCMS portal. Technical assistance was offered on how to correct the violation. Detailed information was given to you on previous visits along with emails and handouts. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violation must be corrected immediately. Please email a signed and dated corrective action letter BY 3-17-26 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov. Violation Number Comment Rule 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The ABCMS portal has three names in the portal and must be updated immediately with five additional employees. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) The ABCMS portal has three names in the portal and must be updated immediately. Samone stated she thought she had completed this process and will contact the criminal record department for assistance. You will need to add five names, which are: WB, TCD, TW, JG and CBM. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the facility if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were discussed with you and emails and newsletters were sent to you. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. For questions, contact me or my supervisor at michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov Michelle Ezzell Child Care Consultant 919-819-9304 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-220L Visit Date: 3/3/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/3/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 08:00 AM Time Out: 10:05 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate allegations of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Licensing Requirements received by the agency on 2-23-26. Today’s report was reviewed with Samone Cole, Director/Owner, Whitney Black, Assistant/Teacher, and Tiffany Weaver, Techer/floater and the cook. Samone assisted me during my observation. ALLEGATIONS There are allegations of violations of childcare requirements. The allegations were in reference to an unexplained incident of scratches on a child’s face, employee hitting a child and breakfast not being served to children. MONITORING The children were observed being dropped off by their guardians, in space one (1). Upon my arrival, the school-age children were being moved to space two (2) and one infant was in space three (3) with one caregiver. I completed a partial assessment monitoring the indoor spaces. All three classrooms and the kitchen were walked through. Observed areas were assessed for violations related to the allegations of the report. Most of the allegations were discussed at separate times with the three staff members listed in the allegation. I asked Samone to see video footage; she stated the video cameras have not worked since 2023. During a visit in 2024, Samone explained to me that the center’s cameras were not connected, and I observed wires hanging from one of the cameras at a previously visit. On Sunday, 2-22-26, Samone submitted a written statement to me stating an employee, which is also a parent at the facility had given a two week notice for her and her child. The parent has been working there since September. The parent then requested the notice be effective immediately, which Samone granted both separations the same day. Samone stated on the child’s final day, the parent raised concern regarding a small amount of blood observed on the child’s nasal area. The parent stated she requested to see video footage. The allegation stated a few weeks ago the employee/parent heard her child crying and went to check on him and the Director was holding the child’s face. The allegation stated the Director told the employee/parent that she accidentally hit the child with a walkie talkie. When I asked the Director about this, she stated she remembered this incident. It happened on Wednesday, 1-21-26. She stated it was not a walkie-talkie because the walkie-talkie is attached to her pants pocket, which I observed today. The walkie-talkie is about the size of a small flip phone. The Director stated she was walking in the small classroom by the table where the child was sitting, she had a folded piece of cardboard that’s used as a divider at nap time tucked under her arm and when she turned, the child started crying and she said assumed she bumped the child’s head. She said the child is non-verbal and the child began to cry, she bent down to talk to the child, and the parent entered the room. There were no visible marks on the child, so she assumed that’s what happened. Later that day, the allegation states the parent left early for an event and the child had “scratches on his face” and asked the teacher what happened, and the parents said the teacher did not know, so the parent left the facility. An incident report was completed, and it’s documented on the report that “no visible injury observed at the time of the incident”. When the child and the parent did not come back until Friday, 1-23-26. On Friday, the child had a small scratch under his nose upper lip) and bottom lip. According to teacher interviews and the incident report completed on 1-21-26, the teacher witnessed another child hit the child with a toy while playing in the classroom, but there were no visible signs/marks/scratches. The parent stated she was given the incident report. On Friday, 1-23-26, at the end of the day, the parent stated the child had dried blood on the inside of his nose. Staff stated the child has/had sinus issues and was snoring at naptime and sounded congested. The parent and staff agreed that the child has nose bleeds; staff stated there was a little dried blood under his nose and thinks it was nasal drainage during nap because it had happened before. The allegation stated there are concerns that a staff member hit the children and a former staff member witnessed this happening. After my observation and staff interviews the staff member in question was upset about being accused of this. She stated she has never hit a child and does not discipline her own children by hitting them. This allegation is unsubstantiated, since it cannot be determined if an employee hit a child and if the scratches happened at the center or after the child left the facility. NUTRITION: The allegation stated breakfast is not being served, “especially to the children who arrive at 7 or 8am” and pizza is served twice a week. I arrived at the center at 8:00am, children were present and observed being dropped off. According to staff and the cook, breakfast is served between 8:45 & 9:00am daily. Samone stated that Little Ceasars pizza is served once a week, usually on Fridays, and they’re not currently enrolled in a food program but uses a food programs menu and so they are in compliance with nutritional guidelines and food portions. Today, I observed the posted menu in the kitchen and the breakfast being served matched the menu, which was bagels, oranges and milk. Breakfast was served from 8:45 to 9:20. Samone stated, they’re flexible with the breakfast since some children will arrive later than 9am. I explained that all children must be offered breakfast. She stated children are given breakfast, even if a child pushes it away. Based on my observations and staff interview, this is allegation is unsubstantiated. OTHER INFORMATION: GROUPING CHILDREN & RATIOS: The allegation mentioned that toddlers are combined with infants. This is not a violation. Children ages 0 to 1 can be mixed together. Today, technical assistance was given on safety issues with mixing different age groups. Samone stated that the youngest infant is 10 months old; today, one 10-month-old was present with one teacher, in space three. The allegation mentioned there are two children at the center with behavior issues, causing chaos in a classroom and the children are not getting the needed assistance. These children were present during my last visit and today. During these visits, Samone and I discussed the resources available for the children, and one is receiving speech therapy. The classroom is small and when one or two children are active and or have behavioral issues, the classroom seems chaotic. Today, two staff members were present with eight children. The ratio was 1:9. Samone was very attentive to the children that needed extra attention. No violations were cited today related to the allegations. One violation was cited related to ABCMS portal. Technical assistance was offered on how to correct the violation. Detailed information was given to you on previous visits along with emails and handouts. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violation must be corrected immediately. Please email a signed and dated corrective action letter BY 3-17-26 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov. Violation Number Comment Rule 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The ABCMS portal has three names in the portal and must be updated immediately with five additional employees. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) The ABCMS portal has three names in the portal and must be updated immediately. Samone stated she thought she had completed this process and will contact the criminal record department for assistance. You will need to add five names, which are: WB, TCD, TW, JG and CBM. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the facility if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were discussed with you and emails and newsletters were sent to you. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. For questions, contact me or my supervisor at michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov Michelle Ezzell Child Care Consultant 919-819-9304 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/2/2025 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 12/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 03:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance was on 12/16/24. The center currently operates with a 4-star license, & ratios at .2818 (b). My visit started out and ended with you, Samone Cole, Owner/Director and you accompanied me during my walk-through. While reviewing paperwork, you were in a classroom and I reviewed paperwork with Whitney Black, Teacher/Administrative Assistant. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival the children were observed preparing for nap. As I conducted my walk-through and monitored paperwork technical assistance was given and a rule review was given to both of you. I monitor required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, and furnishings. Due to inclement weather, the playground was not monitored. Mrs. Samone stated no medications are at the center and the center does not provide transportation. The center is currently enrolled in a food program. You, Samone stated you’re in the process of opening a center in Zebulon that will provide care primarily for school-age children, called Steps and Stages CC #2; this center will provide transportation for school-age children. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=3-27-25 (send me your 2026 inspection within 5 days of completion). *Sanitation inspection=1-29-25 (send me all your 2026 inspections within 5 days of completion) *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 11-24-25. *The last outdoor inspection was on 12-1-25 by Samone. She completed playground safety training on 12-11-10. *The last lead water test was on 8-11-24 and will expire in 8-11-27. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) listed as current-active. Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 12-16-25 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 493 Caregiver or team of caregivers were not assigned to each infant or toddler as primary caregiver. Primary caregivers were not assigned to the infants and toddlers. .0511(b)(3) 612 Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified. The cot list in space one (1) was not current. Twelve children were listed on the posted cot list, and more than twelve children were listed on the posted cot list. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(b) & (c) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The pull station was not used for the fire drill on November 26, 2025. The method used was teachers clapping their hands. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. An unlocked cabinet located in the hallway had teacher supplies that should be kept away from children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(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. Diapers were stored in plastic bags, and a plastic bag was observed under the unlocked diaper changing table. .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. A safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom used for the infants. .0606(b) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. Two infants did not have a signed and dated safe sleep policy on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Five (5) employees emergency information form could not be located during the visit. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The owner/director’s file was not accessible during the visit. She stated it was located at the other facility. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. The infants take buggy rides in the parking lot. Two infants did not have a signed and dated permission to play outside the fenced in area form on file. This is a repeat violation. .1005(b)(4) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. One child’s file (SS) was incomplete. The file was missing the following: physical, discipline policy, summary of the law, notification of smoking/tobacco restriction & receipt of facilities policies. G.S. 110-91(9) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One employee (TCD) that started work on 2-18-19 did not have proof of medication training. .1102(a) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *SIDS POLICY: There was no SIDS policy posted today in the classroom for infants. We reviewed the SIDS policy in detail, and it was posted during the visit. We discussed that each infant must have a signed and dated policy upon enrollment. *FIRE DRILLS must be conducted every month using the pull station vs. yelling or clapping your hands. *Plastic Bags- RULE. 0604 Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard for young children and should be made inaccessible to children less than three years of age. Any plastic bags must be stored out of reach of the children, which are five feet or higher from the finished floor. Keep trash bags tucked so large sections are not accessible to the children. I suggested using mesh bags vs. plastic Ziploc bags and taking diapers out of the plastic bags when storing them. *Primary Caregivers should be assigned to each Infant/Toddler (Children under two years old): when more than one teacher works in the classroom for infants/toddlers. Primary caregivers should be assigned to each infant and toddler. Responsive primary caregivers buffer stress and help the infant or toddler regulate. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care recommends six essential program practices as a framework for relationship-based care. One of these practices is primary caregiving, the practice in which the care of each infant or toddler is assigned to one specific caregiver who is principally responsible for caring for that child in the care setting and communicating with the child’s family. Consistent, responsive, and meaningful interactions with a primary caregiver build a child’s attachment to a familiar adult. Primary caregiving also strengthens relationships with families, which, in turn, supports the development of trust and security between the infant or toddler and the primary caregiver. Diaper changing, tummy time, feedings and napping (safe sleep checks) are maintained more easily than multiple teachers trying to manage all of the infants/toddlers in their care. See rule reference. .0511 (3)(4) ******PAPERWORK******** *If you need assistance with the health and safety medication training, contact Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov You can also refer to previous emails from me concerning how to find medication training in MOODLE. *Remember to attach staff training certificates to the on-going training log that I gave you today. I also gave you the checklist for health and safety training, and on-going annual training hours, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. This was discussed at your last annual compliance visit. *ABCMS PORTAL: I gave you a "how to” use the criminal record portal document and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me since 10-11-24. Today, we discussed you must go back into the ABCMS portal and hit the “hire button” if you need assistance, please call the criminal record unit or refer to the emails I’ve sent you. Technical Assistance was given concerning the importance of record keeping for program records, children and staff files. DCDEE makes it easier by giving you checklists that are located on DCDEE’s website. These were also given and explained to you today. *RECORD KEEPING: I discussed my concerns with you, Samone, concerning opening up a 2nd facility and the importance of keeping current on records and maintaining compliance with all childcare regulations. *If staff are to work at both centers, records must be accessible at both centers and accessible to DCDEE staff. *Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. ***********REMINDERS*********** *Replace your posted emergency medical care plan (EMC) with the new form. *Update all staff in the ABCMS portal. *One staff member (ZE) must complete medication training in MOODLE by 9-8-26. *************QRIS/Rated License Training ********************** *You stated your goal is to get accredited, for pathway 3. If this does not work, you will try pathway 2. You’re currently working with LeAnne Simpkins, Lead Child Care Consultant. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/2/2025 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 12/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 03:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance was on 12/16/24. The center currently operates with a 4-star license, & ratios at .2818 (b). My visit started out and ended with you, Samone Cole, Owner/Director and you accompanied me during my walk-through. While reviewing paperwork, you were in a classroom and I reviewed paperwork with Whitney Black, Teacher/Administrative Assistant. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival the children were observed preparing for nap. As I conducted my walk-through and monitored paperwork technical assistance was given and a rule review was given to both of you. I monitor required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, and furnishings. Due to inclement weather, the playground was not monitored. Mrs. Samone stated no medications are at the center and the center does not provide transportation. The center is currently enrolled in a food program. You, Samone stated you’re in the process of opening a center in Zebulon that will provide care primarily for school-age children, called Steps and Stages CC #2; this center will provide transportation for school-age children. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=3-27-25 (send me your 2026 inspection within 5 days of completion). *Sanitation inspection=1-29-25 (send me all your 2026 inspections within 5 days of completion) *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 11-24-25. *The last outdoor inspection was on 12-1-25 by Samone. She completed playground safety training on 12-11-10. *The last lead water test was on 8-11-24 and will expire in 8-11-27. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) listed as current-active. Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 12-16-25 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 493 Caregiver or team of caregivers were not assigned to each infant or toddler as primary caregiver. Primary caregivers were not assigned to the infants and toddlers. .0511(b)(3) 612 Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified. The cot list in space one (1) was not current. Twelve children were listed on the posted cot list, and more than twelve children were listed on the posted cot list. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(b) & (c) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The pull station was not used for the fire drill on November 26, 2025. The method used was teachers clapping their hands. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. An unlocked cabinet located in the hallway had teacher supplies that should be kept away from children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(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. Diapers were stored in plastic bags, and a plastic bag was observed under the unlocked diaper changing table. .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. A safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom used for the infants. .0606(b) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. Two infants did not have a signed and dated safe sleep policy on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Five (5) employees emergency information form could not be located during the visit. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The owner/director’s file was not accessible during the visit. She stated it was located at the other facility. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. The infants take buggy rides in the parking lot. Two infants did not have a signed and dated permission to play outside the fenced in area form on file. This is a repeat violation. .1005(b)(4) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. One child’s file (SS) was incomplete. The file was missing the following: physical, discipline policy, summary of the law, notification of smoking/tobacco restriction & receipt of facilities policies. G.S. 110-91(9) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One employee (TCD) that started work on 2-18-19 did not have proof of medication training. .1102(a) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *SIDS POLICY: There was no SIDS policy posted today in the classroom for infants. We reviewed the SIDS policy in detail, and it was posted during the visit. We discussed that each infant must have a signed and dated policy upon enrollment. *FIRE DRILLS must be conducted every month using the pull station vs. yelling or clapping your hands. *Plastic Bags- RULE. 0604 Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard for young children and should be made inaccessible to children less than three years of age. Any plastic bags must be stored out of reach of the children, which are five feet or higher from the finished floor. Keep trash bags tucked so large sections are not accessible to the children. I suggested using mesh bags vs. plastic Ziploc bags and taking diapers out of the plastic bags when storing them. *Primary Caregivers should be assigned to each Infant/Toddler (Children under two years old): when more than one teacher works in the classroom for infants/toddlers. Primary caregivers should be assigned to each infant and toddler. Responsive primary caregivers buffer stress and help the infant or toddler regulate. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care recommends six essential program practices as a framework for relationship-based care. One of these practices is primary caregiving, the practice in which the care of each infant or toddler is assigned to one specific caregiver who is principally responsible for caring for that child in the care setting and communicating with the child’s family. Consistent, responsive, and meaningful interactions with a primary caregiver build a child’s attachment to a familiar adult. Primary caregiving also strengthens relationships with families, which, in turn, supports the development of trust and security between the infant or toddler and the primary caregiver. Diaper changing, tummy time, feedings and napping (safe sleep checks) are maintained more easily than multiple teachers trying to manage all of the infants/toddlers in their care. See rule reference. .0511 (3)(4) ******PAPERWORK******** *If you need assistance with the health and safety medication training, contact Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov You can also refer to previous emails from me concerning how to find medication training in MOODLE. *Remember to attach staff training certificates to the on-going training log that I gave you today. I also gave you the checklist for health and safety training, and on-going annual training hours, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. This was discussed at your last annual compliance visit. *ABCMS PORTAL: I gave you a "how to” use the criminal record portal document and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me since 10-11-24. Today, we discussed you must go back into the ABCMS portal and hit the “hire button” if you need assistance, please call the criminal record unit or refer to the emails I’ve sent you. Technical Assistance was given concerning the importance of record keeping for program records, children and staff files. DCDEE makes it easier by giving you checklists that are located on DCDEE’s website. These were also given and explained to you today. *RECORD KEEPING: I discussed my concerns with you, Samone, concerning opening up a 2nd facility and the importance of keeping current on records and maintaining compliance with all childcare regulations. *If staff are to work at both centers, records must be accessible at both centers and accessible to DCDEE staff. *Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. ***********REMINDERS*********** *Replace your posted emergency medical care plan (EMC) with the new form. *Update all staff in the ABCMS portal. *One staff member (ZE) must complete medication training in MOODLE by 9-8-26. *************QRIS/Rated License Training ********************** *You stated your goal is to get accredited, for pathway 3. If this does not work, you will try pathway 2. You’re currently working with LeAnne Simpkins, Lead Child Care Consultant. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/2/2025 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 12/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 03:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance was on 12/16/24. The center currently operates with a 4-star license, & ratios at .2818 (b). My visit started out and ended with you, Samone Cole, Owner/Director and you accompanied me during my walk-through. While reviewing paperwork, you were in a classroom and I reviewed paperwork with Whitney Black, Teacher/Administrative Assistant. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival the children were observed preparing for nap. As I conducted my walk-through and monitored paperwork technical assistance was given and a rule review was given to both of you. I monitor required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, and furnishings. Due to inclement weather, the playground was not monitored. Mrs. Samone stated no medications are at the center and the center does not provide transportation. The center is currently enrolled in a food program. You, Samone stated you’re in the process of opening a center in Zebulon that will provide care primarily for school-age children, called Steps and Stages CC #2; this center will provide transportation for school-age children. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=3-27-25 (send me your 2026 inspection within 5 days of completion). *Sanitation inspection=1-29-25 (send me all your 2026 inspections within 5 days of completion) *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 11-24-25. *The last outdoor inspection was on 12-1-25 by Samone. She completed playground safety training on 12-11-10. *The last lead water test was on 8-11-24 and will expire in 8-11-27. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) listed as current-active. Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 12-16-25 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 493 Caregiver or team of caregivers were not assigned to each infant or toddler as primary caregiver. Primary caregivers were not assigned to the infants and toddlers. .0511(b)(3) 612 Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified. The cot list in space one (1) was not current. Twelve children were listed on the posted cot list, and more than twelve children were listed on the posted cot list. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(b) & (c) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The pull station was not used for the fire drill on November 26, 2025. The method used was teachers clapping their hands. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. An unlocked cabinet located in the hallway had teacher supplies that should be kept away from children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(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. Diapers were stored in plastic bags, and a plastic bag was observed under the unlocked diaper changing table. .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. A safe sleep policy was not posted in the classroom used for the infants. .0606(b) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. Two infants did not have a signed and dated safe sleep policy on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Five (5) employees emergency information form could not be located during the visit. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The owner/director’s file was not accessible during the visit. She stated it was located at the other facility. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. The infants take buggy rides in the parking lot. Two infants did not have a signed and dated permission to play outside the fenced in area form on file. This is a repeat violation. .1005(b)(4) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. One child’s file (SS) was incomplete. The file was missing the following: physical, discipline policy, summary of the law, notification of smoking/tobacco restriction & receipt of facilities policies. G.S. 110-91(9) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One employee (TCD) that started work on 2-18-19 did not have proof of medication training. .1102(a) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *SIDS POLICY: There was no SIDS policy posted today in the classroom for infants. We reviewed the SIDS policy in detail, and it was posted during the visit. We discussed that each infant must have a signed and dated policy upon enrollment. *FIRE DRILLS must be conducted every month using the pull station vs. yelling or clapping your hands. *Plastic Bags- RULE. 0604 Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard for young children and should be made inaccessible to children less than three years of age. Any plastic bags must be stored out of reach of the children, which are five feet or higher from the finished floor. Keep trash bags tucked so large sections are not accessible to the children. I suggested using mesh bags vs. plastic Ziploc bags and taking diapers out of the plastic bags when storing them. *Primary Caregivers should be assigned to each Infant/Toddler (Children under two years old): when more than one teacher works in the classroom for infants/toddlers. Primary caregivers should be assigned to each infant and toddler. Responsive primary caregivers buffer stress and help the infant or toddler regulate. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care recommends six essential program practices as a framework for relationship-based care. One of these practices is primary caregiving, the practice in which the care of each infant or toddler is assigned to one specific caregiver who is principally responsible for caring for that child in the care setting and communicating with the child’s family. Consistent, responsive, and meaningful interactions with a primary caregiver build a child’s attachment to a familiar adult. Primary caregiving also strengthens relationships with families, which, in turn, supports the development of trust and security between the infant or toddler and the primary caregiver. Diaper changing, tummy time, feedings and napping (safe sleep checks) are maintained more easily than multiple teachers trying to manage all of the infants/toddlers in their care. See rule reference. .0511 (3)(4) ******PAPERWORK******** *If you need assistance with the health and safety medication training, contact Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov You can also refer to previous emails from me concerning how to find medication training in MOODLE. *Remember to attach staff training certificates to the on-going training log that I gave you today. I also gave you the checklist for health and safety training, and on-going annual training hours, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. This was discussed at your last annual compliance visit. *ABCMS PORTAL: I gave you a "how to” use the criminal record portal document and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me since 10-11-24. Today, we discussed you must go back into the ABCMS portal and hit the “hire button” if you need assistance, please call the criminal record unit or refer to the emails I’ve sent you. Technical Assistance was given concerning the importance of record keeping for program records, children and staff files. DCDEE makes it easier by giving you checklists that are located on DCDEE’s website. These were also given and explained to you today. *RECORD KEEPING: I discussed my concerns with you, Samone, concerning opening up a 2nd facility and the importance of keeping current on records and maintaining compliance with all childcare regulations. *If staff are to work at both centers, records must be accessible at both centers and accessible to DCDEE staff. *Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. ***********REMINDERS*********** *Replace your posted emergency medical care plan (EMC) with the new form. *Update all staff in the ABCMS portal. *One staff member (ZE) must complete medication training in MOODLE by 9-8-26. *************QRIS/Rated License Training ********************** *You stated your goal is to get accredited, for pathway 3. If this does not work, you will try pathway 2. You’re currently working with LeAnne Simpkins, Lead Child Care Consultant. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/10/2025 Number Present: 7 Completed Date: 6/10/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct a routine unannounced visit. My visit was conducted with you, Samone Cole, Owner/Director. Ms. Cole had to leave the center for about 30 minutes to meet someone at another center she’s trying to open in Zebulon. During this time, my visit was conducted with Ms. Whitney Black. The facility currently operates with a 4-star license and is in the hold-harmless stage. I conducted a partial assessment monitoring for safety issues, supervision, capacity, discipline, posted documents, playground, permit restrictions, program records; I spot checked staff files for completion of CPR/1st Aid, SIDS, Health & Safety Trainings & CBC’s. The center has three (3) classrooms and currently two (2) classrooms are open. The classroom used for infants (space 3) is closed due to no infants currently enrolled. The children were observed playing outside, eating lunch and preparing for lunch. ***Verification of Records & Training*** *The last sanitation inspection was on 1-29-25. The last fire inspection was on 3-27-25. * The lead water test was on 8-29-24 & will expire 8-29-27. *The EPR Plan was last updated on 7-8-24. Ms. Cole completed EPR training on 9-29-16. *The last playground inspection was 5-9-25 by Samone. Samone completed playground safety training on 12-11-10. *The last fire drill was on 5-23-25. *I reviewed the Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) listed as current-active. Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Please email a signed and dated corrective action letter BY 6-24-25 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov *A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items on non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit may be made. Additional violations may be documented if the violation has not been corrected/addressed. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. 1. On the playground used for toddlers, the grass along the fence line and gate was 12” to 15” tall. 2. Pine straw was observed on the playground and must be removed. 3. Vines were observed growing along the fence near the storage building. 4. A thorn bush was observed in a raised garden container. 5. In space one (1) adult size scissors and Ziploc bags were accessible to children under three years old. These were removed from the classroom during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff's 1st Aid expired 2-10-25. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff's CPR expired on 2-10-25. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. SIP and lockdown drills were completed every four months vs. three months. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days and every five years. One employee's training was completed on 4-16-19 and expired 4-16-24; her current certificate could not be located during the visit. .1102(g) *OUTDOOR AREA: We discussed the outdoor learning environment must be free of hazards so children can explore in a safe environment. The grass must be cut, and the pine straw must be removed, and the vines need to be cut around the storage building and the playground used for the toddlers. This will lower the changes of snakes, chiggers, ticks, bugs, etc. from being on the playground. In the raised garden containers, any type of thorns from briars or rosebushes must be removed. *The hallway that leads to the kitchen, classrooms and bathroom had plastic cabinets with plastic bags and teacher supplies. We discussed making sure items such as plastic bags, teacher supplies, thumb tacks, staplers, adult size scissors, etc. are not accessible to children. *The ABCMS Portal has partially been completed and has three (3) names in the portal. We discussed this portal must be completed immediately. Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the facility if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were discussed with you and emails and newsletters were sent to you. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. ****Early Educator Certificate (EEC) **** The EEC certificate is optional for staff. Although, it may increase staff’s education points and may help keep or increase the number of STARS the facility has. I highly recommend you contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942-7442 or info@nceec.org Contact me with questions Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/10/2025 Number Present: 7 Completed Date: 6/10/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to conduct a routine unannounced visit. My visit was conducted with you, Samone Cole, Owner/Director. Ms. Cole had to leave the center for about 30 minutes to meet someone at another center she’s trying to open in Zebulon. During this time, my visit was conducted with Ms. Whitney Black. The facility currently operates with a 4-star license and is in the hold-harmless stage. I conducted a partial assessment monitoring for safety issues, supervision, capacity, discipline, posted documents, playground, permit restrictions, program records; I spot checked staff files for completion of CPR/1st Aid, SIDS, Health & Safety Trainings & CBC’s. The center has three (3) classrooms and currently two (2) classrooms are open. The classroom used for infants (space 3) is closed due to no infants currently enrolled. The children were observed playing outside, eating lunch and preparing for lunch. ***Verification of Records & Training*** *The last sanitation inspection was on 1-29-25. The last fire inspection was on 3-27-25. * The lead water test was on 8-29-24 & will expire 8-29-27. *The EPR Plan was last updated on 7-8-24. Ms. Cole completed EPR training on 9-29-16. *The last playground inspection was 5-9-25 by Samone. Samone completed playground safety training on 12-11-10. *The last fire drill was on 5-23-25. *I reviewed the Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) listed as current-active. Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Please email a signed and dated corrective action letter BY 6-24-25 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov *A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items on non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit may be made. Additional violations may be documented if the violation has not been corrected/addressed. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. 1. On the playground used for toddlers, the grass along the fence line and gate was 12” to 15” tall. 2. Pine straw was observed on the playground and must be removed. 3. Vines were observed growing along the fence near the storage building. 4. A thorn bush was observed in a raised garden container. 5. In space one (1) adult size scissors and Ziploc bags were accessible to children under three years old. These were removed from the classroom during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff's 1st Aid expired 2-10-25. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff's CPR expired on 2-10-25. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. SIP and lockdown drills were completed every four months vs. three months. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days and every five years. One employee's training was completed on 4-16-19 and expired 4-16-24; her current certificate could not be located during the visit. .1102(g) *OUTDOOR AREA: We discussed the outdoor learning environment must be free of hazards so children can explore in a safe environment. The grass must be cut, and the pine straw must be removed, and the vines need to be cut around the storage building and the playground used for the toddlers. This will lower the changes of snakes, chiggers, ticks, bugs, etc. from being on the playground. In the raised garden containers, any type of thorns from briars or rosebushes must be removed. *The hallway that leads to the kitchen, classrooms and bathroom had plastic cabinets with plastic bags and teacher supplies. We discussed making sure items such as plastic bags, teacher supplies, thumb tacks, staplers, adult size scissors, etc. are not accessible to children. *The ABCMS Portal has partially been completed and has three (3) names in the portal. We discussed this portal must be completed immediately. Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the facility if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were discussed with you and emails and newsletters were sent to you. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. ****Early Educator Certificate (EEC) **** The EEC certificate is optional for staff. Although, it may increase staff’s education points and may help keep or increase the number of STARS the facility has. I highly recommend you contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942-7442 or info@nceec.org Contact me with questions Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/16/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 12/16/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 11:20 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance was on 1/8/24 with K. Wimberly, Childcare consultant. The center currently operates with a 4-star license, & ratios at .2818 (b). The written warning that was issued on 8-2-24, was posted at the entrance of the facility. My visit was conducted with both Samone Cole, Owner/Director and Whitney Black, Teacher/Assistant. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival the children were observed preparing for nap. Both staff accompanied me during my walk-through and my record review. During this time, I gave them a rule review. I monitored for required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, furnishings, and transportation requirements. Mrs. Samone stated no medications are at the center. The center is currently enrolled in the Tutoring Food Program. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *The center transports children using a Chevy Savanna mini-bus, license tag TLA-4277, which was monitored and in compliance. *Last fire inspection=1/18/24 (send me your 2025 inspection within 5 days of completion). The last fire drill was December 2024, and the last DIP was on 11-25-24. *Sanitation inspection=3/8/24 (send me all your 2025 inspections within 5 days of completion) *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 7-8-24. *The last outdoor inspection was in November 2024 by Samone. She completed playground safety training on 12-11-10. *The last lead water test was on 8-11-24 and will expire in 8-11-27. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) listed as current-active. *Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 12-30-24 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The chain link has come away from the bottom and middle of the fence and a gap about six inches is in the fence, leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way through it and leave the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. An infant woke up at 12:25 and fell asleep at 1:40. From 1:40 to 2:15 safe sleep charts were not completed. .0606(g) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child was missing this signed and dated document indicating the parents were given the operation policies. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. One child did not have permission from the parent to be outside the fenced in area. .1005(b)(4) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child did not have this signed and dated document in it's file. .0604(j) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* **PAPERWORK** *Remember to attach staff’s training certificates to the on-going training log that I gave you today. I also gave you the checklist for health and safety trainings, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. *I gave you a ‘how to” use the criminal record portal document and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me on 10-11-24. Technical Assistance was given concerning the importance of checking Infants Safe Sleep Charts: We discussed the importance of always documenting that infants are placed on their back when being placed in their crib for nap time, unless there is a Written Waiver on file, signed by the child’s parent/legal guardian. This includes if the infant rolls onto their tummy or side when being placed down for nap. By documenting tummy or side when the infant is being placed in the crib for the first time, the care giver is stating they purposefully placed the infant on their tummy or side when placing them in the crib for nap time. Sleep checks should tell a clear story of how the infant was initially placed in the crib when going down for nap and the time the infant went down for nap, each position the infant was observed in during each sleep check conducted by the infant room staff, and when the infant woke up. I suggested that if an infant does not nap on any given day, that the infant room staff document on their safe sleep chart, NO NAP, on that specific day or if an infant is absent on any given day that the staff record absent on the day. Children’s files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Outdoor Area: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks, it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. The chain link has come away from the bottom and middle of the fence and a gap about six inches is in the fence, leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way through it and leave the playground. We discussed ways to temporarily fix the fence until the fence company can properly fix it. INFANTS/TODDLERS ENTERING THE PLAYGROUND: We discussed changing the way the infant and toddlers enter the playground. They will now, leave the classroom, walk on the sidewalk by the red storage building and enter the large fenced in playground, then enter through the gate of their playground. Before the children were walking alongside the fence by the parking lot and entering the back gate to the playground. This is a safer route. I monitored the permission slip for children to walk outside the fenced in area. *Remember to continue to update your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan every year and print out the cover page showing the current date. Also, print the pages you made changes to. Failure to log onto the website may result in losing your entire EPR plan. For NCID questions call 919-814-6326 or 919-754-6000. *PROGRAM STANDARDS: For trainings on environment rating scales go to www.ncrlap@uncg.edu and/or contact Wake County Smart Start or Child Care Services Association. *EDUCATION STANDARDS must be current in WORKS for all staff. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/16/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 12/16/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 11:20 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance was on 1/8/24 with K. Wimberly, Childcare consultant. The center currently operates with a 4-star license, & ratios at .2818 (b). The written warning that was issued on 8-2-24, was posted at the entrance of the facility. My visit was conducted with both Samone Cole, Owner/Director and Whitney Black, Teacher/Assistant. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival the children were observed preparing for nap. Both staff accompanied me during my walk-through and my record review. During this time, I gave them a rule review. I monitored for required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, furnishings, and transportation requirements. Mrs. Samone stated no medications are at the center. The center is currently enrolled in the Tutoring Food Program. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *The center transports children using a Chevy Savanna mini-bus, license tag TLA-4277, which was monitored and in compliance. *Last fire inspection=1/18/24 (send me your 2025 inspection within 5 days of completion). The last fire drill was December 2024, and the last DIP was on 11-25-24. *Sanitation inspection=3/8/24 (send me all your 2025 inspections within 5 days of completion) *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 7-8-24. *The last outdoor inspection was in November 2024 by Samone. She completed playground safety training on 12-11-10. *The last lead water test was on 8-11-24 and will expire in 8-11-27. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) listed as current-active. *Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 12-30-24 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The chain link has come away from the bottom and middle of the fence and a gap about six inches is in the fence, leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way through it and leave the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. An infant woke up at 12:25 and fell asleep at 1:40. From 1:40 to 2:15 safe sleep charts were not completed. .0606(g) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child was missing this signed and dated document indicating the parents were given the operation policies. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. One child did not have permission from the parent to be outside the fenced in area. .1005(b)(4) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child did not have this signed and dated document in it's file. .0604(j) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* **PAPERWORK** *Remember to attach staff’s training certificates to the on-going training log that I gave you today. I also gave you the checklist for health and safety trainings, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. *I gave you a ‘how to” use the criminal record portal document and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me on 10-11-24. Technical Assistance was given concerning the importance of checking Infants Safe Sleep Charts: We discussed the importance of always documenting that infants are placed on their back when being placed in their crib for nap time, unless there is a Written Waiver on file, signed by the child’s parent/legal guardian. This includes if the infant rolls onto their tummy or side when being placed down for nap. By documenting tummy or side when the infant is being placed in the crib for the first time, the care giver is stating they purposefully placed the infant on their tummy or side when placing them in the crib for nap time. Sleep checks should tell a clear story of how the infant was initially placed in the crib when going down for nap and the time the infant went down for nap, each position the infant was observed in during each sleep check conducted by the infant room staff, and when the infant woke up. I suggested that if an infant does not nap on any given day, that the infant room staff document on their safe sleep chart, NO NAP, on that specific day or if an infant is absent on any given day that the staff record absent on the day. Children’s files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. Outdoor Area: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks, it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. The chain link has come away from the bottom and middle of the fence and a gap about six inches is in the fence, leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way through it and leave the playground. We discussed ways to temporarily fix the fence until the fence company can properly fix it. INFANTS/TODDLERS ENTERING THE PLAYGROUND: We discussed changing the way the infant and toddlers enter the playground. They will now, leave the classroom, walk on the sidewalk by the red storage building and enter the large fenced in playground, then enter through the gate of their playground. Before the children were walking alongside the fence by the parking lot and entering the back gate to the playground. This is a safer route. I monitored the permission slip for children to walk outside the fenced in area. *Remember to continue to update your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan every year and print out the cover page showing the current date. Also, print the pages you made changes to. Failure to log onto the website may result in losing your entire EPR plan. For NCID questions call 919-814-6326 or 919-754-6000. *PROGRAM STANDARDS: For trainings on environment rating scales go to www.ncrlap@uncg.edu and/or contact Wake County Smart Start or Child Care Services Association. *EDUCATION STANDARDS must be current in WORKS for all staff. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0624-280L Visit Date: 6/27/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 6/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 85 Time In: 08:20 AM Time Out: 09:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to investigate complaint allegations regarding supervision and incident reports not being completed when a child was injured while in care. Today’s visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Director. Today, I viewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and the owner of this facility, Steps and Stages Children’s Center, LLC is listed as current-active as of 6-27-24. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, and the indoor environment were monitored during my visit today. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Storage of hazardous products was monitored and observed to be in compliance. Upon arrival to the center, I observed two groups of children totaling eight children present. Group #1 had children ranging in ages from 2 years old to eight years old. Group #2 had children age 1 to 2 years old. Group #1 were not engaged in organized play and were observed standing on the chairs and tables, running around the classroom and two children were fighting with each other. Ms. Cole stated that the primary caregiver for this classroom was not working today and she was waiting for another teacher to arrive for coverage of this classroom. During this time of observation, I observed an adult attempting to drop off what appeared to be two additional children, ages unknown, but Ms. Cole opened the front door to alert the adult that she was waiting on an additional staff member to arrive and to hang outside in their car until the 2nd teacher arrived. When the 2nd staff member arrived at 8:55am, the children were allowed to come inside the building. At 9:05am, I observed fifteen total children present at the center ranging in ages from one to 8 years old. Ms. Cole took the school age children to their classroom making 3 total groups of children in the center. I did observe that attendance was not on file for the preschool age children for 6-26-24. This is a violation of child care requirements. Attendance must be documented and on file for each child every day. I discussed the allegations with Ms. Cole and the findings are below. Allegation #1: There is a concern of inadequate supervision in the classroom for two-year-old children. During my visit today, I did not observe any lapses of supervision. Staff were observed circulating around the classrooms interacting with the children. This allegation was not substantiated based on observations during my visit today. I asked Ms. Cole had there been any recent instances of children getting outside of their classroom or the building and Ms. Cole stated to me that there not have been any. Allegation #2: There is a concern that incident reports were not written when a child was injured while in care. Ms. Cole stated that she was aware of one incident in which a child was bitten and an incident report was completed and given to parent. I did monitor this referenced incident report and there was a parent signature on the incident report observed for proof of notice of the incident. Due to the fact that the child did not have to seek medical treatment as a result of the injury, the incident report was not required to be mailed to the Child Care Consultant. I did request to view the Incident Log for the center and Ms. Cole was unable to provide this document. Ms. Cole did give me with the incident reports which are kept on file in a folder at the center when children are injured. This allegation could not be substantiated based on the fact that there was no proof indicating previous incidents which may have occurred prior to today’s visit were not documented. We did discuss that Incident Logs are required to be completed for each incident that occurs at the center and must be maintained onsite at the facility. A copy of the Incident Log was emailed to the provider on 6-27-24 and we discussed that this form can also be found on the DCDEE website under the “Provider” tab. Not having the Incident Log on file is a violation of Child Care Rule .0802(g). I also requested to see the file for the child who was bitten and Ms. Cole was unable to locate the child’s file. She stated that it was present at the center but it could not be located during my visit. I did observe that staff files, children’s files and program records were not located in an organized, central location. As documented in past visits to the center, Ms. Cole has a history of not maintaining organized files which has resulted in violations being cited. Three violations of child care requirements regarding incident logs, children’s records and program records were observed out of compliance and must be corrected immediately. A corrective action letter stating how the violations have been corrected is due no later than July 11, 2024. The letter can be sent to: PO Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545 or Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov. Please remember to address each violation individually and include your facility name and ID number on the correction letter. Violation Number Comment Rule 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. An incident log was not on file. .0802(g)(1-6) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Record of daily attendance was not on file for the preschool classroom for 6-26-24. GS 110-91(9) 1739 All records required were not available for review by a representative of the Division. A child's file could not be located for review by DCDEE staff on 6-27-24. .2318(1-8) Technical assistance was given to Ms. Cole today on the below. •We discussed that there has been an ongoing issue with maintaining files related to the center that has not been resolved as of today’s date. Ms. Cole stated that she has plans to get all files organized over the weekend but I reminded Ms. Cole that we have previously had the same discussion during prior monitoring visits. Maintaining organized files will assure that all required documents are on file and current. Due to the setup of the center, there is not a separate office available for Ms. Cole to use. The school age classroom is used for meetings while the children are in school. I would suggest to get a rolling storage cart that is large enough for all files to be kept to assist with achieving file organization. Using hanging file folders will also assist with keeping files organized. Lastly, I strongly suggest that you dedicate time on days when staffing is not an issue to get the files organized and recognize that maintaining order in your records is one vital piece to the success of the center. •As we discussed today, the children in group #1 were observed acting out with various behavior issues during my visit. On the days where schedules may be off due to staff callouts, if you notice the children have extra energy, it is perfectly fine to adjust their schedules and take them outside to burn off some excess energy to allow them to engage better inside the classroom. Activities can also be taken outside for the children to participate in. I encourage you to visit the Natural Learning website (naturalearning.org) for creative ideas on activities for the children the extend the indoor learning environment. Kim Wimberly PO Box 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2024 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 1/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance was conducted on 1-24-23. The center currently operates with a 4 STAR rated license. The center is approved for 26 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed participating in various activities and some were transitioning outside to play. The Infant/Toddler classroom was observed playing with various toys in the child care area. There is one Infant enrolled and the Infant was observed sitting on the floor with the other children playing with toys. The teacher was observed on the floor with the children playing. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the Infant and observed to be in compliance. Arrival and departure times of the children are documented via a ProCare program on a tablet. I did review this program today to assure the actual arrival and departure times were captured and I did observe this program meets this requirement. During my visit today, I observed some safety concerns on the outdoor playground. I observed a section of the fence that faces the highway separated and mangled at the bottom portion which was large enough that a small child could get out if there was a lapse in supervision. This section must be repaired immediately. Ms. Cole stated that a tree had fallen on the fence and she would get this area repaired ASAP. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders of the play area on this same side which needs to be hammered back down. For good measure, I advise you to check all rivets. Staff and training worksheets were completed by me during my visit today. All staff files were monitored for compliance. I observed that staff files were missing numerous documents. We have discussed in years past that you really need to spend time on files to assure that all paperwork required to be on file is on file. During my visit today, you had to sort through different locations for paperwork which was missing from staff files. Ten children's files were monitored for compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were all current and on file. The EPR Plan was also current and on file with a date of 2-3-23. Incident log reports are kept posted to a wall in the hallway due to the fact the Director/Owner does not have a designated office. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. I would suggest that you go ahead and contact Environmental Health for a new inspection in case there is a backlog. I did observe that there is not a current Fire Inspection on file. The last Fire Inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. You will need to contact the Fire Marshall for a new inspection to avoid further action to your license status. *****Violations: Eighteen (18) violations of child care requirements regarding staff files, program files and safe environment were observed during my visit today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than January 22, 2024 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A section of the outdoor playground fence that faces the busy highway needs to be secured at the bottom. The chain link has come away from the bottom leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way from under the fence over time. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders around climbing structure which needs to be hammered down. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EMC plan was reviewed with them. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One employee did not have an application on file and one other employee did not have a date anywhere on their application. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a TB test on file. .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have Emergency Information on file which was current. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Three staff did not have documentation on file that the required orientation topics were covered within first 6 weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file that First Aid had been completed and was current. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file of current CPR completion. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two staff did not have documentation on file that the required topics were covered within first 2 weeks. .1101(a)(b) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three staff did not have current staff development plans on file and two staff did not have current evaluations on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two staff did not have statements that they received a job description and that operational and personnel policies were reviewed. One additional staff member did not have a date on their documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member did not have a criminal background qualification letter on file. It was verified in the CBC database that the employee is qualified until 9-7-27 but the qualification letter was not on file at the center. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EPR plan was reviewed with them. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have documentation on file the policy was reviewed and one staff member did not date the documented page. .0608(d)(1-4) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Three staff did not renew the required health & Safety trainings. Some staff also did not have completion certificates for trainings which were documented as completed. .1102(a) We discussed today the importance of maintaining accurate records of staff and children as well as program files. Due to the set up of the program, Ms. Cole does not have a designated office space for storage of records which at times has been proven to cause issues with record maintenance. I suggest that you designate a space somewhere in the facility for all records to be kept in a central location for easy access. Something simple could be designating a file cabinet and organizing all files accordingly. It has been discussed and documented in prior visits that all records need to be organized and maintained. I encourage you to take some time to get all records organized and in one place and designate a place for them to stay. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2024 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 1/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance was conducted on 1-24-23. The center currently operates with a 4 STAR rated license. The center is approved for 26 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed participating in various activities and some were transitioning outside to play. The Infant/Toddler classroom was observed playing with various toys in the child care area. There is one Infant enrolled and the Infant was observed sitting on the floor with the other children playing with toys. The teacher was observed on the floor with the children playing. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the Infant and observed to be in compliance. Arrival and departure times of the children are documented via a ProCare program on a tablet. I did review this program today to assure the actual arrival and departure times were captured and I did observe this program meets this requirement. During my visit today, I observed some safety concerns on the outdoor playground. I observed a section of the fence that faces the highway separated and mangled at the bottom portion which was large enough that a small child could get out if there was a lapse in supervision. This section must be repaired immediately. Ms. Cole stated that a tree had fallen on the fence and she would get this area repaired ASAP. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders of the play area on this same side which needs to be hammered back down. For good measure, I advise you to check all rivets. Staff and training worksheets were completed by me during my visit today. All staff files were monitored for compliance. I observed that staff files were missing numerous documents. We have discussed in years past that you really need to spend time on files to assure that all paperwork required to be on file is on file. During my visit today, you had to sort through different locations for paperwork which was missing from staff files. Ten children's files were monitored for compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were all current and on file. The EPR Plan was also current and on file with a date of 2-3-23. Incident log reports are kept posted to a wall in the hallway due to the fact the Director/Owner does not have a designated office. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. I would suggest that you go ahead and contact Environmental Health for a new inspection in case there is a backlog. I did observe that there is not a current Fire Inspection on file. The last Fire Inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. You will need to contact the Fire Marshall for a new inspection to avoid further action to your license status. *****Violations: Eighteen (18) violations of child care requirements regarding staff files, program files and safe environment were observed during my visit today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than January 22, 2024 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A section of the outdoor playground fence that faces the busy highway needs to be secured at the bottom. The chain link has come away from the bottom leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way from under the fence over time. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders around climbing structure which needs to be hammered down. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EMC plan was reviewed with them. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One employee did not have an application on file and one other employee did not have a date anywhere on their application. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a TB test on file. .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have Emergency Information on file which was current. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Three staff did not have documentation on file that the required orientation topics were covered within first 6 weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file that First Aid had been completed and was current. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file of current CPR completion. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two staff did not have documentation on file that the required topics were covered within first 2 weeks. .1101(a)(b) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three staff did not have current staff development plans on file and two staff did not have current evaluations on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two staff did not have statements that they received a job description and that operational and personnel policies were reviewed. One additional staff member did not have a date on their documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member did not have a criminal background qualification letter on file. It was verified in the CBC database that the employee is qualified until 9-7-27 but the qualification letter was not on file at the center. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EPR plan was reviewed with them. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have documentation on file the policy was reviewed and one staff member did not date the documented page. .0608(d)(1-4) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Three staff did not renew the required health & Safety trainings. Some staff also did not have completion certificates for trainings which were documented as completed. .1102(a) We discussed today the importance of maintaining accurate records of staff and children as well as program files. Due to the set up of the program, Ms. Cole does not have a designated office space for storage of records which at times has been proven to cause issues with record maintenance. I suggest that you designate a space somewhere in the facility for all records to be kept in a central location for easy access. Something simple could be designating a file cabinet and organizing all files accordingly. It has been discussed and documented in prior visits that all records need to be organized and maintained. I encourage you to take some time to get all records organized and in one place and designate a place for them to stay. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2024 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 1/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance was conducted on 1-24-23. The center currently operates with a 4 STAR rated license. The center is approved for 26 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed participating in various activities and some were transitioning outside to play. The Infant/Toddler classroom was observed playing with various toys in the child care area. There is one Infant enrolled and the Infant was observed sitting on the floor with the other children playing with toys. The teacher was observed on the floor with the children playing. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the Infant and observed to be in compliance. Arrival and departure times of the children are documented via a ProCare program on a tablet. I did review this program today to assure the actual arrival and departure times were captured and I did observe this program meets this requirement. During my visit today, I observed some safety concerns on the outdoor playground. I observed a section of the fence that faces the highway separated and mangled at the bottom portion which was large enough that a small child could get out if there was a lapse in supervision. This section must be repaired immediately. Ms. Cole stated that a tree had fallen on the fence and she would get this area repaired ASAP. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders of the play area on this same side which needs to be hammered back down. For good measure, I advise you to check all rivets. Staff and training worksheets were completed by me during my visit today. All staff files were monitored for compliance. I observed that staff files were missing numerous documents. We have discussed in years past that you really need to spend time on files to assure that all paperwork required to be on file is on file. During my visit today, you had to sort through different locations for paperwork which was missing from staff files. Ten children's files were monitored for compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were all current and on file. The EPR Plan was also current and on file with a date of 2-3-23. Incident log reports are kept posted to a wall in the hallway due to the fact the Director/Owner does not have a designated office. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. I would suggest that you go ahead and contact Environmental Health for a new inspection in case there is a backlog. I did observe that there is not a current Fire Inspection on file. The last Fire Inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. You will need to contact the Fire Marshall for a new inspection to avoid further action to your license status. *****Violations: Eighteen (18) violations of child care requirements regarding staff files, program files and safe environment were observed during my visit today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than January 22, 2024 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A section of the outdoor playground fence that faces the busy highway needs to be secured at the bottom. The chain link has come away from the bottom leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way from under the fence over time. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders around climbing structure which needs to be hammered down. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EMC plan was reviewed with them. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One employee did not have an application on file and one other employee did not have a date anywhere on their application. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a TB test on file. .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have Emergency Information on file which was current. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Three staff did not have documentation on file that the required orientation topics were covered within first 6 weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file that First Aid had been completed and was current. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file of current CPR completion. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two staff did not have documentation on file that the required topics were covered within first 2 weeks. .1101(a)(b) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three staff did not have current staff development plans on file and two staff did not have current evaluations on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two staff did not have statements that they received a job description and that operational and personnel policies were reviewed. One additional staff member did not have a date on their documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member did not have a criminal background qualification letter on file. It was verified in the CBC database that the employee is qualified until 9-7-27 but the qualification letter was not on file at the center. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EPR plan was reviewed with them. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have documentation on file the policy was reviewed and one staff member did not date the documented page. .0608(d)(1-4) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Three staff did not renew the required health & Safety trainings. Some staff also did not have completion certificates for trainings which were documented as completed. .1102(a) We discussed today the importance of maintaining accurate records of staff and children as well as program files. Due to the set up of the program, Ms. Cole does not have a designated office space for storage of records which at times has been proven to cause issues with record maintenance. I suggest that you designate a space somewhere in the facility for all records to be kept in a central location for easy access. Something simple could be designating a file cabinet and organizing all files accordingly. It has been discussed and documented in prior visits that all records need to be organized and maintained. I encourage you to take some time to get all records organized and in one place and designate a place for them to stay. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2024 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 1/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance was conducted on 1-24-23. The center currently operates with a 4 STAR rated license. The center is approved for 26 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed participating in various activities and some were transitioning outside to play. The Infant/Toddler classroom was observed playing with various toys in the child care area. There is one Infant enrolled and the Infant was observed sitting on the floor with the other children playing with toys. The teacher was observed on the floor with the children playing. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the Infant and observed to be in compliance. Arrival and departure times of the children are documented via a ProCare program on a tablet. I did review this program today to assure the actual arrival and departure times were captured and I did observe this program meets this requirement. During my visit today, I observed some safety concerns on the outdoor playground. I observed a section of the fence that faces the highway separated and mangled at the bottom portion which was large enough that a small child could get out if there was a lapse in supervision. This section must be repaired immediately. Ms. Cole stated that a tree had fallen on the fence and she would get this area repaired ASAP. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders of the play area on this same side which needs to be hammered back down. For good measure, I advise you to check all rivets. Staff and training worksheets were completed by me during my visit today. All staff files were monitored for compliance. I observed that staff files were missing numerous documents. We have discussed in years past that you really need to spend time on files to assure that all paperwork required to be on file is on file. During my visit today, you had to sort through different locations for paperwork which was missing from staff files. Ten children's files were monitored for compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were all current and on file. The EPR Plan was also current and on file with a date of 2-3-23. Incident log reports are kept posted to a wall in the hallway due to the fact the Director/Owner does not have a designated office. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. I would suggest that you go ahead and contact Environmental Health for a new inspection in case there is a backlog. I did observe that there is not a current Fire Inspection on file. The last Fire Inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. You will need to contact the Fire Marshall for a new inspection to avoid further action to your license status. *****Violations: Eighteen (18) violations of child care requirements regarding staff files, program files and safe environment were observed during my visit today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than January 22, 2024 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A section of the outdoor playground fence that faces the busy highway needs to be secured at the bottom. The chain link has come away from the bottom leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way from under the fence over time. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders around climbing structure which needs to be hammered down. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EMC plan was reviewed with them. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One employee did not have an application on file and one other employee did not have a date anywhere on their application. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a TB test on file. .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have Emergency Information on file which was current. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Three staff did not have documentation on file that the required orientation topics were covered within first 6 weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file that First Aid had been completed and was current. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file of current CPR completion. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two staff did not have documentation on file that the required topics were covered within first 2 weeks. .1101(a)(b) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three staff did not have current staff development plans on file and two staff did not have current evaluations on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two staff did not have statements that they received a job description and that operational and personnel policies were reviewed. One additional staff member did not have a date on their documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member did not have a criminal background qualification letter on file. It was verified in the CBC database that the employee is qualified until 9-7-27 but the qualification letter was not on file at the center. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EPR plan was reviewed with them. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have documentation on file the policy was reviewed and one staff member did not date the documented page. .0608(d)(1-4) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Three staff did not renew the required health & Safety trainings. Some staff also did not have completion certificates for trainings which were documented as completed. .1102(a) We discussed today the importance of maintaining accurate records of staff and children as well as program files. Due to the set up of the program, Ms. Cole does not have a designated office space for storage of records which at times has been proven to cause issues with record maintenance. I suggest that you designate a space somewhere in the facility for all records to be kept in a central location for easy access. Something simple could be designating a file cabinet and organizing all files accordingly. It has been discussed and documented in prior visits that all records need to be organized and maintained. I encourage you to take some time to get all records organized and in one place and designate a place for them to stay. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2024 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 1/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance was conducted on 1-24-23. The center currently operates with a 4 STAR rated license. The center is approved for 26 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed participating in various activities and some were transitioning outside to play. The Infant/Toddler classroom was observed playing with various toys in the child care area. There is one Infant enrolled and the Infant was observed sitting on the floor with the other children playing with toys. The teacher was observed on the floor with the children playing. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the Infant and observed to be in compliance. Arrival and departure times of the children are documented via a ProCare program on a tablet. I did review this program today to assure the actual arrival and departure times were captured and I did observe this program meets this requirement. During my visit today, I observed some safety concerns on the outdoor playground. I observed a section of the fence that faces the highway separated and mangled at the bottom portion which was large enough that a small child could get out if there was a lapse in supervision. This section must be repaired immediately. Ms. Cole stated that a tree had fallen on the fence and she would get this area repaired ASAP. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders of the play area on this same side which needs to be hammered back down. For good measure, I advise you to check all rivets. Staff and training worksheets were completed by me during my visit today. All staff files were monitored for compliance. I observed that staff files were missing numerous documents. We have discussed in years past that you really need to spend time on files to assure that all paperwork required to be on file is on file. During my visit today, you had to sort through different locations for paperwork which was missing from staff files. Ten children's files were monitored for compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were all current and on file. The EPR Plan was also current and on file with a date of 2-3-23. Incident log reports are kept posted to a wall in the hallway due to the fact the Director/Owner does not have a designated office. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. I would suggest that you go ahead and contact Environmental Health for a new inspection in case there is a backlog. I did observe that there is not a current Fire Inspection on file. The last Fire Inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. You will need to contact the Fire Marshall for a new inspection to avoid further action to your license status. *****Violations: Eighteen (18) violations of child care requirements regarding staff files, program files and safe environment were observed during my visit today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than January 22, 2024 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A section of the outdoor playground fence that faces the busy highway needs to be secured at the bottom. The chain link has come away from the bottom leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way from under the fence over time. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders around climbing structure which needs to be hammered down. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EMC plan was reviewed with them. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One employee did not have an application on file and one other employee did not have a date anywhere on their application. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a TB test on file. .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have Emergency Information on file which was current. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Three staff did not have documentation on file that the required orientation topics were covered within first 6 weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file that First Aid had been completed and was current. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file of current CPR completion. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two staff did not have documentation on file that the required topics were covered within first 2 weeks. .1101(a)(b) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three staff did not have current staff development plans on file and two staff did not have current evaluations on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two staff did not have statements that they received a job description and that operational and personnel policies were reviewed. One additional staff member did not have a date on their documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member did not have a criminal background qualification letter on file. It was verified in the CBC database that the employee is qualified until 9-7-27 but the qualification letter was not on file at the center. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EPR plan was reviewed with them. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have documentation on file the policy was reviewed and one staff member did not date the documented page. .0608(d)(1-4) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Three staff did not renew the required health & Safety trainings. Some staff also did not have completion certificates for trainings which were documented as completed. .1102(a) We discussed today the importance of maintaining accurate records of staff and children as well as program files. Due to the set up of the program, Ms. Cole does not have a designated office space for storage of records which at times has been proven to cause issues with record maintenance. I suggest that you designate a space somewhere in the facility for all records to be kept in a central location for easy access. Something simple could be designating a file cabinet and organizing all files accordingly. It has been discussed and documented in prior visits that all records need to be organized and maintained. I encourage you to take some time to get all records organized and in one place and designate a place for them to stay. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2024 Number Present: 13 Completed Date: 1/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance was conducted on 1-24-23. The center currently operates with a 4 STAR rated license. The center is approved for 26 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed participating in various activities and some were transitioning outside to play. The Infant/Toddler classroom was observed playing with various toys in the child care area. There is one Infant enrolled and the Infant was observed sitting on the floor with the other children playing with toys. The teacher was observed on the floor with the children playing. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the Infant and observed to be in compliance. Arrival and departure times of the children are documented via a ProCare program on a tablet. I did review this program today to assure the actual arrival and departure times were captured and I did observe this program meets this requirement. During my visit today, I observed some safety concerns on the outdoor playground. I observed a section of the fence that faces the highway separated and mangled at the bottom portion which was large enough that a small child could get out if there was a lapse in supervision. This section must be repaired immediately. Ms. Cole stated that a tree had fallen on the fence and she would get this area repaired ASAP. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders of the play area on this same side which needs to be hammered back down. For good measure, I advise you to check all rivets. Staff and training worksheets were completed by me during my visit today. All staff files were monitored for compliance. I observed that staff files were missing numerous documents. We have discussed in years past that you really need to spend time on files to assure that all paperwork required to be on file is on file. During my visit today, you had to sort through different locations for paperwork which was missing from staff files. Ten children's files were monitored for compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were all current and on file. The EPR Plan was also current and on file with a date of 2-3-23. Incident log reports are kept posted to a wall in the hallway due to the fact the Director/Owner does not have a designated office. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. I would suggest that you go ahead and contact Environmental Health for a new inspection in case there is a backlog. I did observe that there is not a current Fire Inspection on file. The last Fire Inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. You will need to contact the Fire Marshall for a new inspection to avoid further action to your license status. *****Violations: Eighteen (18) violations of child care requirements regarding staff files, program files and safe environment were observed during my visit today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than January 22, 2024 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was conducted on 1-5-23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A section of the outdoor playground fence that faces the busy highway needs to be secured at the bottom. The chain link has come away from the bottom leaving the possibility for a small child to work their way from under the fence over time. There was also a metal rivet which connects the black borders around climbing structure which needs to be hammered down. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EMC plan was reviewed with them. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One employee did not have an application on file and one other employee did not have a date anywhere on their application. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member did not have a TB test on file. .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have Emergency Information on file which was current. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Three staff did not have documentation on file that the required orientation topics were covered within first 6 weeks. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file that First Aid had been completed and was current. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff did not have documentation on file of current CPR completion. .1102(d) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Two staff did not have documentation on file that the required topics were covered within first 2 weeks. .1101(a)(b) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three staff did not have current staff development plans on file and two staff did not have current evaluations on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Two staff did not have statements that they received a job description and that operational and personnel policies were reviewed. One additional staff member did not have a date on their documentation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member did not have a criminal background qualification letter on file. It was verified in the CBC database that the employee is qualified until 9-7-27 but the qualification letter was not on file at the center. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. One staff member did not have documentation on file that the EPR plan was reviewed with them. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have documentation on file the policy was reviewed and one staff member did not date the documented page. .0608(d)(1-4) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Three staff did not renew the required health & Safety trainings. Some staff also did not have completion certificates for trainings which were documented as completed. .1102(a) We discussed today the importance of maintaining accurate records of staff and children as well as program files. Due to the set up of the program, Ms. Cole does not have a designated office space for storage of records which at times has been proven to cause issues with record maintenance. I suggest that you designate a space somewhere in the facility for all records to be kept in a central location for easy access. Something simple could be designating a file cabinet and organizing all files accordingly. It has been discussed and documented in prior visits that all records need to be organized and maintained. I encourage you to take some time to get all records organized and in one place and designate a place for them to stay. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-016A Visit Date: 1/5/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 65 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 11:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Samone Cole, Director/Owner accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Cole. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Staff members failed to ensure attendance records for children are being maintained on a daily basis. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision when a two-year-old child exited the facility without the staff member's knowledge. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. A staff member provided screen time for two-year-old children. .0510(f) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision which resulted in a child exiting the center, running onto a road, stopping traffic. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members engaged in a verbal confrontation in the presence of children in care. G.S. 110-91(10) 903 Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member grabbed and pulled an eight-year-old child into the bathroom at the center and spanked the child. GS 110-91(10); .1803(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One staff member provided care to twelve two - four-year-old children. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On April 23, 2024, the Division substantiated maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A staff member failed to complete ITS-SIDS training prior to providing care for infants. .01102 (f) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-016A Visit Date: 1/5/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 65 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 11:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Samone Cole, Director/Owner accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Cole. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Staff members failed to ensure attendance records for children are being maintained on a daily basis. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision when a two-year-old child exited the facility without the staff member's knowledge. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. A staff member provided screen time for two-year-old children. .0510(f) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision which resulted in a child exiting the center, running onto a road, stopping traffic. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members engaged in a verbal confrontation in the presence of children in care. G.S. 110-91(10) 903 Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member grabbed and pulled an eight-year-old child into the bathroom at the center and spanked the child. GS 110-91(10); .1803(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One staff member provided care to twelve two - four-year-old children. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On April 23, 2024, the Division substantiated maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A staff member failed to complete ITS-SIDS training prior to providing care for infants. .01102 (f) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-016A Visit Date: 1/5/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 65 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 11:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Samone Cole, Director/Owner accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Cole. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Staff members failed to ensure attendance records for children are being maintained on a daily basis. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision when a two-year-old child exited the facility without the staff member's knowledge. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. A staff member provided screen time for two-year-old children. .0510(f) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision which resulted in a child exiting the center, running onto a road, stopping traffic. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members engaged in a verbal confrontation in the presence of children in care. G.S. 110-91(10) 903 Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member grabbed and pulled an eight-year-old child into the bathroom at the center and spanked the child. GS 110-91(10); .1803(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One staff member provided care to twelve two - four-year-old children. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On April 23, 2024, the Division substantiated maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A staff member failed to complete ITS-SIDS training prior to providing care for infants. .01102 (f) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-016A Visit Date: 1/5/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 65 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 11:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Samone Cole, Director/Owner accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Cole. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Staff members failed to ensure attendance records for children are being maintained on a daily basis. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision when a two-year-old child exited the facility without the staff member's knowledge. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. A staff member provided screen time for two-year-old children. .0510(f) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision which resulted in a child exiting the center, running onto a road, stopping traffic. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members engaged in a verbal confrontation in the presence of children in care. G.S. 110-91(10) 903 Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member grabbed and pulled an eight-year-old child into the bathroom at the center and spanked the child. GS 110-91(10); .1803(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One staff member provided care to twelve two - four-year-old children. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On April 23, 2024, the Division substantiated maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A staff member failed to complete ITS-SIDS training prior to providing care for infants. .01102 (f) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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 110-105 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-016A Visit Date: 1/5/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 65 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 11:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Samone Cole, Director/Owner accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Cole. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Staff members failed to ensure attendance records for children are being maintained on a daily basis. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision when a two-year-old child exited the facility without the staff member's knowledge. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. A staff member provided screen time for two-year-old children. .0510(f) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision which resulted in a child exiting the center, running onto a road, stopping traffic. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members engaged in a verbal confrontation in the presence of children in care. G.S. 110-91(10) 903 Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member grabbed and pulled an eight-year-old child into the bathroom at the center and spanked the child. GS 110-91(10); .1803(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One staff member provided care to twelve two - four-year-old children. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On April 23, 2024, the Division substantiated maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A staff member failed to complete ITS-SIDS training prior to providing care for infants. .01102 (f) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-106 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-016A Visit Date: 1/5/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 65 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 11:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Samone Cole, Director/Owner accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Cole. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Staff members failed to ensure attendance records for children are being maintained on a daily basis. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision when a two-year-old child exited the facility without the staff member's knowledge. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. A staff member provided screen time for two-year-old children. .0510(f) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision which resulted in a child exiting the center, running onto a road, stopping traffic. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members engaged in a verbal confrontation in the presence of children in care. G.S. 110-91(10) 903 Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member grabbed and pulled an eight-year-old child into the bathroom at the center and spanked the child. GS 110-91(10); .1803(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One staff member provided care to twelve two - four-year-old children. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On April 23, 2024, the Division substantiated maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A staff member failed to complete ITS-SIDS training prior to providing care for infants. .01102 (f) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0124-016A Visit Date: 1/5/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 65 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 11:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Samone Cole, Director/Owner accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Cole. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Staff members failed to ensure attendance records for children are being maintained on a daily basis. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision when a two-year-old child exited the facility without the staff member's knowledge. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. A staff member provided screen time for two-year-old children. .0510(f) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff member failed to provide adequate supervision which resulted in a child exiting the center, running onto a road, stopping traffic. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members engaged in a verbal confrontation in the presence of children in care. G.S. 110-91(10) 903 Corporal punishment was used. [Omit item 0903 for religious sponsored centers operating under GS 110-106 with an exemption on file with the Division.] A staff member grabbed and pulled an eight-year-old child into the bathroom at the center and spanked the child. GS 110-91(10); .1803(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. One staff member provided care to twelve two - four-year-old children. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On April 23, 2024, the Division substantiated maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. A staff member failed to complete ITS-SIDS training prior to providing care for infants. .01102 (f) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/30/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 8/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Today’s visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Administrator. I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and the owner of the facility, Steps and Stages Children’s Center, LLC is listed as current-active as of 8-30-23. Program requirements The following items were observe posted: first aid poster, license, no smoking sign, summary of the law and emergency care plan. The indoor environment was monitored for safety and no items of non compliance were observed. Daily arrival and departure times of the children are documented on a Pro Care program. I did observe today that arrival and departure times were not consistently documented and arrival and departure times were missing for yesterday, 8-29-23. Ms. Cole stated they are working on different methods to assure that these times are documented as required. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was updated and observed posted in entrance area. All space used by the children were adequately heated and cooled. An incident log is stored in the hallway outside the Kitchen area due to the fact there is no designated office space for the Director. The last fire inspection conducted at the center was on 1-5-23. I reminded you to track fire inspection and that it must be completed no later than 1-5-24. The last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. Fire drills and EPR drills were current and on file. Staff Records: I monitored two new staff files who were hired since the last annual visit during my visit today. I observed that 1 staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file and 1 staff member had a generic physical report but it did not include all the required information. One staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. Two staff members did not have a signed statement on file documenting that the Shaken Baby Policy has been reviewed. One staff member hired on 10-1-22 has not completed the required Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training as of today’s date. Staff/Child Ratios and Supervision: During today's visit I observed the children finishing up breakfast. Supervision was observed being maintained. I did observe that in the Preschool classroom, there were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year olds with one staff member. Ms. Cole did arrive within 15 minutes of my arrival to assist with coverage of this classroom which was out of compliance with staff/child ratios. Due to the fact that enhanced staff/child ratios were out of compliance, permit restrictions were not being maintained as well. Please also remember that as stated in Child Care Rule .0713(5), “ …except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over.” Now that you have an Infant enrolled, you will need to move your two year old children to another classroom in order to meet this requirement. We discussed that when Ms. Cole is not present at the center on days like today, there is no additional coverage for the classrooms if staff/child ratios become an issue. Ms. Cole stated that one staff member is on extended medical leave and one was on leave just for today so she was short staffed but is waiting on criminal background qualifying letters for new staff that she has hired. I also observed that there was one Infant present who was observed sitting in a car seat carrier blocked off in the Infant/Toddler classroom. We discussed that Infants must be engaged in activities too and cannot be just placed in carriers away from the children. Ms. Cole stated that the staff member probably was worried because the 2 year old children were very active and we discussed that keep children engaged and on a routine will assist with bursts or running but the two year old children must be shifted to another classroom. Medications and Hazardous Products: The center does allow medication and diaper creams and ointments but as of today’s visit, Ms. Cole stated that as of today’s visit there were no children on diaper creams or medications. All hazardous products were either locked up or placed out of reach of the children. Eight items of non compliance regarding staff/child ratios, staff records, program records and permit restrictions were observed during my visit. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than September 13, 2023. Please remember to address each violation individually and include your facility name and ID number. You can e-mail or mail this correction letter to me to the address at the bottom of this report. I will also be conducting another unannounced visit in the future to monitor staff/child ratios to make sure that you are maintaining correct staff/child ratios. Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center was out of compliance with enhanced staff/child ratios in the preschool age classroom during my visit today. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival and departure times of the children were not consistently documented and there were no arrival times documented for today during my visit today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. .0605(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two new staff did not have a Staff Medical Report on file that meets the requirement of this rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One new staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. .0701(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year old children present with one staff member upon my arrival to the center. I also observed 3-two year old children present in a room being care for with an Infant age 0-12 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Documentation for proof of review of the policy was not on file for 2 new staff members. .0608(d)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One new staff member hired 10-1-22 did not have this completed training on file. .1102(g) Technical Assistance was also provided on the below. *We discussed today that the entire center needs a good deep cleaning and re-organizing. We discussed that baseboards and walls had signs of wear and tear and dried food and spilled liquids need to be cleaned up. The floors were sticky and need to be deep cleaned. *There is a window blind broken in the preschool age classroom that needs to be repaired or replaced. *Chipping paint was observed in the window sills in the Infant/Toddler Room. Chipping paint is a potential choking hazard for the children. Due to the fact that your building was constructed in 1973, I will be contacting Environmental Health to come for an assessment to assure there is no lead based paint in the building so please do not sand down any of the chipping paint until you have received clearance from Environmental Health. *I observed notes from your last sanitation inspection that numerous items throughout the center were noted as being soiled and you were advised to increase your cleaning frequency. As of today’s visit, I do not see signs that this has been implemented. *We discussed today that the school age classroom appears that it has become a storage area of overflow from other classrooms. The centers in the classroom has boxes sitting in front of them and there were miscellaneous items just sitting around on surfaces in the classroom. Even though the school age children are just there mornings and afternoons, the classroom space still must be neat and organized. This classroom needs to be cleaned out and organized. *Your records and files need to be organized. Due to the fact that there is no designated office, it does pose obstacles for file organization. I suggest that you get a milk crate or some container that you can keep all records in so that they are in one place and easily accessible. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions regarding your report. Kim Wimberly PO BOX 609 Knightdale,NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/30/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 8/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Today’s visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Administrator. I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and the owner of the facility, Steps and Stages Children’s Center, LLC is listed as current-active as of 8-30-23. Program requirements The following items were observe posted: first aid poster, license, no smoking sign, summary of the law and emergency care plan. The indoor environment was monitored for safety and no items of non compliance were observed. Daily arrival and departure times of the children are documented on a Pro Care program. I did observe today that arrival and departure times were not consistently documented and arrival and departure times were missing for yesterday, 8-29-23. Ms. Cole stated they are working on different methods to assure that these times are documented as required. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was updated and observed posted in entrance area. All space used by the children were adequately heated and cooled. An incident log is stored in the hallway outside the Kitchen area due to the fact there is no designated office space for the Director. The last fire inspection conducted at the center was on 1-5-23. I reminded you to track fire inspection and that it must be completed no later than 1-5-24. The last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. Fire drills and EPR drills were current and on file. Staff Records: I monitored two new staff files who were hired since the last annual visit during my visit today. I observed that 1 staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file and 1 staff member had a generic physical report but it did not include all the required information. One staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. Two staff members did not have a signed statement on file documenting that the Shaken Baby Policy has been reviewed. One staff member hired on 10-1-22 has not completed the required Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training as of today’s date. Staff/Child Ratios and Supervision: During today's visit I observed the children finishing up breakfast. Supervision was observed being maintained. I did observe that in the Preschool classroom, there were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year olds with one staff member. Ms. Cole did arrive within 15 minutes of my arrival to assist with coverage of this classroom which was out of compliance with staff/child ratios. Due to the fact that enhanced staff/child ratios were out of compliance, permit restrictions were not being maintained as well. Please also remember that as stated in Child Care Rule .0713(5), “ …except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over.” Now that you have an Infant enrolled, you will need to move your two year old children to another classroom in order to meet this requirement. We discussed that when Ms. Cole is not present at the center on days like today, there is no additional coverage for the classrooms if staff/child ratios become an issue. Ms. Cole stated that one staff member is on extended medical leave and one was on leave just for today so she was short staffed but is waiting on criminal background qualifying letters for new staff that she has hired. I also observed that there was one Infant present who was observed sitting in a car seat carrier blocked off in the Infant/Toddler classroom. We discussed that Infants must be engaged in activities too and cannot be just placed in carriers away from the children. Ms. Cole stated that the staff member probably was worried because the 2 year old children were very active and we discussed that keep children engaged and on a routine will assist with bursts or running but the two year old children must be shifted to another classroom. Medications and Hazardous Products: The center does allow medication and diaper creams and ointments but as of today’s visit, Ms. Cole stated that as of today’s visit there were no children on diaper creams or medications. All hazardous products were either locked up or placed out of reach of the children. Eight items of non compliance regarding staff/child ratios, staff records, program records and permit restrictions were observed during my visit. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than September 13, 2023. Please remember to address each violation individually and include your facility name and ID number. You can e-mail or mail this correction letter to me to the address at the bottom of this report. I will also be conducting another unannounced visit in the future to monitor staff/child ratios to make sure that you are maintaining correct staff/child ratios. Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center was out of compliance with enhanced staff/child ratios in the preschool age classroom during my visit today. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival and departure times of the children were not consistently documented and there were no arrival times documented for today during my visit today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. .0605(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two new staff did not have a Staff Medical Report on file that meets the requirement of this rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One new staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. .0701(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year old children present with one staff member upon my arrival to the center. I also observed 3-two year old children present in a room being care for with an Infant age 0-12 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Documentation for proof of review of the policy was not on file for 2 new staff members. .0608(d)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One new staff member hired 10-1-22 did not have this completed training on file. .1102(g) Technical Assistance was also provided on the below. *We discussed today that the entire center needs a good deep cleaning and re-organizing. We discussed that baseboards and walls had signs of wear and tear and dried food and spilled liquids need to be cleaned up. The floors were sticky and need to be deep cleaned. *There is a window blind broken in the preschool age classroom that needs to be repaired or replaced. *Chipping paint was observed in the window sills in the Infant/Toddler Room. Chipping paint is a potential choking hazard for the children. Due to the fact that your building was constructed in 1973, I will be contacting Environmental Health to come for an assessment to assure there is no lead based paint in the building so please do not sand down any of the chipping paint until you have received clearance from Environmental Health. *I observed notes from your last sanitation inspection that numerous items throughout the center were noted as being soiled and you were advised to increase your cleaning frequency. As of today’s visit, I do not see signs that this has been implemented. *We discussed today that the school age classroom appears that it has become a storage area of overflow from other classrooms. The centers in the classroom has boxes sitting in front of them and there were miscellaneous items just sitting around on surfaces in the classroom. Even though the school age children are just there mornings and afternoons, the classroom space still must be neat and organized. This classroom needs to be cleaned out and organized. *Your records and files need to be organized. Due to the fact that there is no designated office, it does pose obstacles for file organization. I suggest that you get a milk crate or some container that you can keep all records in so that they are in one place and easily accessible. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions regarding your report. Kim Wimberly PO BOX 609 Knightdale,NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/30/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 8/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Today’s visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Administrator. I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and the owner of the facility, Steps and Stages Children’s Center, LLC is listed as current-active as of 8-30-23. Program requirements The following items were observe posted: first aid poster, license, no smoking sign, summary of the law and emergency care plan. The indoor environment was monitored for safety and no items of non compliance were observed. Daily arrival and departure times of the children are documented on a Pro Care program. I did observe today that arrival and departure times were not consistently documented and arrival and departure times were missing for yesterday, 8-29-23. Ms. Cole stated they are working on different methods to assure that these times are documented as required. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was updated and observed posted in entrance area. All space used by the children were adequately heated and cooled. An incident log is stored in the hallway outside the Kitchen area due to the fact there is no designated office space for the Director. The last fire inspection conducted at the center was on 1-5-23. I reminded you to track fire inspection and that it must be completed no later than 1-5-24. The last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. Fire drills and EPR drills were current and on file. Staff Records: I monitored two new staff files who were hired since the last annual visit during my visit today. I observed that 1 staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file and 1 staff member had a generic physical report but it did not include all the required information. One staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. Two staff members did not have a signed statement on file documenting that the Shaken Baby Policy has been reviewed. One staff member hired on 10-1-22 has not completed the required Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training as of today’s date. Staff/Child Ratios and Supervision: During today's visit I observed the children finishing up breakfast. Supervision was observed being maintained. I did observe that in the Preschool classroom, there were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year olds with one staff member. Ms. Cole did arrive within 15 minutes of my arrival to assist with coverage of this classroom which was out of compliance with staff/child ratios. Due to the fact that enhanced staff/child ratios were out of compliance, permit restrictions were not being maintained as well. Please also remember that as stated in Child Care Rule .0713(5), “ …except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over.” Now that you have an Infant enrolled, you will need to move your two year old children to another classroom in order to meet this requirement. We discussed that when Ms. Cole is not present at the center on days like today, there is no additional coverage for the classrooms if staff/child ratios become an issue. Ms. Cole stated that one staff member is on extended medical leave and one was on leave just for today so she was short staffed but is waiting on criminal background qualifying letters for new staff that she has hired. I also observed that there was one Infant present who was observed sitting in a car seat carrier blocked off in the Infant/Toddler classroom. We discussed that Infants must be engaged in activities too and cannot be just placed in carriers away from the children. Ms. Cole stated that the staff member probably was worried because the 2 year old children were very active and we discussed that keep children engaged and on a routine will assist with bursts or running but the two year old children must be shifted to another classroom. Medications and Hazardous Products: The center does allow medication and diaper creams and ointments but as of today’s visit, Ms. Cole stated that as of today’s visit there were no children on diaper creams or medications. All hazardous products were either locked up or placed out of reach of the children. Eight items of non compliance regarding staff/child ratios, staff records, program records and permit restrictions were observed during my visit. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than September 13, 2023. Please remember to address each violation individually and include your facility name and ID number. You can e-mail or mail this correction letter to me to the address at the bottom of this report. I will also be conducting another unannounced visit in the future to monitor staff/child ratios to make sure that you are maintaining correct staff/child ratios. Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center was out of compliance with enhanced staff/child ratios in the preschool age classroom during my visit today. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival and departure times of the children were not consistently documented and there were no arrival times documented for today during my visit today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. .0605(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two new staff did not have a Staff Medical Report on file that meets the requirement of this rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One new staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. .0701(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year old children present with one staff member upon my arrival to the center. I also observed 3-two year old children present in a room being care for with an Infant age 0-12 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Documentation for proof of review of the policy was not on file for 2 new staff members. .0608(d)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One new staff member hired 10-1-22 did not have this completed training on file. .1102(g) Technical Assistance was also provided on the below. *We discussed today that the entire center needs a good deep cleaning and re-organizing. We discussed that baseboards and walls had signs of wear and tear and dried food and spilled liquids need to be cleaned up. The floors were sticky and need to be deep cleaned. *There is a window blind broken in the preschool age classroom that needs to be repaired or replaced. *Chipping paint was observed in the window sills in the Infant/Toddler Room. Chipping paint is a potential choking hazard for the children. Due to the fact that your building was constructed in 1973, I will be contacting Environmental Health to come for an assessment to assure there is no lead based paint in the building so please do not sand down any of the chipping paint until you have received clearance from Environmental Health. *I observed notes from your last sanitation inspection that numerous items throughout the center were noted as being soiled and you were advised to increase your cleaning frequency. As of today’s visit, I do not see signs that this has been implemented. *We discussed today that the school age classroom appears that it has become a storage area of overflow from other classrooms. The centers in the classroom has boxes sitting in front of them and there were miscellaneous items just sitting around on surfaces in the classroom. Even though the school age children are just there mornings and afternoons, the classroom space still must be neat and organized. This classroom needs to be cleaned out and organized. *Your records and files need to be organized. Due to the fact that there is no designated office, it does pose obstacles for file organization. I suggest that you get a milk crate or some container that you can keep all records in so that they are in one place and easily accessible. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions regarding your report. Kim Wimberly PO BOX 609 Knightdale,NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-106 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/30/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 8/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Today’s visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Administrator. I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and the owner of the facility, Steps and Stages Children’s Center, LLC is listed as current-active as of 8-30-23. Program requirements The following items were observe posted: first aid poster, license, no smoking sign, summary of the law and emergency care plan. The indoor environment was monitored for safety and no items of non compliance were observed. Daily arrival and departure times of the children are documented on a Pro Care program. I did observe today that arrival and departure times were not consistently documented and arrival and departure times were missing for yesterday, 8-29-23. Ms. Cole stated they are working on different methods to assure that these times are documented as required. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was updated and observed posted in entrance area. All space used by the children were adequately heated and cooled. An incident log is stored in the hallway outside the Kitchen area due to the fact there is no designated office space for the Director. The last fire inspection conducted at the center was on 1-5-23. I reminded you to track fire inspection and that it must be completed no later than 1-5-24. The last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. Fire drills and EPR drills were current and on file. Staff Records: I monitored two new staff files who were hired since the last annual visit during my visit today. I observed that 1 staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file and 1 staff member had a generic physical report but it did not include all the required information. One staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. Two staff members did not have a signed statement on file documenting that the Shaken Baby Policy has been reviewed. One staff member hired on 10-1-22 has not completed the required Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training as of today’s date. Staff/Child Ratios and Supervision: During today's visit I observed the children finishing up breakfast. Supervision was observed being maintained. I did observe that in the Preschool classroom, there were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year olds with one staff member. Ms. Cole did arrive within 15 minutes of my arrival to assist with coverage of this classroom which was out of compliance with staff/child ratios. Due to the fact that enhanced staff/child ratios were out of compliance, permit restrictions were not being maintained as well. Please also remember that as stated in Child Care Rule .0713(5), “ …except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over.” Now that you have an Infant enrolled, you will need to move your two year old children to another classroom in order to meet this requirement. We discussed that when Ms. Cole is not present at the center on days like today, there is no additional coverage for the classrooms if staff/child ratios become an issue. Ms. Cole stated that one staff member is on extended medical leave and one was on leave just for today so she was short staffed but is waiting on criminal background qualifying letters for new staff that she has hired. I also observed that there was one Infant present who was observed sitting in a car seat carrier blocked off in the Infant/Toddler classroom. We discussed that Infants must be engaged in activities too and cannot be just placed in carriers away from the children. Ms. Cole stated that the staff member probably was worried because the 2 year old children were very active and we discussed that keep children engaged and on a routine will assist with bursts or running but the two year old children must be shifted to another classroom. Medications and Hazardous Products: The center does allow medication and diaper creams and ointments but as of today’s visit, Ms. Cole stated that as of today’s visit there were no children on diaper creams or medications. All hazardous products were either locked up or placed out of reach of the children. Eight items of non compliance regarding staff/child ratios, staff records, program records and permit restrictions were observed during my visit. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than September 13, 2023. Please remember to address each violation individually and include your facility name and ID number. You can e-mail or mail this correction letter to me to the address at the bottom of this report. I will also be conducting another unannounced visit in the future to monitor staff/child ratios to make sure that you are maintaining correct staff/child ratios. Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center was out of compliance with enhanced staff/child ratios in the preschool age classroom during my visit today. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival and departure times of the children were not consistently documented and there were no arrival times documented for today during my visit today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. .0605(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two new staff did not have a Staff Medical Report on file that meets the requirement of this rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One new staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. .0701(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year old children present with one staff member upon my arrival to the center. I also observed 3-two year old children present in a room being care for with an Infant age 0-12 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Documentation for proof of review of the policy was not on file for 2 new staff members. .0608(d)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One new staff member hired 10-1-22 did not have this completed training on file. .1102(g) Technical Assistance was also provided on the below. *We discussed today that the entire center needs a good deep cleaning and re-organizing. We discussed that baseboards and walls had signs of wear and tear and dried food and spilled liquids need to be cleaned up. The floors were sticky and need to be deep cleaned. *There is a window blind broken in the preschool age classroom that needs to be repaired or replaced. *Chipping paint was observed in the window sills in the Infant/Toddler Room. Chipping paint is a potential choking hazard for the children. Due to the fact that your building was constructed in 1973, I will be contacting Environmental Health to come for an assessment to assure there is no lead based paint in the building so please do not sand down any of the chipping paint until you have received clearance from Environmental Health. *I observed notes from your last sanitation inspection that numerous items throughout the center were noted as being soiled and you were advised to increase your cleaning frequency. As of today’s visit, I do not see signs that this has been implemented. *We discussed today that the school age classroom appears that it has become a storage area of overflow from other classrooms. The centers in the classroom has boxes sitting in front of them and there were miscellaneous items just sitting around on surfaces in the classroom. Even though the school age children are just there mornings and afternoons, the classroom space still must be neat and organized. This classroom needs to be cleaned out and organized. *Your records and files need to be organized. Due to the fact that there is no designated office, it does pose obstacles for file organization. I suggest that you get a milk crate or some container that you can keep all records in so that they are in one place and easily accessible. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions regarding your report. Kim Wimberly PO BOX 609 Knightdale,NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@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: STEPS & STAGES CHILDREN'S CENTER Facility ID: 92003366 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/30/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 8/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Today’s visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Owner/Administrator. I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and the owner of the facility, Steps and Stages Children’s Center, LLC is listed as current-active as of 8-30-23. Program requirements The following items were observe posted: first aid poster, license, no smoking sign, summary of the law and emergency care plan. The indoor environment was monitored for safety and no items of non compliance were observed. Daily arrival and departure times of the children are documented on a Pro Care program. I did observe today that arrival and departure times were not consistently documented and arrival and departure times were missing for yesterday, 8-29-23. Ms. Cole stated they are working on different methods to assure that these times are documented as required. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was updated and observed posted in entrance area. All space used by the children were adequately heated and cooled. An incident log is stored in the hallway outside the Kitchen area due to the fact there is no designated office space for the Director. The last fire inspection conducted at the center was on 1-5-23. I reminded you to track fire inspection and that it must be completed no later than 1-5-24. The last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-7-23. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. Fire drills and EPR drills were current and on file. Staff Records: I monitored two new staff files who were hired since the last annual visit during my visit today. I observed that 1 staff member did not have a Staff Medical Report on file and 1 staff member had a generic physical report but it did not include all the required information. One staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. Two staff members did not have a signed statement on file documenting that the Shaken Baby Policy has been reviewed. One staff member hired on 10-1-22 has not completed the required Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training as of today’s date. Staff/Child Ratios and Supervision: During today's visit I observed the children finishing up breakfast. Supervision was observed being maintained. I did observe that in the Preschool classroom, there were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year olds with one staff member. Ms. Cole did arrive within 15 minutes of my arrival to assist with coverage of this classroom which was out of compliance with staff/child ratios. Due to the fact that enhanced staff/child ratios were out of compliance, permit restrictions were not being maintained as well. Please also remember that as stated in Child Care Rule .0713(5), “ …except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over.” Now that you have an Infant enrolled, you will need to move your two year old children to another classroom in order to meet this requirement. We discussed that when Ms. Cole is not present at the center on days like today, there is no additional coverage for the classrooms if staff/child ratios become an issue. Ms. Cole stated that one staff member is on extended medical leave and one was on leave just for today so she was short staffed but is waiting on criminal background qualifying letters for new staff that she has hired. I also observed that there was one Infant present who was observed sitting in a car seat carrier blocked off in the Infant/Toddler classroom. We discussed that Infants must be engaged in activities too and cannot be just placed in carriers away from the children. Ms. Cole stated that the staff member probably was worried because the 2 year old children were very active and we discussed that keep children engaged and on a routine will assist with bursts or running but the two year old children must be shifted to another classroom. Medications and Hazardous Products: The center does allow medication and diaper creams and ointments but as of today’s visit, Ms. Cole stated that as of today’s visit there were no children on diaper creams or medications. All hazardous products were either locked up or placed out of reach of the children. Eight items of non compliance regarding staff/child ratios, staff records, program records and permit restrictions were observed during my visit. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than September 13, 2023. Please remember to address each violation individually and include your facility name and ID number. You can e-mail or mail this correction letter to me to the address at the bottom of this report. I will also be conducting another unannounced visit in the future to monitor staff/child ratios to make sure that you are maintaining correct staff/child ratios. Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center was out of compliance with enhanced staff/child ratios in the preschool age classroom during my visit today. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival and departure times of the children were not consistently documented and there were no arrival times documented for today during my visit today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last documented outdoor playground inspection was June 2023. .0605(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Two new staff did not have a Staff Medical Report on file that meets the requirement of this rule. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One new staff member did not have Emergency Information on file. .0701(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. There were 3-two year olds, 6-three year olds and 2-five year old children present with one staff member upon my arrival to the center. I also observed 3-two year old children present in a room being care for with an Infant age 0-12 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Documentation for proof of review of the policy was not on file for 2 new staff members. .0608(d)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One new staff member hired 10-1-22 did not have this completed training on file. .1102(g) Technical Assistance was also provided on the below. *We discussed today that the entire center needs a good deep cleaning and re-organizing. We discussed that baseboards and walls had signs of wear and tear and dried food and spilled liquids need to be cleaned up. The floors were sticky and need to be deep cleaned. *There is a window blind broken in the preschool age classroom that needs to be repaired or replaced. *Chipping paint was observed in the window sills in the Infant/Toddler Room. Chipping paint is a potential choking hazard for the children. Due to the fact that your building was constructed in 1973, I will be contacting Environmental Health to come for an assessment to assure there is no lead based paint in the building so please do not sand down any of the chipping paint until you have received clearance from Environmental Health. *I observed notes from your last sanitation inspection that numerous items throughout the center were noted as being soiled and you were advised to increase your cleaning frequency. As of today’s visit, I do not see signs that this has been implemented. *We discussed today that the school age classroom appears that it has become a storage area of overflow from other classrooms. The centers in the classroom has boxes sitting in front of them and there were miscellaneous items just sitting around on surfaces in the classroom. Even though the school age children are just there mornings and afternoons, the classroom space still must be neat and organized. This classroom needs to be cleaned out and organized. *Your records and files need to be organized. Due to the fact that there is no designated office, it does pose obstacles for file organization. I suggest that you get a milk crate or some container that you can keep all records in so that they are in one place and easily accessible. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions regarding your report. Kim Wimberly PO BOX 609 Knightdale,NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@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