G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: AMY TENILLE LOWERY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-346A Visit Date: 12/3/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 12/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. During the visit, I met with Latavia Bullock, Administrator, and discussed the purpose of the visit. Ms. Bullock accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff member had a expired qualification letter. The staff member must have a valid qualifying letter on file by December 17, 2025, to eligible to work. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A written, dated, and signed letter of compliance must be submitted to me within one week, by December 10, 2025, describing how and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. The letter of compliance should be emailed to me at the information below. You may contact me at Tenille Lowery, Investigations Consultant, (910) 733-1129, tenille.lowery@dhhs.nc.gov, Fax: (919) 715-1013, or my supervisor, Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 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. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued April 8, 2025, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 45 children 0-12 years of age with no more than 30 toilet trained children; and meets enhanced ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Funny Daffer curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Academy Childcare Center LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office today October 2, 2025. A Superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was earned July 24, 2025, and a fire inspection was conducted September 17, 2025; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 90%. Owners T. Knight and M. Giggetts, and administrator, L. Bullock, were present and available for consultation today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use. Since my last visit you have removed a partial wall between space 2 and an unused office. Space 2 was remeasured today to include the newly added space. Space 2 has a capacity of 11 children at 25 square feet per child. Twelve children aged two to three years old are enrolled in space 2. The facility meets enhanced ratios. No more than nine children aged two to three years old may be present in the space with one caregiver. As we discussed today, when children need to exit the space for personal care routines, a second caregiver is needed to provide supervision to the children in the restroom or to the children in the classroom. Today space #1 was operating as one classroom. One infant and four toddlers were present with two caregivers. The infant was awake and cooing in a swing. One toddler was asleep on a cot. Two toddlers were at a table watching a tablet. One toddler was playing with age-appropriate toys and materials. Materials are kept in identifiable grouping including books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. An open area that allows freedom of movement was available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. Safe sleep documentation was reviewed and appeared to be completed in real time. Preschool children were observed during free play in their classrooms. Children were building and playing with animals in blocks, cooking and caring for baby dolls in dramatic play, shaking maracas and playing a triangle in music. One school age child was present in space 3 with one caregiver. They were working on multiplication tables. Spaces for preschool and school age children are arranged into activity areas to include but are not limited to art, blocks, dramatic play, music, cozy, science, and manipulatives, writing and language. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible in each activity area. Lunch posted today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing was completed May 7, 2025; no hazards were identified. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to completed all required health and safety trainings. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The lunch menu posted for today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk; substitutions were not noted on the menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In space 1, one-year-old children were sitting at a table watching cartoons and a tablet. .0510(f) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space 1, a box fan was on and sitting on a low table accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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. Five staff did not have a completed medical report on file prior to employment. 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. Eight staff did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Verification of completed orientation was not available for six staff. .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Two of the four children's files reviewed did not have a medical on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1801 The operator did not include the criminal history mandatory reporting requirement in all new employee orientation information. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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 facility has not completed the updates in the ABCMS system as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Four staff did not have a signed acknowledgement of the review of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. .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. Four staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Garner, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2234 Shallotte, NC 28459 910-824-1447 If you email the compliance letter, Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Record Keeping: Technical assistance and training was provided required documentation and file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Consider organizing staff and children’s files according to the file checklist found on the DCDEE website. This updated checklist reflects revised child care rules and lists deadlines for completion of certain documents. I suggest you use this checklist to review the file for new staff member to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. Ensure that dates of review of the Emergency Medical Care Plan and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan are documented at least annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Children’s records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Training and Technical assistance: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. We reviewed your current menu and the components required for each meal and snack. Today you had baked fish, roasted carrots and brown rice on your menu to be served for lunch. The facility does not currently have a working stove. Food may not be prepared in a non-commercially approved kitchen and brought to the facility. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. Food substitutions must be noted on each posted menu prior to being served. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks, please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Rated License Information Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted, on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, you participated in an in-person facility operator/administrator meeting in Columbus County where we discussed guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. • Today we discussed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. We reviewed the pathway options, discussed your facility needs, answered questions, and began creating an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on your pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring you have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of your facility. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 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. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued April 8, 2025, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 45 children 0-12 years of age with no more than 30 toilet trained children; and meets enhanced ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Funny Daffer curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Academy Childcare Center LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office today October 2, 2025. A Superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was earned July 24, 2025, and a fire inspection was conducted September 17, 2025; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 90%. Owners T. Knight and M. Giggetts, and administrator, L. Bullock, were present and available for consultation today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use. Since my last visit you have removed a partial wall between space 2 and an unused office. Space 2 was remeasured today to include the newly added space. Space 2 has a capacity of 11 children at 25 square feet per child. Twelve children aged two to three years old are enrolled in space 2. The facility meets enhanced ratios. No more than nine children aged two to three years old may be present in the space with one caregiver. As we discussed today, when children need to exit the space for personal care routines, a second caregiver is needed to provide supervision to the children in the restroom or to the children in the classroom. Today space #1 was operating as one classroom. One infant and four toddlers were present with two caregivers. The infant was awake and cooing in a swing. One toddler was asleep on a cot. Two toddlers were at a table watching a tablet. One toddler was playing with age-appropriate toys and materials. Materials are kept in identifiable grouping including books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. An open area that allows freedom of movement was available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. Safe sleep documentation was reviewed and appeared to be completed in real time. Preschool children were observed during free play in their classrooms. Children were building and playing with animals in blocks, cooking and caring for baby dolls in dramatic play, shaking maracas and playing a triangle in music. One school age child was present in space 3 with one caregiver. They were working on multiplication tables. Spaces for preschool and school age children are arranged into activity areas to include but are not limited to art, blocks, dramatic play, music, cozy, science, and manipulatives, writing and language. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible in each activity area. Lunch posted today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing was completed May 7, 2025; no hazards were identified. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to completed all required health and safety trainings. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The lunch menu posted for today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk; substitutions were not noted on the menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In space 1, one-year-old children were sitting at a table watching cartoons and a tablet. .0510(f) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space 1, a box fan was on and sitting on a low table accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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. Five staff did not have a completed medical report on file prior to employment. 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. Eight staff did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Verification of completed orientation was not available for six staff. .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Two of the four children's files reviewed did not have a medical on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1801 The operator did not include the criminal history mandatory reporting requirement in all new employee orientation information. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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 facility has not completed the updates in the ABCMS system as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Four staff did not have a signed acknowledgement of the review of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. .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. Four staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Garner, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2234 Shallotte, NC 28459 910-824-1447 If you email the compliance letter, Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Record Keeping: Technical assistance and training was provided required documentation and file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Consider organizing staff and children’s files according to the file checklist found on the DCDEE website. This updated checklist reflects revised child care rules and lists deadlines for completion of certain documents. I suggest you use this checklist to review the file for new staff member to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. Ensure that dates of review of the Emergency Medical Care Plan and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan are documented at least annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Children’s records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Training and Technical assistance: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. We reviewed your current menu and the components required for each meal and snack. Today you had baked fish, roasted carrots and brown rice on your menu to be served for lunch. The facility does not currently have a working stove. Food may not be prepared in a non-commercially approved kitchen and brought to the facility. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. Food substitutions must be noted on each posted menu prior to being served. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks, please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Rated License Information Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted, on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, you participated in an in-person facility operator/administrator meeting in Columbus County where we discussed guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. • Today we discussed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. We reviewed the pathway options, discussed your facility needs, answered questions, and began creating an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on your pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring you have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of your facility. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 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. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued April 8, 2025, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 45 children 0-12 years of age with no more than 30 toilet trained children; and meets enhanced ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Funny Daffer curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Academy Childcare Center LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office today October 2, 2025. A Superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was earned July 24, 2025, and a fire inspection was conducted September 17, 2025; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 90%. Owners T. Knight and M. Giggetts, and administrator, L. Bullock, were present and available for consultation today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use. Since my last visit you have removed a partial wall between space 2 and an unused office. Space 2 was remeasured today to include the newly added space. Space 2 has a capacity of 11 children at 25 square feet per child. Twelve children aged two to three years old are enrolled in space 2. The facility meets enhanced ratios. No more than nine children aged two to three years old may be present in the space with one caregiver. As we discussed today, when children need to exit the space for personal care routines, a second caregiver is needed to provide supervision to the children in the restroom or to the children in the classroom. Today space #1 was operating as one classroom. One infant and four toddlers were present with two caregivers. The infant was awake and cooing in a swing. One toddler was asleep on a cot. Two toddlers were at a table watching a tablet. One toddler was playing with age-appropriate toys and materials. Materials are kept in identifiable grouping including books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. An open area that allows freedom of movement was available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. Safe sleep documentation was reviewed and appeared to be completed in real time. Preschool children were observed during free play in their classrooms. Children were building and playing with animals in blocks, cooking and caring for baby dolls in dramatic play, shaking maracas and playing a triangle in music. One school age child was present in space 3 with one caregiver. They were working on multiplication tables. Spaces for preschool and school age children are arranged into activity areas to include but are not limited to art, blocks, dramatic play, music, cozy, science, and manipulatives, writing and language. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible in each activity area. Lunch posted today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing was completed May 7, 2025; no hazards were identified. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to completed all required health and safety trainings. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The lunch menu posted for today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk; substitutions were not noted on the menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In space 1, one-year-old children were sitting at a table watching cartoons and a tablet. .0510(f) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space 1, a box fan was on and sitting on a low table accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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. Five staff did not have a completed medical report on file prior to employment. 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. Eight staff did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Verification of completed orientation was not available for six staff. .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Two of the four children's files reviewed did not have a medical on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1801 The operator did not include the criminal history mandatory reporting requirement in all new employee orientation information. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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 facility has not completed the updates in the ABCMS system as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Four staff did not have a signed acknowledgement of the review of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. .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. Four staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Garner, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2234 Shallotte, NC 28459 910-824-1447 If you email the compliance letter, Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Record Keeping: Technical assistance and training was provided required documentation and file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Consider organizing staff and children’s files according to the file checklist found on the DCDEE website. This updated checklist reflects revised child care rules and lists deadlines for completion of certain documents. I suggest you use this checklist to review the file for new staff member to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. Ensure that dates of review of the Emergency Medical Care Plan and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan are documented at least annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Children’s records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Training and Technical assistance: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. We reviewed your current menu and the components required for each meal and snack. Today you had baked fish, roasted carrots and brown rice on your menu to be served for lunch. The facility does not currently have a working stove. Food may not be prepared in a non-commercially approved kitchen and brought to the facility. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. Food substitutions must be noted on each posted menu prior to being served. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks, please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Rated License Information Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted, on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, you participated in an in-person facility operator/administrator meeting in Columbus County where we discussed guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. • Today we discussed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. We reviewed the pathway options, discussed your facility needs, answered questions, and began creating an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on your pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring you have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of your facility. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 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. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued April 8, 2025, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 45 children 0-12 years of age with no more than 30 toilet trained children; and meets enhanced ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Funny Daffer curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Academy Childcare Center LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office today October 2, 2025. A Superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was earned July 24, 2025, and a fire inspection was conducted September 17, 2025; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 90%. Owners T. Knight and M. Giggetts, and administrator, L. Bullock, were present and available for consultation today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use. Since my last visit you have removed a partial wall between space 2 and an unused office. Space 2 was remeasured today to include the newly added space. Space 2 has a capacity of 11 children at 25 square feet per child. Twelve children aged two to three years old are enrolled in space 2. The facility meets enhanced ratios. No more than nine children aged two to three years old may be present in the space with one caregiver. As we discussed today, when children need to exit the space for personal care routines, a second caregiver is needed to provide supervision to the children in the restroom or to the children in the classroom. Today space #1 was operating as one classroom. One infant and four toddlers were present with two caregivers. The infant was awake and cooing in a swing. One toddler was asleep on a cot. Two toddlers were at a table watching a tablet. One toddler was playing with age-appropriate toys and materials. Materials are kept in identifiable grouping including books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. An open area that allows freedom of movement was available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. Safe sleep documentation was reviewed and appeared to be completed in real time. Preschool children were observed during free play in their classrooms. Children were building and playing with animals in blocks, cooking and caring for baby dolls in dramatic play, shaking maracas and playing a triangle in music. One school age child was present in space 3 with one caregiver. They were working on multiplication tables. Spaces for preschool and school age children are arranged into activity areas to include but are not limited to art, blocks, dramatic play, music, cozy, science, and manipulatives, writing and language. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible in each activity area. Lunch posted today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing was completed May 7, 2025; no hazards were identified. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to completed all required health and safety trainings. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The lunch menu posted for today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk; substitutions were not noted on the menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In space 1, one-year-old children were sitting at a table watching cartoons and a tablet. .0510(f) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space 1, a box fan was on and sitting on a low table accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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. Five staff did not have a completed medical report on file prior to employment. 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. Eight staff did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Verification of completed orientation was not available for six staff. .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Two of the four children's files reviewed did not have a medical on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1801 The operator did not include the criminal history mandatory reporting requirement in all new employee orientation information. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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 facility has not completed the updates in the ABCMS system as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Four staff did not have a signed acknowledgement of the review of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. .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. Four staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Garner, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2234 Shallotte, NC 28459 910-824-1447 If you email the compliance letter, Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Record Keeping: Technical assistance and training was provided required documentation and file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Consider organizing staff and children’s files according to the file checklist found on the DCDEE website. This updated checklist reflects revised child care rules and lists deadlines for completion of certain documents. I suggest you use this checklist to review the file for new staff member to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. Ensure that dates of review of the Emergency Medical Care Plan and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan are documented at least annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Children’s records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Training and Technical assistance: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. We reviewed your current menu and the components required for each meal and snack. Today you had baked fish, roasted carrots and brown rice on your menu to be served for lunch. The facility does not currently have a working stove. Food may not be prepared in a non-commercially approved kitchen and brought to the facility. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. Food substitutions must be noted on each posted menu prior to being served. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks, please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Rated License Information Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted, on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, you participated in an in-person facility operator/administrator meeting in Columbus County where we discussed guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. • Today we discussed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. We reviewed the pathway options, discussed your facility needs, answered questions, and began creating an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on your pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring you have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of your facility. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09.0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 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. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued April 8, 2025, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 45 children 0-12 years of age with no more than 30 toilet trained children; and meets enhanced ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Funny Daffer curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Academy Childcare Center LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office today October 2, 2025. A Superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was earned July 24, 2025, and a fire inspection was conducted September 17, 2025; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 90%. Owners T. Knight and M. Giggetts, and administrator, L. Bullock, were present and available for consultation today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use. Since my last visit you have removed a partial wall between space 2 and an unused office. Space 2 was remeasured today to include the newly added space. Space 2 has a capacity of 11 children at 25 square feet per child. Twelve children aged two to three years old are enrolled in space 2. The facility meets enhanced ratios. No more than nine children aged two to three years old may be present in the space with one caregiver. As we discussed today, when children need to exit the space for personal care routines, a second caregiver is needed to provide supervision to the children in the restroom or to the children in the classroom. Today space #1 was operating as one classroom. One infant and four toddlers were present with two caregivers. The infant was awake and cooing in a swing. One toddler was asleep on a cot. Two toddlers were at a table watching a tablet. One toddler was playing with age-appropriate toys and materials. Materials are kept in identifiable grouping including books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. An open area that allows freedom of movement was available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. Safe sleep documentation was reviewed and appeared to be completed in real time. Preschool children were observed during free play in their classrooms. Children were building and playing with animals in blocks, cooking and caring for baby dolls in dramatic play, shaking maracas and playing a triangle in music. One school age child was present in space 3 with one caregiver. They were working on multiplication tables. Spaces for preschool and school age children are arranged into activity areas to include but are not limited to art, blocks, dramatic play, music, cozy, science, and manipulatives, writing and language. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible in each activity area. Lunch posted today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing was completed May 7, 2025; no hazards were identified. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to completed all required health and safety trainings. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The lunch menu posted for today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk; substitutions were not noted on the menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In space 1, one-year-old children were sitting at a table watching cartoons and a tablet. .0510(f) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space 1, a box fan was on and sitting on a low table accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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. Five staff did not have a completed medical report on file prior to employment. 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. Eight staff did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Verification of completed orientation was not available for six staff. .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Two of the four children's files reviewed did not have a medical on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1801 The operator did not include the criminal history mandatory reporting requirement in all new employee orientation information. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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 facility has not completed the updates in the ABCMS system as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Four staff did not have a signed acknowledgement of the review of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. .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. Four staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Garner, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2234 Shallotte, NC 28459 910-824-1447 If you email the compliance letter, Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Record Keeping: Technical assistance and training was provided required documentation and file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Consider organizing staff and children’s files according to the file checklist found on the DCDEE website. This updated checklist reflects revised child care rules and lists deadlines for completion of certain documents. I suggest you use this checklist to review the file for new staff member to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. Ensure that dates of review of the Emergency Medical Care Plan and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan are documented at least annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Children’s records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Training and Technical assistance: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. We reviewed your current menu and the components required for each meal and snack. Today you had baked fish, roasted carrots and brown rice on your menu to be served for lunch. The facility does not currently have a working stove. Food may not be prepared in a non-commercially approved kitchen and brought to the facility. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. Food substitutions must be noted on each posted menu prior to being served. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks, please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Rated License Information Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted, on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, you participated in an in-person facility operator/administrator meeting in Columbus County where we discussed guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. • Today we discussed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. We reviewed the pathway options, discussed your facility needs, answered questions, and began creating an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on your pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring you have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of your facility. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 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. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued April 8, 2025, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 45 children 0-12 years of age with no more than 30 toilet trained children; and meets enhanced ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Funny Daffer curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Academy Childcare Center LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office today October 2, 2025. A Superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was earned July 24, 2025, and a fire inspection was conducted September 17, 2025; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 90%. Owners T. Knight and M. Giggetts, and administrator, L. Bullock, were present and available for consultation today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use. Since my last visit you have removed a partial wall between space 2 and an unused office. Space 2 was remeasured today to include the newly added space. Space 2 has a capacity of 11 children at 25 square feet per child. Twelve children aged two to three years old are enrolled in space 2. The facility meets enhanced ratios. No more than nine children aged two to three years old may be present in the space with one caregiver. As we discussed today, when children need to exit the space for personal care routines, a second caregiver is needed to provide supervision to the children in the restroom or to the children in the classroom. Today space #1 was operating as one classroom. One infant and four toddlers were present with two caregivers. The infant was awake and cooing in a swing. One toddler was asleep on a cot. Two toddlers were at a table watching a tablet. One toddler was playing with age-appropriate toys and materials. Materials are kept in identifiable grouping including books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. An open area that allows freedom of movement was available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. Safe sleep documentation was reviewed and appeared to be completed in real time. Preschool children were observed during free play in their classrooms. Children were building and playing with animals in blocks, cooking and caring for baby dolls in dramatic play, shaking maracas and playing a triangle in music. One school age child was present in space 3 with one caregiver. They were working on multiplication tables. Spaces for preschool and school age children are arranged into activity areas to include but are not limited to art, blocks, dramatic play, music, cozy, science, and manipulatives, writing and language. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible in each activity area. Lunch posted today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing was completed May 7, 2025; no hazards were identified. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to completed all required health and safety trainings. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The lunch menu posted for today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk; substitutions were not noted on the menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In space 1, one-year-old children were sitting at a table watching cartoons and a tablet. .0510(f) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space 1, a box fan was on and sitting on a low table accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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. Five staff did not have a completed medical report on file prior to employment. 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. Eight staff did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Verification of completed orientation was not available for six staff. .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Two of the four children's files reviewed did not have a medical on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1801 The operator did not include the criminal history mandatory reporting requirement in all new employee orientation information. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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 facility has not completed the updates in the ABCMS system as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Four staff did not have a signed acknowledgement of the review of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. .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. Four staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Garner, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2234 Shallotte, NC 28459 910-824-1447 If you email the compliance letter, Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Record Keeping: Technical assistance and training was provided required documentation and file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Consider organizing staff and children’s files according to the file checklist found on the DCDEE website. This updated checklist reflects revised child care rules and lists deadlines for completion of certain documents. I suggest you use this checklist to review the file for new staff member to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. Ensure that dates of review of the Emergency Medical Care Plan and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan are documented at least annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Children’s records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Training and Technical assistance: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. We reviewed your current menu and the components required for each meal and snack. Today you had baked fish, roasted carrots and brown rice on your menu to be served for lunch. The facility does not currently have a working stove. Food may not be prepared in a non-commercially approved kitchen and brought to the facility. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. Food substitutions must be noted on each posted menu prior to being served. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks, please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Rated License Information Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted, on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, you participated in an in-person facility operator/administrator meeting in Columbus County where we discussed guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. • Today we discussed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. We reviewed the pathway options, discussed your facility needs, answered questions, and began creating an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on your pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring you have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of your facility. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 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. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued April 8, 2025, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 45 children 0-12 years of age with no more than 30 toilet trained children; and meets enhanced ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Funny Daffer curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Academy Childcare Center LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office today October 2, 2025. A Superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was earned July 24, 2025, and a fire inspection was conducted September 17, 2025; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 90%. Owners T. Knight and M. Giggetts, and administrator, L. Bullock, were present and available for consultation today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use. Since my last visit you have removed a partial wall between space 2 and an unused office. Space 2 was remeasured today to include the newly added space. Space 2 has a capacity of 11 children at 25 square feet per child. Twelve children aged two to three years old are enrolled in space 2. The facility meets enhanced ratios. No more than nine children aged two to three years old may be present in the space with one caregiver. As we discussed today, when children need to exit the space for personal care routines, a second caregiver is needed to provide supervision to the children in the restroom or to the children in the classroom. Today space #1 was operating as one classroom. One infant and four toddlers were present with two caregivers. The infant was awake and cooing in a swing. One toddler was asleep on a cot. Two toddlers were at a table watching a tablet. One toddler was playing with age-appropriate toys and materials. Materials are kept in identifiable grouping including books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. An open area that allows freedom of movement was available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. Safe sleep documentation was reviewed and appeared to be completed in real time. Preschool children were observed during free play in their classrooms. Children were building and playing with animals in blocks, cooking and caring for baby dolls in dramatic play, shaking maracas and playing a triangle in music. One school age child was present in space 3 with one caregiver. They were working on multiplication tables. Spaces for preschool and school age children are arranged into activity areas to include but are not limited to art, blocks, dramatic play, music, cozy, science, and manipulatives, writing and language. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible in each activity area. Lunch posted today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing was completed May 7, 2025; no hazards were identified. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to completed all required health and safety trainings. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The lunch menu posted for today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk; substitutions were not noted on the menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In space 1, one-year-old children were sitting at a table watching cartoons and a tablet. .0510(f) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space 1, a box fan was on and sitting on a low table accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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. Five staff did not have a completed medical report on file prior to employment. 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. Eight staff did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Verification of completed orientation was not available for six staff. .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Two of the four children's files reviewed did not have a medical on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1801 The operator did not include the criminal history mandatory reporting requirement in all new employee orientation information. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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 facility has not completed the updates in the ABCMS system as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Four staff did not have a signed acknowledgement of the review of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. .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. Four staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Garner, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2234 Shallotte, NC 28459 910-824-1447 If you email the compliance letter, Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Record Keeping: Technical assistance and training was provided required documentation and file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Consider organizing staff and children’s files according to the file checklist found on the DCDEE website. This updated checklist reflects revised child care rules and lists deadlines for completion of certain documents. I suggest you use this checklist to review the file for new staff member to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. Ensure that dates of review of the Emergency Medical Care Plan and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan are documented at least annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Children’s records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Training and Technical assistance: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. We reviewed your current menu and the components required for each meal and snack. Today you had baked fish, roasted carrots and brown rice on your menu to be served for lunch. The facility does not currently have a working stove. Food may not be prepared in a non-commercially approved kitchen and brought to the facility. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. Food substitutions must be noted on each posted menu prior to being served. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks, please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Rated License Information Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted, on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, you participated in an in-person facility operator/administrator meeting in Columbus County where we discussed guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. • Today we discussed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. We reviewed the pathway options, discussed your facility needs, answered questions, and began creating an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on your pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring you have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of your facility. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:15 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. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued April 8, 2025, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 45 children 0-12 years of age with no more than 30 toilet trained children; and meets enhanced ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Funny Daffer curriculum. The status of the corporation which owns the facility, Academy Childcare Center LLC, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office today October 2, 2025. A Superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was earned July 24, 2025, and a fire inspection was conducted September 17, 2025; the facility was approved for day time and night time care. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 90%. Owners T. Knight and M. Giggetts, and administrator, L. Bullock, were present and available for consultation today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for use. Since my last visit you have removed a partial wall between space 2 and an unused office. Space 2 was remeasured today to include the newly added space. Space 2 has a capacity of 11 children at 25 square feet per child. Twelve children aged two to three years old are enrolled in space 2. The facility meets enhanced ratios. No more than nine children aged two to three years old may be present in the space with one caregiver. As we discussed today, when children need to exit the space for personal care routines, a second caregiver is needed to provide supervision to the children in the restroom or to the children in the classroom. Today space #1 was operating as one classroom. One infant and four toddlers were present with two caregivers. The infant was awake and cooing in a swing. One toddler was asleep on a cot. Two toddlers were at a table watching a tablet. One toddler was playing with age-appropriate toys and materials. Materials are kept in identifiable grouping including books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. An open area that allows freedom of movement was available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. Safe sleep documentation was reviewed and appeared to be completed in real time. Preschool children were observed during free play in their classrooms. Children were building and playing with animals in blocks, cooking and caring for baby dolls in dramatic play, shaking maracas and playing a triangle in music. One school age child was present in space 3 with one caregiver. They were working on multiplication tables. Spaces for preschool and school age children are arranged into activity areas to include but are not limited to art, blocks, dramatic play, music, cozy, science, and manipulatives, writing and language. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were accessible in each activity area. Lunch posted today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing was completed May 7, 2025; no hazards were identified. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. All new staff have one year from the date of employment to completed all required health and safety trainings. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The lunch menu posted for today was baked fish, roasted carrots, and brown rice. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk; substitutions were not noted on the menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In space 1, one-year-old children were sitting at a table watching cartoons and a tablet. .0510(f) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space 1, a box fan was on and sitting on a low table accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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. Five staff did not have a completed medical report on file prior to employment. 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. Eight staff did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Verification of completed orientation was not available for six staff. .1101(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Two of the four children's files reviewed did not have a medical on file. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) 1801 The operator did not include the criminal history mandatory reporting requirement in all new employee orientation information. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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 facility has not completed the updates in the ABCMS system as required. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 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. Four staff did not have a signed acknowledgement of the review of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file. .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. Four staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Garner, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2234 Shallotte, NC 28459 910-824-1447 If you email the compliance letter, Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Previously, written notification such as the “Change of Information” form was used, however the process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. You will need to complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Record Keeping: Technical assistance and training was provided required documentation and file organization. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Consider organizing staff and children’s files according to the file checklist found on the DCDEE website. This updated checklist reflects revised child care rules and lists deadlines for completion of certain documents. I suggest you use this checklist to review the file for new staff member to ensure all requirements are met by these deadlines. Please also update your Staff and Training Worksheet based on revisions made today and ensure you keep it updated as needed. This document should serve as a tracking tool for required paperwork and deadlines. Ensure that dates of review of the Emergency Medical Care Plan and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan are documented at least annually. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the Division’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Children’s records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Training and Technical assistance: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. We reviewed your current menu and the components required for each meal and snack. Today you had baked fish, roasted carrots and brown rice on your menu to be served for lunch. The facility does not currently have a working stove. Food may not be prepared in a non-commercially approved kitchen and brought to the facility. Lunch served today was peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cucumbers, celery, and milk. Food substitutions must be noted on each posted menu prior to being served. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks, please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Rated License Information Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: • You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and • If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted, on the QRIS Modernization page. • In September, you participated in an in-person facility operator/administrator meeting in Columbus County where we discussed guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. • Today we discussed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. We reviewed the pathway options, discussed your facility needs, answered questions, and began creating an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on your pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring you have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of your facility. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: AMY TENILLE LOWERY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-068A Visit Date: 9/8/2025 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 9/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 10:30 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. Tawana Knight, Owner/Administrator, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Knight. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Incident reports completed did not include all of the required information. .0802 (e) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. A current staff members file was not available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1328 Children's records were not made available for review. A child that is no longer enrolled at the facility no longer had a file for review. The child's enrollment was terminated less than one year from today's date. G.S. 110-91(9) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week September 15, 2025, you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at the information below. You may contact me at Tenille Lowery, Investigations Consultant, (910) 733-1129, tenille.lowery@dhhs.nc.gov, Fax: (919) 715-1013, Mail: 2201 Mail Services Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 or my supervisor, Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@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.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: AMY TENILLE LOWERY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-346A Visit Date: 7/1/2025 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 7/1/2025 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 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. I conducted a walk-through of the facility unaccompanied. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with three staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. During today's visit, school age children were being cared for in the lobby. The lobby is not approved space. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During the walk-through, one staff member was observed caring for eleven children ranging in age from two years old to four years old. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Upon my arrival at the facility, school age children could be seen through the door and no staff member was observed in the room with the children. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. On an unknown date in June 2025, screen time was offered to children under the age of three. .0510(f) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On an unknown date in June 2025, a staff member failed to treat a two-year-old child in an appropriate manner when the staff member yelled at the child several times, got in the child's face, and slammed her (staff member's) hand on the table multiple times in an intimidating way. G.S. 110-91(10) 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. On an unknown date in June 2025, a staff member hit a two-year-old child on the hand several times as a form of discipline. .1803(a)(1) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week July 8, 2025, you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at the information below. You may contact me at Tenille Lowery, Investigations Consultant, (910) 733-1129, tenille.lowery@dhhs.nc.gov, Fax: (919) 715-1013, Mail: 2201 Mail Services Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 or my supervisor, Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@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.

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: AMY TENILLE LOWERY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-346A Visit Date: 7/1/2025 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 7/1/2025 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 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. I conducted a walk-through of the facility unaccompanied. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with three staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. During today's visit, school age children were being cared for in the lobby. The lobby is not approved space. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During the walk-through, one staff member was observed caring for eleven children ranging in age from two years old to four years old. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Upon my arrival at the facility, school age children could be seen through the door and no staff member was observed in the room with the children. .1801(a)(1-5) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. On an unknown date in June 2025, screen time was offered to children under the age of three. .0510(f) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On an unknown date in June 2025, a staff member failed to treat a two-year-old child in an appropriate manner when the staff member yelled at the child several times, got in the child's face, and slammed her (staff member's) hand on the table multiple times in an intimidating way. G.S. 110-91(10) 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. On an unknown date in June 2025, a staff member hit a two-year-old child on the hand several times as a form of discipline. .1803(a)(1) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week July 8, 2025, you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at the information below. You may contact me at Tenille Lowery, Investigations Consultant, (910) 733-1129, tenille.lowery@dhhs.nc.gov, Fax: (919) 715-1013, Mail: 2201 Mail Services Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 or my supervisor, Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@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 .2829 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 01:20 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Other Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to discuss and review the transition of your Temporary License to a One Star License. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 89% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 25, 2025. Today you requested to add Saturdays to your days of operation. We also discussed adding additional shifts. You must submit written documentation from your local zoning department, Fire Marshall and environmental health specialist verifying approval of second and third shift care. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Three spaces are approved for use. Space 2 is currently used for naptime only and not used as a classroom. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with six infants and toddlers. Four children were present in space 1b without a caregiver. Children enrolled in space 3, were napping in space 2. The caregiver had stepped out of the room. All children present were observed napping/resting. Materials for infants and toddlers are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials were in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. Preschool spaces contained a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. One caregiver was present in space 1a with six children ages 0 to 1 years old and also supervising space 1b with 4 two-year-old children present. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) One violation was documented and corrected during the visit. A follow-up visit will be made to ensure continued compliance. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical assistance regarding violation sited: Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are in each group at all times. Today we reviewed staff/child ratios as well as supervision in a shared space. Each space must have its own caregiver. One caregiver may not supervise two spaces. If a staff needs to step out of a space, and they are counted in staff/child ratios, a substitute caregiver must step in to relieve them. RATED LICENSE: Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". The facility declined the environment rating scales. Materials for infants and toddlers are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The center follows enhanced ratios as outlined below. Age Ratio Staff/Children Maximum Group Size 0 to 12 Months 1/5 10 1 to 2 Years 1/6 12 2 to 3 Years 1/9 18 3 to 4 Years 1/10 20 4 to 5 Years 1/13 25 5 to 6 Years 1/15 25 6 Years and Older 1/20 25 To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 3.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: Today we reviewed the education of currently employed staff and an administrator who is scheduled to begin employment on April 1, 2025. You will need to submit employment verification on April 1, 2025, for her education to be considered. Below is the breakdown of education based on currently employed staff. Administrator: The administrator has created a WORKS account, however, has not submitted official transcripts. She earns 1 point. Lead Teachers: Three lead teachers are needed. All lead teachers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Fifty percent of lead teachers have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials and a minimum of 27 semester hours in early childhood education. As all lead teachers do not have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials they earn 2 points. ****additional points may be earned by all lead teachers completed the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Today you are researching the Early Learning Matters Curriculum and are considering implementing that as part of your program. The facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for total of 4 points which would be a 2 star license. The facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Subsidy Program at the expiration of their Temporary License as they did not earn a minimum of 3 Stars. With the new administrator and classroom staff starting next week the facility is hoping to earn a minimum of 5 points in education. Your license will be processed on April 2, 2025. For new staff to be considered, I must receive verification of their employment (example time card) no later than 5:00pm on April 1, 2025. You may reapply at anytime. Participation in the 2-5 star rated license is voluntary. To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 01:20 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Other Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to discuss and review the transition of your Temporary License to a One Star License. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 89% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 25, 2025. Today you requested to add Saturdays to your days of operation. We also discussed adding additional shifts. You must submit written documentation from your local zoning department, Fire Marshall and environmental health specialist verifying approval of second and third shift care. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Three spaces are approved for use. Space 2 is currently used for naptime only and not used as a classroom. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with six infants and toddlers. Four children were present in space 1b without a caregiver. Children enrolled in space 3, were napping in space 2. The caregiver had stepped out of the room. All children present were observed napping/resting. Materials for infants and toddlers are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials were in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. Preschool spaces contained a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. One caregiver was present in space 1a with six children ages 0 to 1 years old and also supervising space 1b with 4 two-year-old children present. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) One violation was documented and corrected during the visit. A follow-up visit will be made to ensure continued compliance. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical assistance regarding violation sited: Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are in each group at all times. Today we reviewed staff/child ratios as well as supervision in a shared space. Each space must have its own caregiver. One caregiver may not supervise two spaces. If a staff needs to step out of a space, and they are counted in staff/child ratios, a substitute caregiver must step in to relieve them. RATED LICENSE: Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". The facility declined the environment rating scales. Materials for infants and toddlers are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The center follows enhanced ratios as outlined below. Age Ratio Staff/Children Maximum Group Size 0 to 12 Months 1/5 10 1 to 2 Years 1/6 12 2 to 3 Years 1/9 18 3 to 4 Years 1/10 20 4 to 5 Years 1/13 25 5 to 6 Years 1/15 25 6 Years and Older 1/20 25 To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 3.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: Today we reviewed the education of currently employed staff and an administrator who is scheduled to begin employment on April 1, 2025. You will need to submit employment verification on April 1, 2025, for her education to be considered. Below is the breakdown of education based on currently employed staff. Administrator: The administrator has created a WORKS account, however, has not submitted official transcripts. She earns 1 point. Lead Teachers: Three lead teachers are needed. All lead teachers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Fifty percent of lead teachers have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials and a minimum of 27 semester hours in early childhood education. As all lead teachers do not have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials they earn 2 points. ****additional points may be earned by all lead teachers completed the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Today you are researching the Early Learning Matters Curriculum and are considering implementing that as part of your program. The facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for total of 4 points which would be a 2 star license. The facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Subsidy Program at the expiration of their Temporary License as they did not earn a minimum of 3 Stars. With the new administrator and classroom staff starting next week the facility is hoping to earn a minimum of 5 points in education. Your license will be processed on April 2, 2025. For new staff to be considered, I must receive verification of their employment (example time card) no later than 5:00pm on April 1, 2025. You may reapply at anytime. Participation in the 2-5 star rated license is voluntary. To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 01:20 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Other Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to discuss and review the transition of your Temporary License to a One Star License. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 89% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 25, 2025. Today you requested to add Saturdays to your days of operation. We also discussed adding additional shifts. You must submit written documentation from your local zoning department, Fire Marshall and environmental health specialist verifying approval of second and third shift care. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Three spaces are approved for use. Space 2 is currently used for naptime only and not used as a classroom. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with six infants and toddlers. Four children were present in space 1b without a caregiver. Children enrolled in space 3, were napping in space 2. The caregiver had stepped out of the room. All children present were observed napping/resting. Materials for infants and toddlers are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials were in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. Preschool spaces contained a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. One caregiver was present in space 1a with six children ages 0 to 1 years old and also supervising space 1b with 4 two-year-old children present. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) One violation was documented and corrected during the visit. A follow-up visit will be made to ensure continued compliance. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical assistance regarding violation sited: Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are in each group at all times. Today we reviewed staff/child ratios as well as supervision in a shared space. Each space must have its own caregiver. One caregiver may not supervise two spaces. If a staff needs to step out of a space, and they are counted in staff/child ratios, a substitute caregiver must step in to relieve them. RATED LICENSE: Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". The facility declined the environment rating scales. Materials for infants and toddlers are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The center follows enhanced ratios as outlined below. Age Ratio Staff/Children Maximum Group Size 0 to 12 Months 1/5 10 1 to 2 Years 1/6 12 2 to 3 Years 1/9 18 3 to 4 Years 1/10 20 4 to 5 Years 1/13 25 5 to 6 Years 1/15 25 6 Years and Older 1/20 25 To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 3.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: Today we reviewed the education of currently employed staff and an administrator who is scheduled to begin employment on April 1, 2025. You will need to submit employment verification on April 1, 2025, for her education to be considered. Below is the breakdown of education based on currently employed staff. Administrator: The administrator has created a WORKS account, however, has not submitted official transcripts. She earns 1 point. Lead Teachers: Three lead teachers are needed. All lead teachers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Fifty percent of lead teachers have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials and a minimum of 27 semester hours in early childhood education. As all lead teachers do not have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials they earn 2 points. ****additional points may be earned by all lead teachers completed the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Today you are researching the Early Learning Matters Curriculum and are considering implementing that as part of your program. The facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for total of 4 points which would be a 2 star license. The facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Subsidy Program at the expiration of their Temporary License as they did not earn a minimum of 3 Stars. With the new administrator and classroom staff starting next week the facility is hoping to earn a minimum of 5 points in education. Your license will be processed on April 2, 2025. For new staff to be considered, I must receive verification of their employment (example time card) no later than 5:00pm on April 1, 2025. You may reapply at anytime. Participation in the 2-5 star rated license is voluntary. To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 01:20 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Other Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and to discuss and review the transition of your Temporary License to a One Star License. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 89% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 25, 2025. Today you requested to add Saturdays to your days of operation. We also discussed adding additional shifts. You must submit written documentation from your local zoning department, Fire Marshall and environmental health specialist verifying approval of second and third shift care. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Three spaces are approved for use. Space 2 is currently used for naptime only and not used as a classroom. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with six infants and toddlers. Four children were present in space 1b without a caregiver. Children enrolled in space 3, were napping in space 2. The caregiver had stepped out of the room. All children present were observed napping/resting. Materials for infants and toddlers are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials were in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. Preschool spaces contained a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. One caregiver was present in space 1a with six children ages 0 to 1 years old and also supervising space 1b with 4 two-year-old children present. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) One violation was documented and corrected during the visit. A follow-up visit will be made to ensure continued compliance. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical assistance regarding violation sited: Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are in each group at all times. Today we reviewed staff/child ratios as well as supervision in a shared space. Each space must have its own caregiver. One caregiver may not supervise two spaces. If a staff needs to step out of a space, and they are counted in staff/child ratios, a substitute caregiver must step in to relieve them. RATED LICENSE: Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". The facility declined the environment rating scales. Materials for infants and toddlers are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. The center follows enhanced ratios as outlined below. Age Ratio Staff/Children Maximum Group Size 0 to 12 Months 1/5 10 1 to 2 Years 1/6 12 2 to 3 Years 1/9 18 3 to 4 Years 1/10 20 4 to 5 Years 1/13 25 5 to 6 Years 1/15 25 6 Years and Older 1/20 25 To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 3.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: Today we reviewed the education of currently employed staff and an administrator who is scheduled to begin employment on April 1, 2025. You will need to submit employment verification on April 1, 2025, for her education to be considered. Below is the breakdown of education based on currently employed staff. Administrator: The administrator has created a WORKS account, however, has not submitted official transcripts. She earns 1 point. Lead Teachers: Three lead teachers are needed. All lead teachers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Fifty percent of lead teachers have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials and a minimum of 27 semester hours in early childhood education. As all lead teachers do not have the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials they earn 2 points. ****additional points may be earned by all lead teachers completed the North Carolina Early Childhood Credentials. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Today you are researching the Early Learning Matters Curriculum and are considering implementing that as part of your program. The facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for total of 4 points which would be a 2 star license. The facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Subsidy Program at the expiration of their Temporary License as they did not earn a minimum of 3 Stars. With the new administrator and classroom staff starting next week the facility is hoping to earn a minimum of 5 points in education. Your license will be processed on April 2, 2025. For new staff to be considered, I must receive verification of their employment (example time card) no later than 5:00pm on April 1, 2025. You may reapply at anytime. Participation in the 2-5 star rated license is voluntary. To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for your third temporary visit. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 3, 2025. Your last fire drill recorded was January 20, 2025. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with two sleeping infants. Prepared bottles were stored on a shelf along with soy milk. There is a refrigerator in the space, however the bottles and milk were not refrigerated. Several bottles were not labeled nor dated. Owner T. Knight moved the bottles and the milk to the refrigerator in the facility kitchen. Safe sleep documentation had not been completed. Toddlers enrolled in space 1a were outside on the fenced in playground along with children enrolled in space 1b. Ten children ages one to three years old were outside on the fenced in playground with two caregivers. The children were kicking balls and playing inside the house and large caterpillar. The Activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 504 Perishable foods were not stored to protect against spoilage. In space 1a, prepared infant bottles and soy milk were stored on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator. 15A NCAC 18A .2806 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Bottles were not labeled and dated with the child's name and the current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 606 Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Paper towels were not available at the food prep sink nor hand washing sink in space 1a. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) 804 There was not a sufficient supply of clean linen on hand. Several children napped on cots with no linens. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(c) 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. Written verification of visually checking on sleeping infants was not available for review. .0606(g) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff did not have an application on file. .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. Verification of a preemployment physical was not on file for three staff. 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. Verification of one staff's negative TB test prior to employment was not 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. Four staff did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Accurate records were not maintained for the three children's files reviewed. G.S. 110-91(9) 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. Two staff did not have verification that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them prior to providing care. .0608(d)(1-4) On or before March 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Today you repeatedly said “I didn’t know…” when it came to child care requirements. I emailed you the link to the Center Item Number Listing. I think this is a very user friendly, condensed version of Child Care Requirements. You can review it by section/category to help you better understand the requirements. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Today we discussed using the staff file checklist and the children’s file checklist to ensure all files contain all the required information within the required time frames. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Medical and TB: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Activity Plans: Activity plans should be current and relevant. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. Safe Sleep: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. RATED LICENSE: As we have discussed in detail, your 2-5 star rated license application is comprised of two components (Program and Education). Facilities are eligible to earn up to 7 points in each component and 1 quality point for a total of up to 15 points. If your rated license was issued today, your facility would earn a 2 star license, and would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program. Points would be awarded as follows: 1 point in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 3 points which is a 1 star license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two point in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 4.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: According to the WORKS portal, you have not yet created your WORKS account. You will earn one point in education. Ms. Weir has not requested an evaluation as an administrator; she will earn one point as an administrator. (To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care.) Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 21, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. During the visit on January 8, 2025 you felt the program would choose to meet the requirements for a Quality Point in the educational option for all staff completing an additional 20 hours of annual on-going training hours. (If a staff member currently needs 10 hours of annual on-going training, they will now need 30 hours annually which must be completed prior to the expiration of your temporary license.) To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). If your license were issued today, your facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 4 points which is a Two Star License. If your license were issued today, your facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the subsidy program. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Potential Change of ownership: You emailed me a copy of your notarized Change of Ownership form Thursday February 27, 2025. I received the original today. You anticipate the change of ownership being completed on March 31, 2025. You are selling the business to your partner Michael Giggetts. Prior to March 20, 2025 Mr. Giggetts will need to submit an application, his CPR and First Aid (less than 12 months old), negative TB test and physical (less than 12 month old). Prior to March 31, 2025 appropriate appendices, preservice for administrator form, legal designee, facility policy handbook and new lease agreement. Technical Assistance: Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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 .0806 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for your third temporary visit. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 3, 2025. Your last fire drill recorded was January 20, 2025. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with two sleeping infants. Prepared bottles were stored on a shelf along with soy milk. There is a refrigerator in the space, however the bottles and milk were not refrigerated. Several bottles were not labeled nor dated. Owner T. Knight moved the bottles and the milk to the refrigerator in the facility kitchen. Safe sleep documentation had not been completed. Toddlers enrolled in space 1a were outside on the fenced in playground along with children enrolled in space 1b. Ten children ages one to three years old were outside on the fenced in playground with two caregivers. The children were kicking balls and playing inside the house and large caterpillar. The Activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 504 Perishable foods were not stored to protect against spoilage. In space 1a, prepared infant bottles and soy milk were stored on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator. 15A NCAC 18A .2806 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Bottles were not labeled and dated with the child's name and the current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 606 Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Paper towels were not available at the food prep sink nor hand washing sink in space 1a. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) 804 There was not a sufficient supply of clean linen on hand. Several children napped on cots with no linens. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(c) 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. Written verification of visually checking on sleeping infants was not available for review. .0606(g) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff did not have an application on file. .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. Verification of a preemployment physical was not on file for three staff. 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. Verification of one staff's negative TB test prior to employment was not 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. Four staff did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Accurate records were not maintained for the three children's files reviewed. G.S. 110-91(9) 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. Two staff did not have verification that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them prior to providing care. .0608(d)(1-4) On or before March 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Today you repeatedly said “I didn’t know…” when it came to child care requirements. I emailed you the link to the Center Item Number Listing. I think this is a very user friendly, condensed version of Child Care Requirements. You can review it by section/category to help you better understand the requirements. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Today we discussed using the staff file checklist and the children’s file checklist to ensure all files contain all the required information within the required time frames. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Medical and TB: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Activity Plans: Activity plans should be current and relevant. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. Safe Sleep: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. RATED LICENSE: As we have discussed in detail, your 2-5 star rated license application is comprised of two components (Program and Education). Facilities are eligible to earn up to 7 points in each component and 1 quality point for a total of up to 15 points. If your rated license was issued today, your facility would earn a 2 star license, and would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program. Points would be awarded as follows: 1 point in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 3 points which is a 1 star license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two point in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 4.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: According to the WORKS portal, you have not yet created your WORKS account. You will earn one point in education. Ms. Weir has not requested an evaluation as an administrator; she will earn one point as an administrator. (To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care.) Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 21, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. During the visit on January 8, 2025 you felt the program would choose to meet the requirements for a Quality Point in the educational option for all staff completing an additional 20 hours of annual on-going training hours. (If a staff member currently needs 10 hours of annual on-going training, they will now need 30 hours annually which must be completed prior to the expiration of your temporary license.) To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). If your license were issued today, your facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 4 points which is a Two Star License. If your license were issued today, your facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the subsidy program. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Potential Change of ownership: You emailed me a copy of your notarized Change of Ownership form Thursday February 27, 2025. I received the original today. You anticipate the change of ownership being completed on March 31, 2025. You are selling the business to your partner Michael Giggetts. Prior to March 20, 2025 Mr. Giggetts will need to submit an application, his CPR and First Aid (less than 12 months old), negative TB test and physical (less than 12 month old). Prior to March 31, 2025 appropriate appendices, preservice for administrator form, legal designee, facility policy handbook and new lease agreement. Technical Assistance: Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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 .2829 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for your third temporary visit. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 3, 2025. Your last fire drill recorded was January 20, 2025. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with two sleeping infants. Prepared bottles were stored on a shelf along with soy milk. There is a refrigerator in the space, however the bottles and milk were not refrigerated. Several bottles were not labeled nor dated. Owner T. Knight moved the bottles and the milk to the refrigerator in the facility kitchen. Safe sleep documentation had not been completed. Toddlers enrolled in space 1a were outside on the fenced in playground along with children enrolled in space 1b. Ten children ages one to three years old were outside on the fenced in playground with two caregivers. The children were kicking balls and playing inside the house and large caterpillar. The Activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 504 Perishable foods were not stored to protect against spoilage. In space 1a, prepared infant bottles and soy milk were stored on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator. 15A NCAC 18A .2806 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Bottles were not labeled and dated with the child's name and the current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 606 Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Paper towels were not available at the food prep sink nor hand washing sink in space 1a. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) 804 There was not a sufficient supply of clean linen on hand. Several children napped on cots with no linens. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(c) 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. Written verification of visually checking on sleeping infants was not available for review. .0606(g) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff did not have an application on file. .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. Verification of a preemployment physical was not on file for three staff. 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. Verification of one staff's negative TB test prior to employment was not 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. Four staff did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Accurate records were not maintained for the three children's files reviewed. G.S. 110-91(9) 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. Two staff did not have verification that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them prior to providing care. .0608(d)(1-4) On or before March 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Today you repeatedly said “I didn’t know…” when it came to child care requirements. I emailed you the link to the Center Item Number Listing. I think this is a very user friendly, condensed version of Child Care Requirements. You can review it by section/category to help you better understand the requirements. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Today we discussed using the staff file checklist and the children’s file checklist to ensure all files contain all the required information within the required time frames. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Medical and TB: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Activity Plans: Activity plans should be current and relevant. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. Safe Sleep: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. RATED LICENSE: As we have discussed in detail, your 2-5 star rated license application is comprised of two components (Program and Education). Facilities are eligible to earn up to 7 points in each component and 1 quality point for a total of up to 15 points. If your rated license was issued today, your facility would earn a 2 star license, and would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program. Points would be awarded as follows: 1 point in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 3 points which is a 1 star license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two point in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 4.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: According to the WORKS portal, you have not yet created your WORKS account. You will earn one point in education. Ms. Weir has not requested an evaluation as an administrator; she will earn one point as an administrator. (To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care.) Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 21, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. During the visit on January 8, 2025 you felt the program would choose to meet the requirements for a Quality Point in the educational option for all staff completing an additional 20 hours of annual on-going training hours. (If a staff member currently needs 10 hours of annual on-going training, they will now need 30 hours annually which must be completed prior to the expiration of your temporary license.) To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). If your license were issued today, your facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 4 points which is a Two Star License. If your license were issued today, your facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the subsidy program. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Potential Change of ownership: You emailed me a copy of your notarized Change of Ownership form Thursday February 27, 2025. I received the original today. You anticipate the change of ownership being completed on March 31, 2025. You are selling the business to your partner Michael Giggetts. Prior to March 20, 2025 Mr. Giggetts will need to submit an application, his CPR and First Aid (less than 12 months old), negative TB test and physical (less than 12 month old). Prior to March 31, 2025 appropriate appendices, preservice for administrator form, legal designee, facility policy handbook and new lease agreement. Technical Assistance: Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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 09.1724 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for your third temporary visit. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 3, 2025. Your last fire drill recorded was January 20, 2025. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with two sleeping infants. Prepared bottles were stored on a shelf along with soy milk. There is a refrigerator in the space, however the bottles and milk were not refrigerated. Several bottles were not labeled nor dated. Owner T. Knight moved the bottles and the milk to the refrigerator in the facility kitchen. Safe sleep documentation had not been completed. Toddlers enrolled in space 1a were outside on the fenced in playground along with children enrolled in space 1b. Ten children ages one to three years old were outside on the fenced in playground with two caregivers. The children were kicking balls and playing inside the house and large caterpillar. The Activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 504 Perishable foods were not stored to protect against spoilage. In space 1a, prepared infant bottles and soy milk were stored on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator. 15A NCAC 18A .2806 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Bottles were not labeled and dated with the child's name and the current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 606 Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Paper towels were not available at the food prep sink nor hand washing sink in space 1a. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) 804 There was not a sufficient supply of clean linen on hand. Several children napped on cots with no linens. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(c) 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. Written verification of visually checking on sleeping infants was not available for review. .0606(g) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff did not have an application on file. .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. Verification of a preemployment physical was not on file for three staff. 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. Verification of one staff's negative TB test prior to employment was not 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. Four staff did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Accurate records were not maintained for the three children's files reviewed. G.S. 110-91(9) 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. Two staff did not have verification that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them prior to providing care. .0608(d)(1-4) On or before March 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Today you repeatedly said “I didn’t know…” when it came to child care requirements. I emailed you the link to the Center Item Number Listing. I think this is a very user friendly, condensed version of Child Care Requirements. You can review it by section/category to help you better understand the requirements. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Today we discussed using the staff file checklist and the children’s file checklist to ensure all files contain all the required information within the required time frames. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Medical and TB: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Activity Plans: Activity plans should be current and relevant. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. Safe Sleep: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. RATED LICENSE: As we have discussed in detail, your 2-5 star rated license application is comprised of two components (Program and Education). Facilities are eligible to earn up to 7 points in each component and 1 quality point for a total of up to 15 points. If your rated license was issued today, your facility would earn a 2 star license, and would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program. Points would be awarded as follows: 1 point in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 3 points which is a 1 star license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two point in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 4.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: According to the WORKS portal, you have not yet created your WORKS account. You will earn one point in education. Ms. Weir has not requested an evaluation as an administrator; she will earn one point as an administrator. (To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care.) Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 21, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. During the visit on January 8, 2025 you felt the program would choose to meet the requirements for a Quality Point in the educational option for all staff completing an additional 20 hours of annual on-going training hours. (If a staff member currently needs 10 hours of annual on-going training, they will now need 30 hours annually which must be completed prior to the expiration of your temporary license.) To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). If your license were issued today, your facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 4 points which is a Two Star License. If your license were issued today, your facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the subsidy program. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Potential Change of ownership: You emailed me a copy of your notarized Change of Ownership form Thursday February 27, 2025. I received the original today. You anticipate the change of ownership being completed on March 31, 2025. You are selling the business to your partner Michael Giggetts. Prior to March 20, 2025 Mr. Giggetts will need to submit an application, his CPR and First Aid (less than 12 months old), negative TB test and physical (less than 12 month old). Prior to March 31, 2025 appropriate appendices, preservice for administrator form, legal designee, facility policy handbook and new lease agreement. Technical Assistance: Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for your third temporary visit. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 3, 2025. Your last fire drill recorded was January 20, 2025. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with two sleeping infants. Prepared bottles were stored on a shelf along with soy milk. There is a refrigerator in the space, however the bottles and milk were not refrigerated. Several bottles were not labeled nor dated. Owner T. Knight moved the bottles and the milk to the refrigerator in the facility kitchen. Safe sleep documentation had not been completed. Toddlers enrolled in space 1a were outside on the fenced in playground along with children enrolled in space 1b. Ten children ages one to three years old were outside on the fenced in playground with two caregivers. The children were kicking balls and playing inside the house and large caterpillar. The Activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 504 Perishable foods were not stored to protect against spoilage. In space 1a, prepared infant bottles and soy milk were stored on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator. 15A NCAC 18A .2806 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Bottles were not labeled and dated with the child's name and the current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 606 Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Paper towels were not available at the food prep sink nor hand washing sink in space 1a. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) 804 There was not a sufficient supply of clean linen on hand. Several children napped on cots with no linens. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(c) 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. Written verification of visually checking on sleeping infants was not available for review. .0606(g) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff did not have an application on file. .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. Verification of a preemployment physical was not on file for three staff. 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. Verification of one staff's negative TB test prior to employment was not 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. Four staff did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Accurate records were not maintained for the three children's files reviewed. G.S. 110-91(9) 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. Two staff did not have verification that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them prior to providing care. .0608(d)(1-4) On or before March 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Today you repeatedly said “I didn’t know…” when it came to child care requirements. I emailed you the link to the Center Item Number Listing. I think this is a very user friendly, condensed version of Child Care Requirements. You can review it by section/category to help you better understand the requirements. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Today we discussed using the staff file checklist and the children’s file checklist to ensure all files contain all the required information within the required time frames. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Medical and TB: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Activity Plans: Activity plans should be current and relevant. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. Safe Sleep: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. RATED LICENSE: As we have discussed in detail, your 2-5 star rated license application is comprised of two components (Program and Education). Facilities are eligible to earn up to 7 points in each component and 1 quality point for a total of up to 15 points. If your rated license was issued today, your facility would earn a 2 star license, and would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program. Points would be awarded as follows: 1 point in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 3 points which is a 1 star license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two point in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 4.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: According to the WORKS portal, you have not yet created your WORKS account. You will earn one point in education. Ms. Weir has not requested an evaluation as an administrator; she will earn one point as an administrator. (To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care.) Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 21, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. During the visit on January 8, 2025 you felt the program would choose to meet the requirements for a Quality Point in the educational option for all staff completing an additional 20 hours of annual on-going training hours. (If a staff member currently needs 10 hours of annual on-going training, they will now need 30 hours annually which must be completed prior to the expiration of your temporary license.) To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). If your license were issued today, your facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 4 points which is a Two Star License. If your license were issued today, your facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the subsidy program. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Potential Change of ownership: You emailed me a copy of your notarized Change of Ownership form Thursday February 27, 2025. I received the original today. You anticipate the change of ownership being completed on March 31, 2025. You are selling the business to your partner Michael Giggetts. Prior to March 20, 2025 Mr. Giggetts will need to submit an application, his CPR and First Aid (less than 12 months old), negative TB test and physical (less than 12 month old). Prior to March 31, 2025 appropriate appendices, preservice for administrator form, legal designee, facility policy handbook and new lease agreement. Technical Assistance: Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for your third temporary visit. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 3, 2025. Your last fire drill recorded was January 20, 2025. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with two sleeping infants. Prepared bottles were stored on a shelf along with soy milk. There is a refrigerator in the space, however the bottles and milk were not refrigerated. Several bottles were not labeled nor dated. Owner T. Knight moved the bottles and the milk to the refrigerator in the facility kitchen. Safe sleep documentation had not been completed. Toddlers enrolled in space 1a were outside on the fenced in playground along with children enrolled in space 1b. Ten children ages one to three years old were outside on the fenced in playground with two caregivers. The children were kicking balls and playing inside the house and large caterpillar. The Activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 504 Perishable foods were not stored to protect against spoilage. In space 1a, prepared infant bottles and soy milk were stored on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator. 15A NCAC 18A .2806 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Bottles were not labeled and dated with the child's name and the current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 606 Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Paper towels were not available at the food prep sink nor hand washing sink in space 1a. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) 804 There was not a sufficient supply of clean linen on hand. Several children napped on cots with no linens. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(c) 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. Written verification of visually checking on sleeping infants was not available for review. .0606(g) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff did not have an application on file. .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. Verification of a preemployment physical was not on file for three staff. 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. Verification of one staff's negative TB test prior to employment was not 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. Four staff did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Accurate records were not maintained for the three children's files reviewed. G.S. 110-91(9) 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. Two staff did not have verification that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them prior to providing care. .0608(d)(1-4) On or before March 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Today you repeatedly said “I didn’t know…” when it came to child care requirements. I emailed you the link to the Center Item Number Listing. I think this is a very user friendly, condensed version of Child Care Requirements. You can review it by section/category to help you better understand the requirements. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Today we discussed using the staff file checklist and the children’s file checklist to ensure all files contain all the required information within the required time frames. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Medical and TB: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Activity Plans: Activity plans should be current and relevant. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. Safe Sleep: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. RATED LICENSE: As we have discussed in detail, your 2-5 star rated license application is comprised of two components (Program and Education). Facilities are eligible to earn up to 7 points in each component and 1 quality point for a total of up to 15 points. If your rated license was issued today, your facility would earn a 2 star license, and would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program. Points would be awarded as follows: 1 point in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 3 points which is a 1 star license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two point in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 4.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: According to the WORKS portal, you have not yet created your WORKS account. You will earn one point in education. Ms. Weir has not requested an evaluation as an administrator; she will earn one point as an administrator. (To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care.) Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 21, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. During the visit on January 8, 2025 you felt the program would choose to meet the requirements for a Quality Point in the educational option for all staff completing an additional 20 hours of annual on-going training hours. (If a staff member currently needs 10 hours of annual on-going training, they will now need 30 hours annually which must be completed prior to the expiration of your temporary license.) To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). If your license were issued today, your facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 4 points which is a Two Star License. If your license were issued today, your facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the subsidy program. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Potential Change of ownership: You emailed me a copy of your notarized Change of Ownership form Thursday February 27, 2025. I received the original today. You anticipate the change of ownership being completed on March 31, 2025. You are selling the business to your partner Michael Giggetts. Prior to March 20, 2025 Mr. Giggetts will need to submit an application, his CPR and First Aid (less than 12 months old), negative TB test and physical (less than 12 month old). Prior to March 31, 2025 appropriate appendices, preservice for administrator form, legal designee, facility policy handbook and new lease agreement. Technical Assistance: Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for your third temporary visit. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 3, 2025. Your last fire drill recorded was January 20, 2025. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with two sleeping infants. Prepared bottles were stored on a shelf along with soy milk. There is a refrigerator in the space, however the bottles and milk were not refrigerated. Several bottles were not labeled nor dated. Owner T. Knight moved the bottles and the milk to the refrigerator in the facility kitchen. Safe sleep documentation had not been completed. Toddlers enrolled in space 1a were outside on the fenced in playground along with children enrolled in space 1b. Ten children ages one to three years old were outside on the fenced in playground with two caregivers. The children were kicking balls and playing inside the house and large caterpillar. The Activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 504 Perishable foods were not stored to protect against spoilage. In space 1a, prepared infant bottles and soy milk were stored on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator. 15A NCAC 18A .2806 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Bottles were not labeled and dated with the child's name and the current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 606 Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Paper towels were not available at the food prep sink nor hand washing sink in space 1a. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) 804 There was not a sufficient supply of clean linen on hand. Several children napped on cots with no linens. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(c) 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. Written verification of visually checking on sleeping infants was not available for review. .0606(g) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff did not have an application on file. .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. Verification of a preemployment physical was not on file for three staff. 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. Verification of one staff's negative TB test prior to employment was not 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. Four staff did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Accurate records were not maintained for the three children's files reviewed. G.S. 110-91(9) 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. Two staff did not have verification that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them prior to providing care. .0608(d)(1-4) On or before March 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Today you repeatedly said “I didn’t know…” when it came to child care requirements. I emailed you the link to the Center Item Number Listing. I think this is a very user friendly, condensed version of Child Care Requirements. You can review it by section/category to help you better understand the requirements. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Today we discussed using the staff file checklist and the children’s file checklist to ensure all files contain all the required information within the required time frames. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Medical and TB: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Activity Plans: Activity plans should be current and relevant. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. Safe Sleep: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. RATED LICENSE: As we have discussed in detail, your 2-5 star rated license application is comprised of two components (Program and Education). Facilities are eligible to earn up to 7 points in each component and 1 quality point for a total of up to 15 points. If your rated license was issued today, your facility would earn a 2 star license, and would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program. Points would be awarded as follows: 1 point in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 3 points which is a 1 star license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two point in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 4.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: According to the WORKS portal, you have not yet created your WORKS account. You will earn one point in education. Ms. Weir has not requested an evaluation as an administrator; she will earn one point as an administrator. (To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care.) Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 21, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. During the visit on January 8, 2025 you felt the program would choose to meet the requirements for a Quality Point in the educational option for all staff completing an additional 20 hours of annual on-going training hours. (If a staff member currently needs 10 hours of annual on-going training, they will now need 30 hours annually which must be completed prior to the expiration of your temporary license.) To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). If your license were issued today, your facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 4 points which is a Two Star License. If your license were issued today, your facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the subsidy program. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Potential Change of ownership: You emailed me a copy of your notarized Change of Ownership form Thursday February 27, 2025. I received the original today. You anticipate the change of ownership being completed on March 31, 2025. You are selling the business to your partner Michael Giggetts. Prior to March 20, 2025 Mr. Giggetts will need to submit an application, his CPR and First Aid (less than 12 months old), negative TB test and physical (less than 12 month old). Prior to March 31, 2025 appropriate appendices, preservice for administrator form, legal designee, facility policy handbook and new lease agreement. Technical Assistance: Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for your third temporary visit. Your temporary license was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid until April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84% as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). Owner/Administrator Tawana Knight was present and available for consultation today. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Academy Childcare Center, LLC is current and active as of March 3, 2025. Your last fire drill recorded was January 20, 2025. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. In space 1a, one caregiver was present with two sleeping infants. Prepared bottles were stored on a shelf along with soy milk. There is a refrigerator in the space, however the bottles and milk were not refrigerated. Several bottles were not labeled nor dated. Owner T. Knight moved the bottles and the milk to the refrigerator in the facility kitchen. Safe sleep documentation had not been completed. Toddlers enrolled in space 1a were outside on the fenced in playground along with children enrolled in space 1b. Ten children ages one to three years old were outside on the fenced in playground with two caregivers. The children were kicking balls and playing inside the house and large caterpillar. The Activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed July 12, 2024. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing is waiting for on-site testing. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space 1b was dated February 10, 2025. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 504 Perishable foods were not stored to protect against spoilage. In space 1a, prepared infant bottles and soy milk were stored on a shelf rather than in the refrigerator. 15A NCAC 18A .2806 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Bottles were not labeled and dated with the child's name and the current date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 606 Running water, soap and individual sanitary towels, or other approved hand-drying devices were not supplied at each lavatory. Paper towels were not available at the food prep sink nor hand washing sink in space 1a. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(b) & (d) 804 There was not a sufficient supply of clean linen on hand. Several children napped on cots with no linens. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(c) 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. Written verification of visually checking on sleeping infants was not available for review. .0606(g) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff did not have an application on file. .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. Verification of a preemployment physical was not on file for three staff. 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. Verification of one staff's negative TB test prior to employment was not 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. Four staff did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Accurate records were not maintained for the three children's files reviewed. G.S. 110-91(9) 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. Two staff did not have verification that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them prior to providing care. .0608(d)(1-4) On or before March 7, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Today you repeatedly said “I didn’t know…” when it came to child care requirements. I emailed you the link to the Center Item Number Listing. I think this is a very user friendly, condensed version of Child Care Requirements. You can review it by section/category to help you better understand the requirements. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Today we discussed using the staff file checklist and the children’s file checklist to ensure all files contain all the required information within the required time frames. Orientation: Each employee who is expected to have contact with children shall receive six clock hours of training in required topic areas within the first two weeks of employment and 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment. A list of approved orientation topics and a documentation log along with required timelines can be found on the divisions website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the provider documents tab. Medical and TB: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS states that (d) Staff medical statements, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaires shall be included in the staff member's medical file, which must be maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file in the center. Today technical assistance was given in regards separating out the above information from all staff files and ensuring each staff member has a separate medical file. Activity Plans: Activity plans should be current and relevant. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. Safe Sleep: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. RATED LICENSE: As we have discussed in detail, your 2-5 star rated license application is comprised of two components (Program and Education). Facilities are eligible to earn up to 7 points in each component and 1 quality point for a total of up to 15 points. If your rated license was issued today, your facility would earn a 2 star license, and would no longer be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program. Points would be awarded as follows: 1 point in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 3 points which is a 1 star license. Program Standards: Your facility has approved Operational and Personnel Policies and Procedures and has appropriate information on file for staff. Children's files have statements on file indicating parents received their copies of the policies as well as copies of the brochure "Summary of the NC Child Care Law and Rules". To earn two point in the Program component you will need: For infants and toddlers materials that are developmentally appropriate for the children in care to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. Materials must be kept in identifiable grouping such as books, blocks, dolls, pretend play materials, musical toys, sensory toys and fine motor toys. On a daily basis caregivers must provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development. Preschool spaces must contain a minimum of five activity areas available daily. Activity areas include dramatic play, fine motor/manipulitives, blocks, art, books, language, science and music. Sand and water are offered at least weekly. The materials and equipment in each activity area are in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. To earn more than 2 points in the Program component your facility must earn an average score of 4.0 or higher on the environment rating scales, which you have declined at this time. Education Standards: According to the WORKS portal, you have not yet created your WORKS account. You will earn one point in education. Ms. Weir has not requested an evaluation as an administrator; she will earn one point as an administrator. (To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care.) Points in the Education Component are based on the lowest level of education. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your licensed will be processed with the information in WORKS as of March 21, 2025. Quality Point: You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. During the visit on January 8, 2025 you felt the program would choose to meet the requirements for a Quality Point in the educational option for all staff completing an additional 20 hours of annual on-going training hours. (If a staff member currently needs 10 hours of annual on-going training, they will now need 30 hours annually which must be completed prior to the expiration of your temporary license.) To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License (7 points). If your license were issued today, your facility would earn 2 points in program, 1 point in education and 1 quality point for a total of 4 points which is a Two Star License. If your license were issued today, your facility would no longer be eligible to participate in the subsidy program. The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will now be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. Training: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. Violations will be cited for trainings not completed within the required timeframes. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. ITS-SIDS: Current ITS-SIDS certification is critical for staff members who work with infants, as they must be informed of the research surrounding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and aware of the risk factors which may be reduced through safe sleep practices in child care. The Administrator and all staff working with infants must complete ITS-SIDS certification. Staff may not be left alone with infants without having current ITS-SIDS certification. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Potential Change of ownership: You emailed me a copy of your notarized Change of Ownership form Thursday February 27, 2025. I received the original today. You anticipate the change of ownership being completed on March 31, 2025. You are selling the business to your partner Michael Giggetts. Prior to March 20, 2025 Mr. Giggetts will need to submit an application, his CPR and First Aid (less than 12 months old), negative TB test and physical (less than 12 month old). Prior to March 31, 2025 appropriate appendices, preservice for administrator form, legal designee, facility policy handbook and new lease agreement. Technical Assistance: Supervision: Staff must be physically present in the space, looking at the children to be supervising them. If a staff is in a doorway with their back to a group of children, they are not supervising the children behind them. Lead-based paint and asbestos: According to www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org your facility is waiting for on-site lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired within five business days. Complete the Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative. Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1447 with any questions or concerns. 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 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/13/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/13/2024 Age: From 1 To 2 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and verify violations cited during your temporary time period visit November 4, 2024. Your compliance letter has not yet been received The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Eight children ages 1 to 2 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to two years old were present. You have divided space 1 into two spaces using low shelving. One caregiver was present in space 1a with one child. In space 1b, one caregiver was present with 5, two-year-old children. All children were preparing for rest. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. No schedule was available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) The above violations were observed today. Your compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations cited November 4, 2024 and today have been corrected must be received by November 15, 2024. You will need to include your completed staff and training worksheet along with next week’s menu as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If your compliance letter is not received by November 15, 2024, a follow-up visit will be made. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Training: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. Training was provided on meal and snack components as well as serving sizes. We reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. A menu template was emailed to you today. We discussed how to adjust your current menu to meet meal pattern guidelines. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans: For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Sample activity plans are available on our website under provider documents. Schedule: Each group of children must have a schedule posted. Your schedule is a guide of what happens throughout the day. Your schedule should reflect arrival and departure, meals and snacks, group time, free play, outside time and rest time. Younger children may have more individualized schedules. Prior to using a classroom space, ensure all required items are posted and all toys, materials and furnishing are in the space. Technical Assistance: Staff/child interactions: Staff should engage children in play and in conversations. When children are upset staff should make attempts to soothe the child and engage them in play. Children should not be left to cry for extended periods of time. Work on reducing transition times to less than 3 minutes. Staff can sing with the children as they transition from one activity to another. Consider adjusting your schedule to better meet the needs of the children present. Ratios/ supervision: You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. Today we discussed creating routines, enhancing your activity areas, and adding a 5th activity area with enough materials for three children to choose the same or different activities. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: Ensure all staff’s education information is in WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Administrator: You are hoping to hire an administrator that has a minimum of a level 1 administration credential and meets at least 4 points in education. Today we reviewed North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0714. As the facility has a capacity of 45 children, a qualified administrator must be on site, performing administrative duties a minimum of 25 hours each week. Trainings: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Must be completed prior to December 7, 2024 for all current staff. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. 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 .0714 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/13/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/13/2024 Age: From 1 To 2 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and verify violations cited during your temporary time period visit November 4, 2024. Your compliance letter has not yet been received The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Eight children ages 1 to 2 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to two years old were present. You have divided space 1 into two spaces using low shelving. One caregiver was present in space 1a with one child. In space 1b, one caregiver was present with 5, two-year-old children. All children were preparing for rest. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. No schedule was available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) The above violations were observed today. Your compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations cited November 4, 2024 and today have been corrected must be received by November 15, 2024. You will need to include your completed staff and training worksheet along with next week’s menu as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If your compliance letter is not received by November 15, 2024, a follow-up visit will be made. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Training: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. Training was provided on meal and snack components as well as serving sizes. We reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. A menu template was emailed to you today. We discussed how to adjust your current menu to meet meal pattern guidelines. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans: For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Sample activity plans are available on our website under provider documents. Schedule: Each group of children must have a schedule posted. Your schedule is a guide of what happens throughout the day. Your schedule should reflect arrival and departure, meals and snacks, group time, free play, outside time and rest time. Younger children may have more individualized schedules. Prior to using a classroom space, ensure all required items are posted and all toys, materials and furnishing are in the space. Technical Assistance: Staff/child interactions: Staff should engage children in play and in conversations. When children are upset staff should make attempts to soothe the child and engage them in play. Children should not be left to cry for extended periods of time. Work on reducing transition times to less than 3 minutes. Staff can sing with the children as they transition from one activity to another. Consider adjusting your schedule to better meet the needs of the children present. Ratios/ supervision: You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. Today we discussed creating routines, enhancing your activity areas, and adding a 5th activity area with enough materials for three children to choose the same or different activities. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: Ensure all staff’s education information is in WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Administrator: You are hoping to hire an administrator that has a minimum of a level 1 administration credential and meets at least 4 points in education. Today we reviewed North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0714. As the facility has a capacity of 45 children, a qualified administrator must be on site, performing administrative duties a minimum of 25 hours each week. Trainings: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Must be completed prior to December 7, 2024 for all current staff. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. 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 .2829 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/13/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/13/2024 Age: From 1 To 2 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and verify violations cited during your temporary time period visit November 4, 2024. Your compliance letter has not yet been received The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Eight children ages 1 to 2 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to two years old were present. You have divided space 1 into two spaces using low shelving. One caregiver was present in space 1a with one child. In space 1b, one caregiver was present with 5, two-year-old children. All children were preparing for rest. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. No schedule was available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) The above violations were observed today. Your compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations cited November 4, 2024 and today have been corrected must be received by November 15, 2024. You will need to include your completed staff and training worksheet along with next week’s menu as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If your compliance letter is not received by November 15, 2024, a follow-up visit will be made. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Training: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. Training was provided on meal and snack components as well as serving sizes. We reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. A menu template was emailed to you today. We discussed how to adjust your current menu to meet meal pattern guidelines. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans: For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Sample activity plans are available on our website under provider documents. Schedule: Each group of children must have a schedule posted. Your schedule is a guide of what happens throughout the day. Your schedule should reflect arrival and departure, meals and snacks, group time, free play, outside time and rest time. Younger children may have more individualized schedules. Prior to using a classroom space, ensure all required items are posted and all toys, materials and furnishing are in the space. Technical Assistance: Staff/child interactions: Staff should engage children in play and in conversations. When children are upset staff should make attempts to soothe the child and engage them in play. Children should not be left to cry for extended periods of time. Work on reducing transition times to less than 3 minutes. Staff can sing with the children as they transition from one activity to another. Consider adjusting your schedule to better meet the needs of the children present. Ratios/ supervision: You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. Today we discussed creating routines, enhancing your activity areas, and adding a 5th activity area with enough materials for three children to choose the same or different activities. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: Ensure all staff’s education information is in WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Administrator: You are hoping to hire an administrator that has a minimum of a level 1 administration credential and meets at least 4 points in education. Today we reviewed North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0714. As the facility has a capacity of 45 children, a qualified administrator must be on site, performing administrative duties a minimum of 25 hours each week. Trainings: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Must be completed prior to December 7, 2024 for all current staff. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09.0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/13/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/13/2024 Age: From 1 To 2 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and verify violations cited during your temporary time period visit November 4, 2024. Your compliance letter has not yet been received The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Eight children ages 1 to 2 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to two years old were present. You have divided space 1 into two spaces using low shelving. One caregiver was present in space 1a with one child. In space 1b, one caregiver was present with 5, two-year-old children. All children were preparing for rest. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. No schedule was available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) The above violations were observed today. Your compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations cited November 4, 2024 and today have been corrected must be received by November 15, 2024. You will need to include your completed staff and training worksheet along with next week’s menu as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If your compliance letter is not received by November 15, 2024, a follow-up visit will be made. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Training: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. Training was provided on meal and snack components as well as serving sizes. We reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. A menu template was emailed to you today. We discussed how to adjust your current menu to meet meal pattern guidelines. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans: For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Sample activity plans are available on our website under provider documents. Schedule: Each group of children must have a schedule posted. Your schedule is a guide of what happens throughout the day. Your schedule should reflect arrival and departure, meals and snacks, group time, free play, outside time and rest time. Younger children may have more individualized schedules. Prior to using a classroom space, ensure all required items are posted and all toys, materials and furnishing are in the space. Technical Assistance: Staff/child interactions: Staff should engage children in play and in conversations. When children are upset staff should make attempts to soothe the child and engage them in play. Children should not be left to cry for extended periods of time. Work on reducing transition times to less than 3 minutes. Staff can sing with the children as they transition from one activity to another. Consider adjusting your schedule to better meet the needs of the children present. Ratios/ supervision: You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. Today we discussed creating routines, enhancing your activity areas, and adding a 5th activity area with enough materials for three children to choose the same or different activities. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: Ensure all staff’s education information is in WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Administrator: You are hoping to hire an administrator that has a minimum of a level 1 administration credential and meets at least 4 points in education. Today we reviewed North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0714. As the facility has a capacity of 45 children, a qualified administrator must be on site, performing administrative duties a minimum of 25 hours each week. Trainings: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Must be completed prior to December 7, 2024 for all current staff. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. 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: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/13/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/13/2024 Age: From 1 To 2 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and verify violations cited during your temporary time period visit November 4, 2024. Your compliance letter has not yet been received The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Eight children ages 1 to 2 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to two years old were present. You have divided space 1 into two spaces using low shelving. One caregiver was present in space 1a with one child. In space 1b, one caregiver was present with 5, two-year-old children. All children were preparing for rest. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. No schedule was available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) The above violations were observed today. Your compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations cited November 4, 2024 and today have been corrected must be received by November 15, 2024. You will need to include your completed staff and training worksheet along with next week’s menu as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If your compliance letter is not received by November 15, 2024, a follow-up visit will be made. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Training: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. Training was provided on meal and snack components as well as serving sizes. We reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. A menu template was emailed to you today. We discussed how to adjust your current menu to meet meal pattern guidelines. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans: For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Sample activity plans are available on our website under provider documents. Schedule: Each group of children must have a schedule posted. Your schedule is a guide of what happens throughout the day. Your schedule should reflect arrival and departure, meals and snacks, group time, free play, outside time and rest time. Younger children may have more individualized schedules. Prior to using a classroom space, ensure all required items are posted and all toys, materials and furnishing are in the space. Technical Assistance: Staff/child interactions: Staff should engage children in play and in conversations. When children are upset staff should make attempts to soothe the child and engage them in play. Children should not be left to cry for extended periods of time. Work on reducing transition times to less than 3 minutes. Staff can sing with the children as they transition from one activity to another. Consider adjusting your schedule to better meet the needs of the children present. Ratios/ supervision: You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. Today we discussed creating routines, enhancing your activity areas, and adding a 5th activity area with enough materials for three children to choose the same or different activities. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: Ensure all staff’s education information is in WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Administrator: You are hoping to hire an administrator that has a minimum of a level 1 administration credential and meets at least 4 points in education. Today we reviewed North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0714. As the facility has a capacity of 45 children, a qualified administrator must be on site, performing administrative duties a minimum of 25 hours each week. Trainings: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Must be completed prior to December 7, 2024 for all current staff. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/13/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/13/2024 Age: From 1 To 2 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements and verify violations cited during your temporary time period visit November 4, 2024. Your compliance letter has not yet been received The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Eight children ages 1 to 2 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to two years old were present. You have divided space 1 into two spaces using low shelving. One caregiver was present in space 1a with one child. In space 1b, one caregiver was present with 5, two-year-old children. All children were preparing for rest. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. No schedule was available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not available for space 1a. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) The above violations were observed today. Your compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations cited November 4, 2024 and today have been corrected must be received by November 15, 2024. You will need to include your completed staff and training worksheet along with next week’s menu as well as any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If your compliance letter is not received by November 15, 2024, a follow-up visit will be made. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Training: During today’s visit training and technical assistance was provided regarding menu planning. We used the USDA website and their meal planning guidelines, we used the DCDEE website and our menu template along with sample menus available on the internet. Training was provided on meal and snack components as well as serving sizes. We reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. A menu template was emailed to you today. We discussed how to adjust your current menu to meet meal pattern guidelines. Email me a copy of your menu for next week to review. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans: For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Sample activity plans are available on our website under provider documents. Schedule: Each group of children must have a schedule posted. Your schedule is a guide of what happens throughout the day. Your schedule should reflect arrival and departure, meals and snacks, group time, free play, outside time and rest time. Younger children may have more individualized schedules. Prior to using a classroom space, ensure all required items are posted and all toys, materials and furnishing are in the space. Technical Assistance: Staff/child interactions: Staff should engage children in play and in conversations. When children are upset staff should make attempts to soothe the child and engage them in play. Children should not be left to cry for extended periods of time. Work on reducing transition times to less than 3 minutes. Staff can sing with the children as they transition from one activity to another. Consider adjusting your schedule to better meet the needs of the children present. Ratios/ supervision: You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. Today we discussed creating routines, enhancing your activity areas, and adding a 5th activity area with enough materials for three children to choose the same or different activities. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: Ensure all staff’s education information is in WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To earn 4 points in education, your administrator must have a minimum of a level 1 administration credential (EDU 261 and EDU 262 w/ appropriate portfolio assignments), and an additional 18 semester hours in early childhood education and at least one year of experience as an administrator in licensed child care. To earn 4 points your lead teachers must have completed the North Carolina Child Care Credential (EDU 119) and completed 6 semester hours in early childhood education and enrolled in an additional 3 semester hours in early childhood education OR completed 3 semester hours in early childhood education and have three years of experience in licensed child care OR have 5 years of experience in licensed child care. You may earn 1 quality point as described in North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2829. Administrator: You are hoping to hire an administrator that has a minimum of a level 1 administration credential and meets at least 4 points in education. Today we reviewed North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0714. As the facility has a capacity of 45 children, a qualified administrator must be on site, performing administrative duties a minimum of 25 hours each week. Trainings: Today we again reviewed required trainings and dates due. EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Must be completed prior to December 7, 2024 for all current staff. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. 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 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/4/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7 28, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old n rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Nine children ages 1 to 3 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to three years old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Space 1 has cribs along the back wall and some infant materials. It also contains tables, furnishings and materials for preschool aged children. The space was not divided into two separate and distinct spaces today. Staff reported all children were enrolled in space 1. Caregivers were on the floor with the children. Children moved freely from one activity area to another. Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Today six children ages one to three-years-old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. Caregivers reported nine children ages one to three-years-old are enrolled in the space. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 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. Plastic bag zip close and plastic grocery bags in the cubbies were accessible to all children in space 1. .0604(q) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Sundrop and Grape Powerade along with a can of Redbull were on the floor or a low shelf visible to all children in space 1. .0901(i) The above violations were observed during today’s visit. A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by November 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. A follow-up visit will be made to verify compliance. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Ratios: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (6) states: children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age. Today six children ages one to three-years-old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. Caregivers reported nine children ages one to three-years-old are enrolled in the space. We discussed dividing the space into two separate and distinct spaces without blocking either door. You could use shelving to divide the spaces, or you could add a partition. You could also move the two and three-year-old toilet trained children into space 2 as it has a direct exit to the outside and is arranged for use by preschool aged children. You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Caroliana Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Plastic bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Soda, energy drinks, Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Menus: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Today we thoroughly reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. The menu you have currently planned offers more components than required and items that have little or no nutritional value. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/4/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7 28, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old n rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Nine children ages 1 to 3 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to three years old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Space 1 has cribs along the back wall and some infant materials. It also contains tables, furnishings and materials for preschool aged children. The space was not divided into two separate and distinct spaces today. Staff reported all children were enrolled in space 1. Caregivers were on the floor with the children. Children moved freely from one activity area to another. Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Today six children ages one to three-years-old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. Caregivers reported nine children ages one to three-years-old are enrolled in the space. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 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. Plastic bag zip close and plastic grocery bags in the cubbies were accessible to all children in space 1. .0604(q) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Sundrop and Grape Powerade along with a can of Redbull were on the floor or a low shelf visible to all children in space 1. .0901(i) The above violations were observed during today’s visit. A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by November 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. A follow-up visit will be made to verify compliance. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Ratios: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (6) states: children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age. Today six children ages one to three-years-old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. Caregivers reported nine children ages one to three-years-old are enrolled in the space. We discussed dividing the space into two separate and distinct spaces without blocking either door. You could use shelving to divide the spaces, or you could add a partition. You could also move the two and three-year-old toilet trained children into space 2 as it has a direct exit to the outside and is arranged for use by preschool aged children. You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Caroliana Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Plastic bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Soda, energy drinks, Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Menus: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Today we thoroughly reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. The menu you have currently planned offers more components than required and items that have little or no nutritional value. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09.0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/4/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7 28, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old n rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Nine children ages 1 to 3 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to three years old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Space 1 has cribs along the back wall and some infant materials. It also contains tables, furnishings and materials for preschool aged children. The space was not divided into two separate and distinct spaces today. Staff reported all children were enrolled in space 1. Caregivers were on the floor with the children. Children moved freely from one activity area to another. Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Today six children ages one to three-years-old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. Caregivers reported nine children ages one to three-years-old are enrolled in the space. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 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. Plastic bag zip close and plastic grocery bags in the cubbies were accessible to all children in space 1. .0604(q) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Sundrop and Grape Powerade along with a can of Redbull were on the floor or a low shelf visible to all children in space 1. .0901(i) The above violations were observed during today’s visit. A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by November 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. A follow-up visit will be made to verify compliance. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Ratios: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (6) states: children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age. Today six children ages one to three-years-old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. Caregivers reported nine children ages one to three-years-old are enrolled in the space. We discussed dividing the space into two separate and distinct spaces without blocking either door. You could use shelving to divide the spaces, or you could add a partition. You could also move the two and three-year-old toilet trained children into space 2 as it has a direct exit to the outside and is arranged for use by preschool aged children. You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Caroliana Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Plastic bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Soda, energy drinks, Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Menus: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Today we thoroughly reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. The menu you have currently planned offers more components than required and items that have little or no nutritional value. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Academy Childcare Center LLC Facility ID: 24000178 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/4/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 11/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued October 7, 2024 and is valid through April 7 28, 2025. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 45 children ages 0 to 12 years old; no more than 30 children who are toilet trained; children under 2 ½ years old n rooms with direct exits only; daytime care only. Nine children ages 1 to 3 years old are enrolled. Six children ages one to three years old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Space 1 has cribs along the back wall and some infant materials. It also contains tables, furnishings and materials for preschool aged children. The space was not divided into two separate and distinct spaces today. Staff reported all children were enrolled in space 1. Caregivers were on the floor with the children. Children moved freely from one activity area to another. Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Today six children ages one to three-years-old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. Caregivers reported nine children ages one to three-years-old are enrolled in the space. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 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. Plastic bag zip close and plastic grocery bags in the cubbies were accessible to all children in space 1. .0604(q) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Sundrop and Grape Powerade along with a can of Redbull were on the floor or a low shelf visible to all children in space 1. .0901(i) The above violations were observed during today’s visit. A compliance letter including detailed information about how the violations have been corrected must be received by November 8, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. A follow-up visit will be made to verify compliance. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Ratios: North Carolina Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 (6) states: children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age. Today six children ages one to three-years-old were present in space 1 with two caregivers. Caregivers reported nine children ages one to three-years-old are enrolled in the space. We discussed dividing the space into two separate and distinct spaces without blocking either door. You could use shelving to divide the spaces, or you could add a partition. You could also move the two and three-year-old toilet trained children into space 2 as it has a direct exit to the outside and is arranged for use by preschool aged children. You will need a third, qualified caregiver to assist with supervision during diapering and toileting. Remember to always follow the staff/child ratio for the youngest child. Review North Caroliana Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 to ensure you meet and maintain staff child ratios. Plastic bags: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Soda, energy drinks, Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Star Rated License: Space capacities indicated on the enrollment worksheet reflect minimum requirements. Space capacities will be reduced for enhanced standards if you so choose. If you wish to have the environment rating scales completed as part of your 2-5 star application, you will need to request your assessment no later than December 1, 2024. Failure to request your assessment by December 1, 2024 may result in your license being processed without the results of your assessment. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R and ECERS-R as well as find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Menus: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0901 requires meals and snacks served to children in a child care center to comply with the meal patterns for children in child care. The USDA CACFP meal patterns guidelines can be found at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/nutrition-standards. For information about the new meal patterns, including very helpful menu checklists, go to the Nutritionnc.com/snp/meal-patterns.htm page of the Division of Public Health. Today we thoroughly reviewed meal pattern guidelines and discussed sample meals and snacks. The menu you have currently planned offers more components than required and items that have little or no nutritional value. If you need further assistance planning your meals and snacks please let me know. Trainings: EPR: At least one staff must complete Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within one year of the effective date of the temporary license. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Maintain documentation of this training. Once the EPR training is completed, you must complete an EPR Plan on a template at the following website https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx within four (4) months. After you complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training, you must conduct either a shelter-in-place or a lockdown drill every three months. Use the Emergency Drill Log to document these additional drills as well as your monthly fire drills. The form is located under the Provider Documents tab on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Playground Safety: One staff must complete Playground Safety training prior to the expiration of your temporary license on April 7, 2025. You may contact Region 4 Child Care Resource & Referral for training availability. Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment : All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire and must complete all required training topics on the staff orientation document which is available on the DCDEE website under provider documents and forms. Health and Safety Training: Health and Safety Trainings must be completed by all staff within one year of employment and every five years thereafter. You can access these trainings for free on DCDEE’s website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov by going to Provider, Professional Training, and DCDEE Moodle. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. 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