10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/3/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 12/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a Four Star Center License issued May 31, 2023. Restrictions include a first shift capacity of one hundred thirty-seven (137) children ages 0 to 12 and meets enhanced ratios. The last annual compliance visit was completed on December 10, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Prior to the visit the program’s eighteen month compliance history was ninety-three percent (93%). The sanitation inspection was completed on June 10, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on January 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 3, 2025 and Kid Kare Academy, Inc was listed as current-active. C. Green, Administrator, was present for the visit. There were one hundred fifteen (115) children enrolled and sixty-three (63) children present. There are seven (7) indoor spaces and five (5) outdoor spaces approved for use. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. In space two, children were engaged in free play throughout the room and were being supervised in individual toileting routines. In space three, children joined in a music activity as they transitioned to outdoor play. In space four, children were engaged in free play and joined a music and dancing activity. In space five, currently being used for NC Pre-K, the children were having story time and then discussed the special activity for the day. Infants received care according to individual needs; teachers were observed interacting with infants in feeding routines and in floor play using large linking rings. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Lunch consisted of sloppy joes on a whole wheat bun, green beans, applesauce, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are seventeen (17) staff members employed at this facility. Five (5) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. A percentage of children’s files were reviewed. NC Pre-K monitoring: The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes were verified in compliance. Children attend the program from 8am-2:30pm meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Lillio Learning Curriculum, Brigance Screening, and TS Gold for ongoing assessments. Developmental Screenings (90 days) completed and Health Assessments (30 days) were collected. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements for qualifications. A Site Monitoring visit has been conducted by Columbus County Schools, the contracting agency, during a site visit on September 22, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. The following violation(s) were documented Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. On the playground used by 3 and 4 year old children, the musical xylophone had broken pieces that created sharp points. .0601(c) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired May 2025 did not have verification of First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired May 2025 did not have verification of training on file. .1102(d) 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. Two staff members did not complete the training within the required time. A staff member hired in February 2025 last completed the training in 2019. A staff member hired in May 2025 has not yet completed the training. .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 (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 17, 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. Please note, if the compliance letter is not received by the agreed-upon date, a follow-up visit may be made to verify compliance. Mail or email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Violations were cited for training not completed within the required time and documentation not being available in staff files, including Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid. All staff must be up to date on required trainings to ensure safe practices. The staff and child file checklists are a helpful strategy to keep up with required documentation. Using these checklists, and a periodic review of files, will help to ensure all paperwork is complete. A violation was cited for sharp pieces on the playground. Although the sharp edges were covered during the visit, consider a plan to completely remove the hazard. During monthly playground inspections, it is important to do a thorough hands-on check of all pieces of equipment to help ensure a safe environment. Staff can assist with this by doing daily walk-throughs of the environment as they are supervising play. We also discussed planning ahead to take care of equipment and materials that are starting to show signs of wear and tear. For example, if pieces begin to flake and show rust, consider remedies such as sanding and painting, or replacement. You stated that the tricycle-go-round on the playground used by children ages 3 and 4 is scheduled to be replaced. Reminders: Sippy cups should be treated the same as bottles and labeled with the child’s name and date. It may be necessary to check these as they are brought in by the parents. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 2, 2026 and submit a copy within one week as required. B. Kellison has additional orientation topics to complete within her first 6 weeks of employment and must complete CPR/First Aid training and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Maltreatment training within 90 days of her hire date. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www. positivechildhoodalliancenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information is completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. In the ABCMS Provider Portal, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are listed. 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 please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. It’s time to complete your next 3-year cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. Go to www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina to complete your testing. 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 has begun 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 webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is still choosing a pathway. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to working with you on your pathway to the stars! 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 that 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. Training opportunities: Every Relationship Matters Created by the ITTI Care Project, Every Relationship Matters! Strengthening Relationships between Adults in Child Care Settings for Directors, Teachers and FCCH Professionals is a free 1.5-hour training that highlights how important all the relationships that surround young children are. Address the Stress ITTI Care Project’s Address the Stress training is now available. This free 1-hour Wellness Workshop teaches ways to reduce stress and take care of YOU! Both are now available online via 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/3/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 12/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a Four Star Center License issued May 31, 2023. Restrictions include a first shift capacity of one hundred thirty-seven (137) children ages 0 to 12 and meets enhanced ratios. The last annual compliance visit was completed on December 10, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Prior to the visit the program’s eighteen month compliance history was ninety-three percent (93%). The sanitation inspection was completed on June 10, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on January 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 3, 2025 and Kid Kare Academy, Inc was listed as current-active. C. Green, Administrator, was present for the visit. There were one hundred fifteen (115) children enrolled and sixty-three (63) children present. There are seven (7) indoor spaces and five (5) outdoor spaces approved for use. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. In space two, children were engaged in free play throughout the room and were being supervised in individual toileting routines. In space three, children joined in a music activity as they transitioned to outdoor play. In space four, children were engaged in free play and joined a music and dancing activity. In space five, currently being used for NC Pre-K, the children were having story time and then discussed the special activity for the day. Infants received care according to individual needs; teachers were observed interacting with infants in feeding routines and in floor play using large linking rings. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Lunch consisted of sloppy joes on a whole wheat bun, green beans, applesauce, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are seventeen (17) staff members employed at this facility. Five (5) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. A percentage of children’s files were reviewed. NC Pre-K monitoring: The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes were verified in compliance. Children attend the program from 8am-2:30pm meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Lillio Learning Curriculum, Brigance Screening, and TS Gold for ongoing assessments. Developmental Screenings (90 days) completed and Health Assessments (30 days) were collected. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements for qualifications. A Site Monitoring visit has been conducted by Columbus County Schools, the contracting agency, during a site visit on September 22, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. The following violation(s) were documented Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. On the playground used by 3 and 4 year old children, the musical xylophone had broken pieces that created sharp points. .0601(c) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired May 2025 did not have verification of First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired May 2025 did not have verification of training on file. .1102(d) 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. Two staff members did not complete the training within the required time. A staff member hired in February 2025 last completed the training in 2019. A staff member hired in May 2025 has not yet completed the training. .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 (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 17, 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. Please note, if the compliance letter is not received by the agreed-upon date, a follow-up visit may be made to verify compliance. Mail or email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Violations were cited for training not completed within the required time and documentation not being available in staff files, including Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid. All staff must be up to date on required trainings to ensure safe practices. The staff and child file checklists are a helpful strategy to keep up with required documentation. Using these checklists, and a periodic review of files, will help to ensure all paperwork is complete. A violation was cited for sharp pieces on the playground. Although the sharp edges were covered during the visit, consider a plan to completely remove the hazard. During monthly playground inspections, it is important to do a thorough hands-on check of all pieces of equipment to help ensure a safe environment. Staff can assist with this by doing daily walk-throughs of the environment as they are supervising play. We also discussed planning ahead to take care of equipment and materials that are starting to show signs of wear and tear. For example, if pieces begin to flake and show rust, consider remedies such as sanding and painting, or replacement. You stated that the tricycle-go-round on the playground used by children ages 3 and 4 is scheduled to be replaced. Reminders: Sippy cups should be treated the same as bottles and labeled with the child’s name and date. It may be necessary to check these as they are brought in by the parents. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 2, 2026 and submit a copy within one week as required. B. Kellison has additional orientation topics to complete within her first 6 weeks of employment and must complete CPR/First Aid training and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Maltreatment training within 90 days of her hire date. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www. positivechildhoodalliancenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information is completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. In the ABCMS Provider Portal, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are listed. 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 please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. It’s time to complete your next 3-year cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. Go to www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina to complete your testing. 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 has begun 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 webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is still choosing a pathway. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to working with you on your pathway to the stars! 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 that 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. Training opportunities: Every Relationship Matters Created by the ITTI Care Project, Every Relationship Matters! Strengthening Relationships between Adults in Child Care Settings for Directors, Teachers and FCCH Professionals is a free 1.5-hour training that highlights how important all the relationships that surround young children are. Address the Stress ITTI Care Project’s Address the Stress training is now available. This free 1-hour Wellness Workshop teaches ways to reduce stress and take care of YOU! Both are now available online via 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: NATALIE M. POND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/3/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 12/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a Four Star Center License issued May 31, 2023. Restrictions include a first shift capacity of one hundred thirty-seven (137) children ages 0 to 12 and meets enhanced ratios. The last annual compliance visit was completed on December 10, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Prior to the visit the program’s eighteen month compliance history was ninety-three percent (93%). The sanitation inspection was completed on June 10, 2025 with a “Superior” classification. The fire inspection was completed on January 2, 2025 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 3, 2025 and Kid Kare Academy, Inc was listed as current-active. C. Green, Administrator, was present for the visit. There were one hundred fifteen (115) children enrolled and sixty-three (63) children present. There are seven (7) indoor spaces and five (5) outdoor spaces approved for use. Age-appropriate materials were accessible to all children and spaces were arranged into activity areas. In space two, children were engaged in free play throughout the room and were being supervised in individual toileting routines. In space three, children joined in a music activity as they transitioned to outdoor play. In space four, children were engaged in free play and joined a music and dancing activity. In space five, currently being used for NC Pre-K, the children were having story time and then discussed the special activity for the day. Infants received care according to individual needs; teachers were observed interacting with infants in feeding routines and in floor play using large linking rings. Individual feeding schedules and safe sleep checks are being maintained. Supervision and staff-child ratios were observed and found to be in compliance. Lunch consisted of sloppy joes on a whole wheat bun, green beans, applesauce, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are seventeen (17) staff members employed at this facility. Five (5) new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. A percentage of children’s files were reviewed. NC Pre-K monitoring: The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes were verified in compliance. Children attend the program from 8am-2:30pm meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Lillio Learning Curriculum, Brigance Screening, and TS Gold for ongoing assessments. Developmental Screenings (90 days) completed and Health Assessments (30 days) were collected. NC Pre-K staff information was verified in the NC Pre-K Plan and all staff members meet requirements for qualifications. A Site Monitoring visit has been conducted by Columbus County Schools, the contracting agency, during a site visit on September 22, 2025. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. The following violation(s) were documented Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. On the playground used by 3 and 4 year old children, the musical xylophone had broken pieces that created sharp points. .0601(c) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired May 2025 did not have verification of First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member hired May 2025 did not have verification of training on file. .1102(d) 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. Two staff members did not complete the training within the required time. A staff member hired in February 2025 last completed the training in 2019. A staff member hired in May 2025 has not yet completed the training. .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 (18)-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five (75) percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 17, 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. Please note, if the compliance letter is not received by the agreed-upon date, a follow-up visit may be made to verify compliance. Mail or email the information to: Natalie Pond, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 4 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Violations were cited for training not completed within the required time and documentation not being available in staff files, including Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid. All staff must be up to date on required trainings to ensure safe practices. The staff and child file checklists are a helpful strategy to keep up with required documentation. Using these checklists, and a periodic review of files, will help to ensure all paperwork is complete. A violation was cited for sharp pieces on the playground. Although the sharp edges were covered during the visit, consider a plan to completely remove the hazard. During monthly playground inspections, it is important to do a thorough hands-on check of all pieces of equipment to help ensure a safe environment. Staff can assist with this by doing daily walk-throughs of the environment as they are supervising play. We also discussed planning ahead to take care of equipment and materials that are starting to show signs of wear and tear. For example, if pieces begin to flake and show rust, consider remedies such as sanding and painting, or replacement. You stated that the tricycle-go-round on the playground used by children ages 3 and 4 is scheduled to be replaced. Reminders: Sippy cups should be treated the same as bottles and labeled with the child’s name and date. It may be necessary to check these as they are brought in by the parents. You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 2, 2026 and submit a copy within one week as required. B. Kellison has additional orientation topics to complete within her first 6 weeks of employment and must complete CPR/First Aid training and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Maltreatment training within 90 days of her hire date. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www. positivechildhoodalliancenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information is completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. In the ABCMS Provider Portal, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are listed. 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 please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. It’s time to complete your next 3-year cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. Go to www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina to complete your testing. 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 has begun 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 webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are posted on the QRIS Modernization page. • Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is still choosing a pathway. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities in order to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to working with you on your pathway to the stars! 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 that 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. Training opportunities: Every Relationship Matters Created by the ITTI Care Project, Every Relationship Matters! Strengthening Relationships between Adults in Child Care Settings for Directors, Teachers and FCCH Professionals is a free 1.5-hour training that highlights how important all the relationships that surround young children are. Address the Stress ITTI Care Project’s Address the Stress training is now available. This free 1-hour Wellness Workshop teaches ways to reduce stress and take care of YOU! Both are now available online via 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at 910-364-4898 or Natalie.m.pond@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on December 5, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 95%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Due to the proximity of a facility needing a late afternoon visit, this visit began after 9:00 A.M. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as supervised tummy time activities. Three infants slept in cribs, one infant was being rocked by a caregiver, and three children one year of age slept on cots. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. Adequate supervision was provided and positive interactions were observed. After rest time, staff members assisted children with personal care routines, and a snack of pretzels and juice was served. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit October 31, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new assistant teacher. Ms. Green stated a new hire, J. Dawson, has been assigned to NC Pre-K and it was verified that Ms. Dawson meets education requirements. I reminded Ms. Green to let Ms. Ard know of the change so the NC Pre-K Plan can be updated. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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. Activity plans posted in Spaces #6 and 7 were dated for the previous week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by preschool children. .0601(c) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Broken toys were observed on the playgrounds used by infants, children one and two years of age, and children two and three years of age. One of the tricycles on the tricycle wheel on the playground used by preschool children was missing a medal, and the school bus on the playground used by preschool children was missing a steering wheel. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by December 24, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. Today you stated you are checking the playgrounds in the mornings, but you did not see some of the broken items observed today. I urged you to ask staff members to do a quick “sweep” of the playground before they come inside as well to ensure anything broken can be removed or repaired prior to children’s next use. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks, broken car and broken plastic hamper, however you still need to repair or remove the tricycle without a pedal and the school bus without a steering wheel. Please include pictures with your compliance letter. As protruding bolts were observed on the playground, I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. Today you hammered them down during the visit. Regarding activity plans, I urged you to remind staff to ensure current plans are posted in each space, and suggested you go behind them on Friday evenings or Monday mornings to verify that the correct ones are posted. Ensuring current plans are posted allows parents to see what is happening in classrooms and allows substitute staff members and floaters to be able to follow plans as lead teachers intended. Today you posted the correct lesson plans in Spaces #6 and 7. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding NC Pre-K requirements. As discussed, teachers in private sites who do not yet have a teaching license must enroll with the Early Education Support (EES) unit through the Division to help them work towards achieving licensure. Today I emailed you a link to share with the lead teacher so she can begin the licensure process. As a reminder, it is the Administrator’s responsibility to maintain documentation showing that NC Pre-K staff members meet education requirements, including transcripts, licenses/degrees, and/or proof of enrollment in a licensure program. Today we also discussed requirements for developmental screenings and ongoing assessments. Ensure your lead teacher is following through with these requirements by reviewing documentation, and remember to keep documentation on file at the facility for review by the Division. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Regarding education standards, when new QRIS rules are implemented, education requirements will be different, but it is still critical that all staff in key positions have complete WORKS evaluations to assist with the rated license reassessment process. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance pending complete WORKS evaluations for K. Hickman, A. Parks and R. Hunt. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 3, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by June 4, 2025. It’s time to complete your second cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet enrollment requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on December 5, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 95%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Due to the proximity of a facility needing a late afternoon visit, this visit began after 9:00 A.M. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as supervised tummy time activities. Three infants slept in cribs, one infant was being rocked by a caregiver, and three children one year of age slept on cots. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. Adequate supervision was provided and positive interactions were observed. After rest time, staff members assisted children with personal care routines, and a snack of pretzels and juice was served. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit October 31, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new assistant teacher. Ms. Green stated a new hire, J. Dawson, has been assigned to NC Pre-K and it was verified that Ms. Dawson meets education requirements. I reminded Ms. Green to let Ms. Ard know of the change so the NC Pre-K Plan can be updated. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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. Activity plans posted in Spaces #6 and 7 were dated for the previous week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by preschool children. .0601(c) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Broken toys were observed on the playgrounds used by infants, children one and two years of age, and children two and three years of age. One of the tricycles on the tricycle wheel on the playground used by preschool children was missing a medal, and the school bus on the playground used by preschool children was missing a steering wheel. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by December 24, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. Today you stated you are checking the playgrounds in the mornings, but you did not see some of the broken items observed today. I urged you to ask staff members to do a quick “sweep” of the playground before they come inside as well to ensure anything broken can be removed or repaired prior to children’s next use. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks, broken car and broken plastic hamper, however you still need to repair or remove the tricycle without a pedal and the school bus without a steering wheel. Please include pictures with your compliance letter. As protruding bolts were observed on the playground, I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. Today you hammered them down during the visit. Regarding activity plans, I urged you to remind staff to ensure current plans are posted in each space, and suggested you go behind them on Friday evenings or Monday mornings to verify that the correct ones are posted. Ensuring current plans are posted allows parents to see what is happening in classrooms and allows substitute staff members and floaters to be able to follow plans as lead teachers intended. Today you posted the correct lesson plans in Spaces #6 and 7. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding NC Pre-K requirements. As discussed, teachers in private sites who do not yet have a teaching license must enroll with the Early Education Support (EES) unit through the Division to help them work towards achieving licensure. Today I emailed you a link to share with the lead teacher so she can begin the licensure process. As a reminder, it is the Administrator’s responsibility to maintain documentation showing that NC Pre-K staff members meet education requirements, including transcripts, licenses/degrees, and/or proof of enrollment in a licensure program. Today we also discussed requirements for developmental screenings and ongoing assessments. Ensure your lead teacher is following through with these requirements by reviewing documentation, and remember to keep documentation on file at the facility for review by the Division. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Regarding education standards, when new QRIS rules are implemented, education requirements will be different, but it is still critical that all staff in key positions have complete WORKS evaluations to assist with the rated license reassessment process. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance pending complete WORKS evaluations for K. Hickman, A. Parks and R. Hunt. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 3, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by June 4, 2025. It’s time to complete your second cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet enrollment requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on December 5, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 95%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Due to the proximity of a facility needing a late afternoon visit, this visit began after 9:00 A.M. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as supervised tummy time activities. Three infants slept in cribs, one infant was being rocked by a caregiver, and three children one year of age slept on cots. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. Adequate supervision was provided and positive interactions were observed. After rest time, staff members assisted children with personal care routines, and a snack of pretzels and juice was served. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit October 31, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new assistant teacher. Ms. Green stated a new hire, J. Dawson, has been assigned to NC Pre-K and it was verified that Ms. Dawson meets education requirements. I reminded Ms. Green to let Ms. Ard know of the change so the NC Pre-K Plan can be updated. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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. Activity plans posted in Spaces #6 and 7 were dated for the previous week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by preschool children. .0601(c) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Broken toys were observed on the playgrounds used by infants, children one and two years of age, and children two and three years of age. One of the tricycles on the tricycle wheel on the playground used by preschool children was missing a medal, and the school bus on the playground used by preschool children was missing a steering wheel. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by December 24, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. Today you stated you are checking the playgrounds in the mornings, but you did not see some of the broken items observed today. I urged you to ask staff members to do a quick “sweep” of the playground before they come inside as well to ensure anything broken can be removed or repaired prior to children’s next use. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks, broken car and broken plastic hamper, however you still need to repair or remove the tricycle without a pedal and the school bus without a steering wheel. Please include pictures with your compliance letter. As protruding bolts were observed on the playground, I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. Today you hammered them down during the visit. Regarding activity plans, I urged you to remind staff to ensure current plans are posted in each space, and suggested you go behind them on Friday evenings or Monday mornings to verify that the correct ones are posted. Ensuring current plans are posted allows parents to see what is happening in classrooms and allows substitute staff members and floaters to be able to follow plans as lead teachers intended. Today you posted the correct lesson plans in Spaces #6 and 7. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding NC Pre-K requirements. As discussed, teachers in private sites who do not yet have a teaching license must enroll with the Early Education Support (EES) unit through the Division to help them work towards achieving licensure. Today I emailed you a link to share with the lead teacher so she can begin the licensure process. As a reminder, it is the Administrator’s responsibility to maintain documentation showing that NC Pre-K staff members meet education requirements, including transcripts, licenses/degrees, and/or proof of enrollment in a licensure program. Today we also discussed requirements for developmental screenings and ongoing assessments. Ensure your lead teacher is following through with these requirements by reviewing documentation, and remember to keep documentation on file at the facility for review by the Division. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Regarding education standards, when new QRIS rules are implemented, education requirements will be different, but it is still critical that all staff in key positions have complete WORKS evaluations to assist with the rated license reassessment process. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance pending complete WORKS evaluations for K. Hickman, A. Parks and R. Hunt. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 3, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by June 4, 2025. It’s time to complete your second cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet enrollment requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on December 5, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 95%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Due to the proximity of a facility needing a late afternoon visit, this visit began after 9:00 A.M. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as supervised tummy time activities. Three infants slept in cribs, one infant was being rocked by a caregiver, and three children one year of age slept on cots. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. Adequate supervision was provided and positive interactions were observed. After rest time, staff members assisted children with personal care routines, and a snack of pretzels and juice was served. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit October 31, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new assistant teacher. Ms. Green stated a new hire, J. Dawson, has been assigned to NC Pre-K and it was verified that Ms. Dawson meets education requirements. I reminded Ms. Green to let Ms. Ard know of the change so the NC Pre-K Plan can be updated. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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. Activity plans posted in Spaces #6 and 7 were dated for the previous week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by preschool children. .0601(c) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Broken toys were observed on the playgrounds used by infants, children one and two years of age, and children two and three years of age. One of the tricycles on the tricycle wheel on the playground used by preschool children was missing a medal, and the school bus on the playground used by preschool children was missing a steering wheel. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by December 24, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. Today you stated you are checking the playgrounds in the mornings, but you did not see some of the broken items observed today. I urged you to ask staff members to do a quick “sweep” of the playground before they come inside as well to ensure anything broken can be removed or repaired prior to children’s next use. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks, broken car and broken plastic hamper, however you still need to repair or remove the tricycle without a pedal and the school bus without a steering wheel. Please include pictures with your compliance letter. As protruding bolts were observed on the playground, I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. Today you hammered them down during the visit. Regarding activity plans, I urged you to remind staff to ensure current plans are posted in each space, and suggested you go behind them on Friday evenings or Monday mornings to verify that the correct ones are posted. Ensuring current plans are posted allows parents to see what is happening in classrooms and allows substitute staff members and floaters to be able to follow plans as lead teachers intended. Today you posted the correct lesson plans in Spaces #6 and 7. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding NC Pre-K requirements. As discussed, teachers in private sites who do not yet have a teaching license must enroll with the Early Education Support (EES) unit through the Division to help them work towards achieving licensure. Today I emailed you a link to share with the lead teacher so she can begin the licensure process. As a reminder, it is the Administrator’s responsibility to maintain documentation showing that NC Pre-K staff members meet education requirements, including transcripts, licenses/degrees, and/or proof of enrollment in a licensure program. Today we also discussed requirements for developmental screenings and ongoing assessments. Ensure your lead teacher is following through with these requirements by reviewing documentation, and remember to keep documentation on file at the facility for review by the Division. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Regarding education standards, when new QRIS rules are implemented, education requirements will be different, but it is still critical that all staff in key positions have complete WORKS evaluations to assist with the rated license reassessment process. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance pending complete WORKS evaluations for K. Hickman, A. Parks and R. Hunt. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 3, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by June 4, 2025. It’s time to complete your second cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet enrollment requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on December 5, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 95%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Due to the proximity of a facility needing a late afternoon visit, this visit began after 9:00 A.M. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as supervised tummy time activities. Three infants slept in cribs, one infant was being rocked by a caregiver, and three children one year of age slept on cots. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. Adequate supervision was provided and positive interactions were observed. After rest time, staff members assisted children with personal care routines, and a snack of pretzels and juice was served. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit October 31, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new assistant teacher. Ms. Green stated a new hire, J. Dawson, has been assigned to NC Pre-K and it was verified that Ms. Dawson meets education requirements. I reminded Ms. Green to let Ms. Ard know of the change so the NC Pre-K Plan can be updated. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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. Activity plans posted in Spaces #6 and 7 were dated for the previous week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by preschool children. .0601(c) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Broken toys were observed on the playgrounds used by infants, children one and two years of age, and children two and three years of age. One of the tricycles on the tricycle wheel on the playground used by preschool children was missing a medal, and the school bus on the playground used by preschool children was missing a steering wheel. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by December 24, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. Today you stated you are checking the playgrounds in the mornings, but you did not see some of the broken items observed today. I urged you to ask staff members to do a quick “sweep” of the playground before they come inside as well to ensure anything broken can be removed or repaired prior to children’s next use. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks, broken car and broken plastic hamper, however you still need to repair or remove the tricycle without a pedal and the school bus without a steering wheel. Please include pictures with your compliance letter. As protruding bolts were observed on the playground, I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. Today you hammered them down during the visit. Regarding activity plans, I urged you to remind staff to ensure current plans are posted in each space, and suggested you go behind them on Friday evenings or Monday mornings to verify that the correct ones are posted. Ensuring current plans are posted allows parents to see what is happening in classrooms and allows substitute staff members and floaters to be able to follow plans as lead teachers intended. Today you posted the correct lesson plans in Spaces #6 and 7. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding NC Pre-K requirements. As discussed, teachers in private sites who do not yet have a teaching license must enroll with the Early Education Support (EES) unit through the Division to help them work towards achieving licensure. Today I emailed you a link to share with the lead teacher so she can begin the licensure process. As a reminder, it is the Administrator’s responsibility to maintain documentation showing that NC Pre-K staff members meet education requirements, including transcripts, licenses/degrees, and/or proof of enrollment in a licensure program. Today we also discussed requirements for developmental screenings and ongoing assessments. Ensure your lead teacher is following through with these requirements by reviewing documentation, and remember to keep documentation on file at the facility for review by the Division. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Regarding education standards, when new QRIS rules are implemented, education requirements will be different, but it is still critical that all staff in key positions have complete WORKS evaluations to assist with the rated license reassessment process. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance pending complete WORKS evaluations for K. Hickman, A. Parks and R. Hunt. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 3, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by June 4, 2025. It’s time to complete your second cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet enrollment requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on December 5, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 95%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Due to the proximity of a facility needing a late afternoon visit, this visit began after 9:00 A.M. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as supervised tummy time activities. Three infants slept in cribs, one infant was being rocked by a caregiver, and three children one year of age slept on cots. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. Lights were dimmed and soft music played. Adequate supervision was provided and positive interactions were observed. After rest time, staff members assisted children with personal care routines, and a snack of pretzels and juice was served. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit October 31, 2024. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new assistant teacher. Ms. Green stated a new hire, J. Dawson, has been assigned to NC Pre-K and it was verified that Ms. Dawson meets education requirements. I reminded Ms. Green to let Ms. Ard know of the change so the NC Pre-K Plan can be updated. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-3 when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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. Activity plans posted in Spaces #6 and 7 were dated for the previous week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. Two protruding bolts were observed on the playground used by preschool children. .0601(c) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Broken toys were observed on the playgrounds used by infants, children one and two years of age, and children two and three years of age. One of the tricycles on the tricycle wheel on the playground used by preschool children was missing a medal, and the school bus on the playground used by preschool children was missing a steering wheel. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by December 24, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit and again today, Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. Today you stated you are checking the playgrounds in the mornings, but you did not see some of the broken items observed today. I urged you to ask staff members to do a quick “sweep” of the playground before they come inside as well to ensure anything broken can be removed or repaired prior to children’s next use. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks, broken car and broken plastic hamper, however you still need to repair or remove the tricycle without a pedal and the school bus without a steering wheel. Please include pictures with your compliance letter. As protruding bolts were observed on the playground, I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. Today you hammered them down during the visit. Regarding activity plans, I urged you to remind staff to ensure current plans are posted in each space, and suggested you go behind them on Friday evenings or Monday mornings to verify that the correct ones are posted. Ensuring current plans are posted allows parents to see what is happening in classrooms and allows substitute staff members and floaters to be able to follow plans as lead teachers intended. Today you posted the correct lesson plans in Spaces #6 and 7. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding NC Pre-K requirements. As discussed, teachers in private sites who do not yet have a teaching license must enroll with the Early Education Support (EES) unit through the Division to help them work towards achieving licensure. Today I emailed you a link to share with the lead teacher so she can begin the licensure process. As a reminder, it is the Administrator’s responsibility to maintain documentation showing that NC Pre-K staff members meet education requirements, including transcripts, licenses/degrees, and/or proof of enrollment in a licensure program. Today we also discussed requirements for developmental screenings and ongoing assessments. Ensure your lead teacher is following through with these requirements by reviewing documentation, and remember to keep documentation on file at the facility for review by the Division. Rated License Information As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Regarding education standards, when new QRIS rules are implemented, education requirements will be different, but it is still critical that all staff in key positions have complete WORKS evaluations to assist with the rated license reassessment process. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance pending complete WORKS evaluations for K. Hickman, A. Parks and R. Hunt. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders You must schedule and obtain an approved fire inspection by January 3, 2025, and submit a copy within one week as required. You must also ensure a sanitation inspection is conducted by June 4, 2025. It’s time to complete your second cycle of testing for lead in tap water through Clean Water for Carolina Kids. You must also ensure you meet enrollment requirements for lead in paint and asbestos testing. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Use this link to submit your report: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7955242/2024-2025-Child-Care-Immunization-Report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/19/2024 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 6/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 11:35 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on June 17, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 88%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as awake in bouncers. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines in Spaces #2-5. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. School age children were observed in Space #6, eating a lunch of breaded chicken nuggets with green beans, pears and milk. In Space #7, another group of school age children participated in free choice activities including building a house out of blocks, having a tea party in the dramatic play area, and playing games such as Uno and Mancala. Four new staff members have been hired since the Annual Compliance visit. Files were monitored and in compliance today. 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 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Cracked plastic blocks were observed on the playground used by children two and three years of age, and a cracked plastic playhouse was observed on the playground used by children one year of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. A thin layer of mulch rather than the required six inches was observed over dirt in the fall zone underneath and around the see saws on the playground used by preschool and school age children. The see saws have a critical height of more than 18 inches. .0605(k)(1-4) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by July 3, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Annual Compliance visit and again today regarding maintaining resilient surfacing under and around equipment with a fall height of at least 18 inches. It was observed today that you have removed the large slide and climbing ladder on the playground used by preschool and school age children, however an insufficient amount of mulch was observed under the see saws, which also have a fall height over 18 inches. I advised you to rake and till the mulch from other parts of the playground and/or remove the see saws if you continue to have trouble maintaining resilient surfacing. Remember to send pictures showing at least six inches of mulch underneath and around the see saws as required with your compliance letter. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As discussed, before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today I suggested you assign this task to an administrative staff member or opening teacher to ensure that there are not any broken plastic toys or equipment present when children go out. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks and repaired the cracked plastic play house during the visit. Please put your plan to maintain compliance with this rule in your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement in Space #2. I suggested that you move the block area next to the dramatic play area as they are both active and noisy. You may then arrange the cozy reading area, fine motor area, art area and science area on the other side of the room to ensure these quiet activities are separate from the active ones. Remember to ensure similar materials are grouped together in activity areas as required. Today we also discussed options for children who are no longer sleeping during rest time in Space #5. As discussed, as long as ratios can be maintained, children should be allowed to do quiet activities away from their cots if they cannot fall asleep or rest quietly. Older preschool children may need shorter naps, and should not be made to stay on their cots or mats with nothing to do. Children can read books quietly or play quietly with toys on their mat or cot, they can read or play quietly in another part of the classroom away from sleeping children, or they may practice writing or art skills. Rated License Information As discussed during the Annual Compliance visit, your facility was placed in “Cohort 3” of the cohort model of resuming rated license reassessments. This means your planning/preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26, and your next reassessment will be due between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27. As discussed, if you continue as an NC Pre-K site, the NC Pre-K classroom must be assessed and score at least a 5.0 on the ECERS-R. In addition, you will have the option to request any additional Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments during your planning year if you wish to try to increase your Program Standards points. Planning year assessments will be free and will only count towards your star rating if you choose. You may choose to use your planning year assessment as a learning tool, and request a second ERS assessment during your reassessment year to see if you can increase your score. Today, we also discussed the possibility that the way points are earned may look different by the time your reassessment is due. I will be in touch with more information as it becomes available, and as your planning year approaches. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance based on your current staff, however two new staff members still have pending WORKS evaluations. You must ensure K. Hickman and A. Jeffers apply for appropriate positions and submit official transcripts as required for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Remember to send verification of current CPR and First Aid for the seven staff members discussed today. In addition, if you move a fence and decrease the size of one of the playgrounds as discussed, please notify me so I may recalculate the capacity. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/19/2024 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 6/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 11:35 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on June 17, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 88%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as awake in bouncers. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines in Spaces #2-5. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. School age children were observed in Space #6, eating a lunch of breaded chicken nuggets with green beans, pears and milk. In Space #7, another group of school age children participated in free choice activities including building a house out of blocks, having a tea party in the dramatic play area, and playing games such as Uno and Mancala. Four new staff members have been hired since the Annual Compliance visit. Files were monitored and in compliance today. 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 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Cracked plastic blocks were observed on the playground used by children two and three years of age, and a cracked plastic playhouse was observed on the playground used by children one year of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. A thin layer of mulch rather than the required six inches was observed over dirt in the fall zone underneath and around the see saws on the playground used by preschool and school age children. The see saws have a critical height of more than 18 inches. .0605(k)(1-4) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by July 3, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Annual Compliance visit and again today regarding maintaining resilient surfacing under and around equipment with a fall height of at least 18 inches. It was observed today that you have removed the large slide and climbing ladder on the playground used by preschool and school age children, however an insufficient amount of mulch was observed under the see saws, which also have a fall height over 18 inches. I advised you to rake and till the mulch from other parts of the playground and/or remove the see saws if you continue to have trouble maintaining resilient surfacing. Remember to send pictures showing at least six inches of mulch underneath and around the see saws as required with your compliance letter. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As discussed, before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today I suggested you assign this task to an administrative staff member or opening teacher to ensure that there are not any broken plastic toys or equipment present when children go out. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks and repaired the cracked plastic play house during the visit. Please put your plan to maintain compliance with this rule in your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement in Space #2. I suggested that you move the block area next to the dramatic play area as they are both active and noisy. You may then arrange the cozy reading area, fine motor area, art area and science area on the other side of the room to ensure these quiet activities are separate from the active ones. Remember to ensure similar materials are grouped together in activity areas as required. Today we also discussed options for children who are no longer sleeping during rest time in Space #5. As discussed, as long as ratios can be maintained, children should be allowed to do quiet activities away from their cots if they cannot fall asleep or rest quietly. Older preschool children may need shorter naps, and should not be made to stay on their cots or mats with nothing to do. Children can read books quietly or play quietly with toys on their mat or cot, they can read or play quietly in another part of the classroom away from sleeping children, or they may practice writing or art skills. Rated License Information As discussed during the Annual Compliance visit, your facility was placed in “Cohort 3” of the cohort model of resuming rated license reassessments. This means your planning/preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26, and your next reassessment will be due between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27. As discussed, if you continue as an NC Pre-K site, the NC Pre-K classroom must be assessed and score at least a 5.0 on the ECERS-R. In addition, you will have the option to request any additional Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments during your planning year if you wish to try to increase your Program Standards points. Planning year assessments will be free and will only count towards your star rating if you choose. You may choose to use your planning year assessment as a learning tool, and request a second ERS assessment during your reassessment year to see if you can increase your score. Today, we also discussed the possibility that the way points are earned may look different by the time your reassessment is due. I will be in touch with more information as it becomes available, and as your planning year approaches. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance based on your current staff, however two new staff members still have pending WORKS evaluations. You must ensure K. Hickman and A. Jeffers apply for appropriate positions and submit official transcripts as required for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Remember to send verification of current CPR and First Aid for the seven staff members discussed today. In addition, if you move a fence and decrease the size of one of the playgrounds as discussed, please notify me so I may recalculate the capacity. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/19/2024 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 6/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 11:35 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on June 17, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 3, 2024. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 4, 2024, and a fire inspection was conducted January 3, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 88%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual sleeping routines as well as awake in bouncers. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one through five years of age were observed in rest time routines in Spaces #2-5. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens. School age children were observed in Space #6, eating a lunch of breaded chicken nuggets with green beans, pears and milk. In Space #7, another group of school age children participated in free choice activities including building a house out of blocks, having a tea party in the dramatic play area, and playing games such as Uno and Mancala. Four new staff members have been hired since the Annual Compliance visit. Files were monitored and in compliance today. 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 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. Cracked plastic blocks were observed on the playground used by children two and three years of age, and a cracked plastic playhouse was observed on the playground used by children one year of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. A thin layer of mulch rather than the required six inches was observed over dirt in the fall zone underneath and around the see saws on the playground used by preschool and school age children. The see saws have a critical height of more than 18 inches. .0605(k)(1-4) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by July 3, 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Technical assistance was provided during the Annual Compliance visit and again today regarding maintaining resilient surfacing under and around equipment with a fall height of at least 18 inches. It was observed today that you have removed the large slide and climbing ladder on the playground used by preschool and school age children, however an insufficient amount of mulch was observed under the see saws, which also have a fall height over 18 inches. I advised you to rake and till the mulch from other parts of the playground and/or remove the see saws if you continue to have trouble maintaining resilient surfacing. Remember to send pictures showing at least six inches of mulch underneath and around the see saws as required with your compliance letter. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As discussed, before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today I suggested you assign this task to an administrative staff member or opening teacher to ensure that there are not any broken plastic toys or equipment present when children go out. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Today you removed the cracked plastic blocks and repaired the cracked plastic play house during the visit. Please put your plan to maintain compliance with this rule in your compliance letter. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was also provided today regarding room arrangement in Space #2. I suggested that you move the block area next to the dramatic play area as they are both active and noisy. You may then arrange the cozy reading area, fine motor area, art area and science area on the other side of the room to ensure these quiet activities are separate from the active ones. Remember to ensure similar materials are grouped together in activity areas as required. Today we also discussed options for children who are no longer sleeping during rest time in Space #5. As discussed, as long as ratios can be maintained, children should be allowed to do quiet activities away from their cots if they cannot fall asleep or rest quietly. Older preschool children may need shorter naps, and should not be made to stay on their cots or mats with nothing to do. Children can read books quietly or play quietly with toys on their mat or cot, they can read or play quietly in another part of the classroom away from sleeping children, or they may practice writing or art skills. Rated License Information As discussed during the Annual Compliance visit, your facility was placed in “Cohort 3” of the cohort model of resuming rated license reassessments. This means your planning/preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26, and your next reassessment will be due between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27. As discussed, if you continue as an NC Pre-K site, the NC Pre-K classroom must be assessed and score at least a 5.0 on the ECERS-R. In addition, you will have the option to request any additional Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments during your planning year if you wish to try to increase your Program Standards points. Planning year assessments will be free and will only count towards your star rating if you choose. You may choose to use your planning year assessment as a learning tool, and request a second ERS assessment during your reassessment year to see if you can increase your score. Today, we also discussed the possibility that the way points are earned may look different by the time your reassessment is due. I will be in touch with more information as it becomes available, and as your planning year approaches. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you today. Regarding Education standards, it appears you are maintaining compliance based on your current staff, however two new staff members still have pending WORKS evaluations. You must ensure K. Hickman and A. Jeffers apply for appropriate positions and submit official transcripts as required for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Reminders Remember to send verification of current CPR and First Aid for the seven staff members discussed today. In addition, if you move a fence and decrease the size of one of the playgrounds as discussed, please notify me so I may recalculate the capacity. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa You may also refer to the June 6, 2024 email blast for more information. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the Secretary of State’s office December 29, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 18, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 7, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted January 19, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities on the floor with their caregiver. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one and two years of age were observed in Space #4 playing with materials including phones, manipulatives, and indoor riding toys. In Space #2, children two and three years of age were observed in a large group circle time activity, during which they discussed the calendar and sang the “ABC’s.” Later, this group was observed on one of the fenced in playgrounds, using balls and riding toys. Children three and four years of age in Space #3 participated in free choice activities including pretending to cook food and dressing up as superheroes in the dramatic play area, as well as building with magnet tiles. In Space #5, preschool children were also engaged in free choice activities, pretending to vacuum and dressing up in the dramatic play center, as well as building with Legos. School age children were observed in Space #6, pretending to make ice cream with playdough and playing with plastic dinosaurs. Interactions were positive and adequate supervision was provided in all spaces. Lunch served consisted of ground beef with spaghetti sauce over whole grain noodles, green beans, applesauce and milk. After lunch, children one through five years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens; lights were dimmed and soft music played. School age children were observed playing games during this time. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit November 16, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new lead teacher. Ms. Green stated all of the teacher’s information had been sent to Ms. Ard already, and she did not know why the plan hadn’t been updated. It was verified that the new lead teacher meets requirements as long as she enrolls with the Early Educator Support (EES) unit and begins a licensure program. The assistant teacher meets requirements as she is enrolled in an Associate’s in Early Childhood program. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-R when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 trash bags, Ziploc bags and grocery bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Spaces #2 and 4. .0604(q) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. An annual staff evaluation was not on file for one staff member today. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) As both violations were corrected during the visit, a compliance letter is not due at this time. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Today you stated you must have missed the annual evaluation for S. Bowen when you completed them for all eligible staff members in February 2023. You completed one for Ms. Bowen today and placed it in her file; moving forward I urged you to make a list of all staff members who need annual evaluations so you can cross them off as you go to ensure none are missed. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage or trash are kept inaccessible to children under three years of age by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today all plastic bags were relocated to higher shelves. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided today regarding maintaining resilient surfacing under and around equipment with a fall height of at least 18 inches. It was observed today that you have made the large slide and climbing ladder inaccessible to children using caution tape, and you stated it was due to difficulty maintaining the mulch. I advised you to till the mulch under the rock climbing wall and the see saws as well and ensure that you can maintain it unless you decide to also make those pieces of equipment inaccessible. For the safety of the children, I also advised staff members in Spaces #1 and 2 to remove blankets from children’s faces at nap time when they have pulled them over their heads. Today we discussed using a rewards system for toilet training in Space #2. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803 states “no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward;” which includes candy or other types of edible treats. As discussed, you may use stickers or some other type of reward which is not food to encourage children to use the toilet instead. Remember, treats such as candy should also only be served during special occasions such as birthday parties, and you must ensure there are no choking hazards as well. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accurate completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, this document has been updated and the most recent version is available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms, along with instructions. Today we specifically discussed Line 6 for criminal records qualification letters; the letter date should match the date on the letter which is in the staff file, and the expiration date should be five years from the letter date. We also discussed Line 19, which should list the expiration dates of CPR and First Aid training; these dates should be obtained for staff certification cards. Today you made necessary edits to the worksheet you submitted December 28, 2023; be sure to revise your electronic version as well and review instructions as needed moving forward. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in May 2023, therefore you have been placed in “Cohort 3” of the cohort model of resuming rated license reassessments. This means your planning/preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26, and your next reassessment will be due between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27. As discussed, if you continue as an NC Pre-K site, the NC Pre-K classroom must be assessed and score at least a 5.0 on the ECERS-R. In addition, you will have the option to request any additional Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments during your planning year if you wish to try to increase your Program Standards points. Planning year assessments will be free and will only count towards your star rating if you choose. If interested, I encourage you to use resources such as the NCRLAP website, Columbus County Partnership for Children, and Region 4 CCR&R to prepare for assessments. I will be in touch regarding timelines as your planning year approaches. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you and noted on the Staff and Training Worksheet today. Regarding Education standards, compliance could not be verified due to pending WORKS evaluations of three new staff members. You must ensure all staff in key positions including lead teacher and teacher have registered for WORKS accounts, applied for appropriate positions and submitted official transcripts as required for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Today we also discussed your Quality Point, as the one printed on your license during your recent reassessment no longer applies. It was verified that you are still eligible for the other Quality Point you chose, however, using the Education option of “Administrator has at least 10 years of documented experience.” Reminders Remember to submit a copy of your approved fire inspection within one week as required. You must also remind all staff members that all types of balloons are now prohibited in child care for safety reasons. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Keep an eye out for an email invitation with Zoom link soon! Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the Secretary of State’s office December 29, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 18, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 7, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted January 19, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities on the floor with their caregiver. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one and two years of age were observed in Space #4 playing with materials including phones, manipulatives, and indoor riding toys. In Space #2, children two and three years of age were observed in a large group circle time activity, during which they discussed the calendar and sang the “ABC’s.” Later, this group was observed on one of the fenced in playgrounds, using balls and riding toys. Children three and four years of age in Space #3 participated in free choice activities including pretending to cook food and dressing up as superheroes in the dramatic play area, as well as building with magnet tiles. In Space #5, preschool children were also engaged in free choice activities, pretending to vacuum and dressing up in the dramatic play center, as well as building with Legos. School age children were observed in Space #6, pretending to make ice cream with playdough and playing with plastic dinosaurs. Interactions were positive and adequate supervision was provided in all spaces. Lunch served consisted of ground beef with spaghetti sauce over whole grain noodles, green beans, applesauce and milk. After lunch, children one through five years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens; lights were dimmed and soft music played. School age children were observed playing games during this time. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit November 16, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new lead teacher. Ms. Green stated all of the teacher’s information had been sent to Ms. Ard already, and she did not know why the plan hadn’t been updated. It was verified that the new lead teacher meets requirements as long as she enrolls with the Early Educator Support (EES) unit and begins a licensure program. The assistant teacher meets requirements as she is enrolled in an Associate’s in Early Childhood program. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-R when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 trash bags, Ziploc bags and grocery bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Spaces #2 and 4. .0604(q) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. An annual staff evaluation was not on file for one staff member today. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) As both violations were corrected during the visit, a compliance letter is not due at this time. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Today you stated you must have missed the annual evaluation for S. Bowen when you completed them for all eligible staff members in February 2023. You completed one for Ms. Bowen today and placed it in her file; moving forward I urged you to make a list of all staff members who need annual evaluations so you can cross them off as you go to ensure none are missed. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage or trash are kept inaccessible to children under three years of age by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today all plastic bags were relocated to higher shelves. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided today regarding maintaining resilient surfacing under and around equipment with a fall height of at least 18 inches. It was observed today that you have made the large slide and climbing ladder inaccessible to children using caution tape, and you stated it was due to difficulty maintaining the mulch. I advised you to till the mulch under the rock climbing wall and the see saws as well and ensure that you can maintain it unless you decide to also make those pieces of equipment inaccessible. For the safety of the children, I also advised staff members in Spaces #1 and 2 to remove blankets from children’s faces at nap time when they have pulled them over their heads. Today we discussed using a rewards system for toilet training in Space #2. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803 states “no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward;” which includes candy or other types of edible treats. As discussed, you may use stickers or some other type of reward which is not food to encourage children to use the toilet instead. Remember, treats such as candy should also only be served during special occasions such as birthday parties, and you must ensure there are no choking hazards as well. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accurate completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, this document has been updated and the most recent version is available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms, along with instructions. Today we specifically discussed Line 6 for criminal records qualification letters; the letter date should match the date on the letter which is in the staff file, and the expiration date should be five years from the letter date. We also discussed Line 19, which should list the expiration dates of CPR and First Aid training; these dates should be obtained for staff certification cards. Today you made necessary edits to the worksheet you submitted December 28, 2023; be sure to revise your electronic version as well and review instructions as needed moving forward. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in May 2023, therefore you have been placed in “Cohort 3” of the cohort model of resuming rated license reassessments. This means your planning/preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26, and your next reassessment will be due between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27. As discussed, if you continue as an NC Pre-K site, the NC Pre-K classroom must be assessed and score at least a 5.0 on the ECERS-R. In addition, you will have the option to request any additional Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments during your planning year if you wish to try to increase your Program Standards points. Planning year assessments will be free and will only count towards your star rating if you choose. If interested, I encourage you to use resources such as the NCRLAP website, Columbus County Partnership for Children, and Region 4 CCR&R to prepare for assessments. I will be in touch regarding timelines as your planning year approaches. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you and noted on the Staff and Training Worksheet today. Regarding Education standards, compliance could not be verified due to pending WORKS evaluations of three new staff members. You must ensure all staff in key positions including lead teacher and teacher have registered for WORKS accounts, applied for appropriate positions and submitted official transcripts as required for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Today we also discussed your Quality Point, as the one printed on your license during your recent reassessment no longer applies. It was verified that you are still eligible for the other Quality Point you chose, however, using the Education option of “Administrator has at least 10 years of documented experience.” Reminders Remember to submit a copy of your approved fire inspection within one week as required. You must also remind all staff members that all types of balloons are now prohibited in child care for safety reasons. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Keep an eye out for an email invitation with Zoom link soon! Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1803 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the Secretary of State’s office December 29, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 18, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 7, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted January 19, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities on the floor with their caregiver. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one and two years of age were observed in Space #4 playing with materials including phones, manipulatives, and indoor riding toys. In Space #2, children two and three years of age were observed in a large group circle time activity, during which they discussed the calendar and sang the “ABC’s.” Later, this group was observed on one of the fenced in playgrounds, using balls and riding toys. Children three and four years of age in Space #3 participated in free choice activities including pretending to cook food and dressing up as superheroes in the dramatic play area, as well as building with magnet tiles. In Space #5, preschool children were also engaged in free choice activities, pretending to vacuum and dressing up in the dramatic play center, as well as building with Legos. School age children were observed in Space #6, pretending to make ice cream with playdough and playing with plastic dinosaurs. Interactions were positive and adequate supervision was provided in all spaces. Lunch served consisted of ground beef with spaghetti sauce over whole grain noodles, green beans, applesauce and milk. After lunch, children one through five years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens; lights were dimmed and soft music played. School age children were observed playing games during this time. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit November 16, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new lead teacher. Ms. Green stated all of the teacher’s information had been sent to Ms. Ard already, and she did not know why the plan hadn’t been updated. It was verified that the new lead teacher meets requirements as long as she enrolls with the Early Educator Support (EES) unit and begins a licensure program. The assistant teacher meets requirements as she is enrolled in an Associate’s in Early Childhood program. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-R when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 trash bags, Ziploc bags and grocery bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Spaces #2 and 4. .0604(q) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. An annual staff evaluation was not on file for one staff member today. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) As both violations were corrected during the visit, a compliance letter is not due at this time. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Today you stated you must have missed the annual evaluation for S. Bowen when you completed them for all eligible staff members in February 2023. You completed one for Ms. Bowen today and placed it in her file; moving forward I urged you to make a list of all staff members who need annual evaluations so you can cross them off as you go to ensure none are missed. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage or trash are kept inaccessible to children under three years of age by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today all plastic bags were relocated to higher shelves. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided today regarding maintaining resilient surfacing under and around equipment with a fall height of at least 18 inches. It was observed today that you have made the large slide and climbing ladder inaccessible to children using caution tape, and you stated it was due to difficulty maintaining the mulch. I advised you to till the mulch under the rock climbing wall and the see saws as well and ensure that you can maintain it unless you decide to also make those pieces of equipment inaccessible. For the safety of the children, I also advised staff members in Spaces #1 and 2 to remove blankets from children’s faces at nap time when they have pulled them over their heads. Today we discussed using a rewards system for toilet training in Space #2. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803 states “no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward;” which includes candy or other types of edible treats. As discussed, you may use stickers or some other type of reward which is not food to encourage children to use the toilet instead. Remember, treats such as candy should also only be served during special occasions such as birthday parties, and you must ensure there are no choking hazards as well. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accurate completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, this document has been updated and the most recent version is available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms, along with instructions. Today we specifically discussed Line 6 for criminal records qualification letters; the letter date should match the date on the letter which is in the staff file, and the expiration date should be five years from the letter date. We also discussed Line 19, which should list the expiration dates of CPR and First Aid training; these dates should be obtained for staff certification cards. Today you made necessary edits to the worksheet you submitted December 28, 2023; be sure to revise your electronic version as well and review instructions as needed moving forward. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in May 2023, therefore you have been placed in “Cohort 3” of the cohort model of resuming rated license reassessments. This means your planning/preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26, and your next reassessment will be due between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27. As discussed, if you continue as an NC Pre-K site, the NC Pre-K classroom must be assessed and score at least a 5.0 on the ECERS-R. In addition, you will have the option to request any additional Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments during your planning year if you wish to try to increase your Program Standards points. Planning year assessments will be free and will only count towards your star rating if you choose. If interested, I encourage you to use resources such as the NCRLAP website, Columbus County Partnership for Children, and Region 4 CCR&R to prepare for assessments. I will be in touch regarding timelines as your planning year approaches. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you and noted on the Staff and Training Worksheet today. Regarding Education standards, compliance could not be verified due to pending WORKS evaluations of three new staff members. You must ensure all staff in key positions including lead teacher and teacher have registered for WORKS accounts, applied for appropriate positions and submitted official transcripts as required for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Today we also discussed your Quality Point, as the one printed on your license during your recent reassessment no longer applies. It was verified that you are still eligible for the other Quality Point you chose, however, using the Education option of “Administrator has at least 10 years of documented experience.” Reminders Remember to submit a copy of your approved fire inspection within one week as required. You must also remind all staff members that all types of balloons are now prohibited in child care for safety reasons. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Keep an eye out for an email invitation with Zoom link soon! Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the Secretary of State’s office December 29, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 18, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 7, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted January 19, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities on the floor with their caregiver. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one and two years of age were observed in Space #4 playing with materials including phones, manipulatives, and indoor riding toys. In Space #2, children two and three years of age were observed in a large group circle time activity, during which they discussed the calendar and sang the “ABC’s.” Later, this group was observed on one of the fenced in playgrounds, using balls and riding toys. Children three and four years of age in Space #3 participated in free choice activities including pretending to cook food and dressing up as superheroes in the dramatic play area, as well as building with magnet tiles. In Space #5, preschool children were also engaged in free choice activities, pretending to vacuum and dressing up in the dramatic play center, as well as building with Legos. School age children were observed in Space #6, pretending to make ice cream with playdough and playing with plastic dinosaurs. Interactions were positive and adequate supervision was provided in all spaces. Lunch served consisted of ground beef with spaghetti sauce over whole grain noodles, green beans, applesauce and milk. After lunch, children one through five years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens; lights were dimmed and soft music played. School age children were observed playing games during this time. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit November 16, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new lead teacher. Ms. Green stated all of the teacher’s information had been sent to Ms. Ard already, and she did not know why the plan hadn’t been updated. It was verified that the new lead teacher meets requirements as long as she enrolls with the Early Educator Support (EES) unit and begins a licensure program. The assistant teacher meets requirements as she is enrolled in an Associate’s in Early Childhood program. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-R when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 trash bags, Ziploc bags and grocery bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Spaces #2 and 4. .0604(q) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. An annual staff evaluation was not on file for one staff member today. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) As both violations were corrected during the visit, a compliance letter is not due at this time. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Today you stated you must have missed the annual evaluation for S. Bowen when you completed them for all eligible staff members in February 2023. You completed one for Ms. Bowen today and placed it in her file; moving forward I urged you to make a list of all staff members who need annual evaluations so you can cross them off as you go to ensure none are missed. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage or trash are kept inaccessible to children under three years of age by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today all plastic bags were relocated to higher shelves. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided today regarding maintaining resilient surfacing under and around equipment with a fall height of at least 18 inches. It was observed today that you have made the large slide and climbing ladder inaccessible to children using caution tape, and you stated it was due to difficulty maintaining the mulch. I advised you to till the mulch under the rock climbing wall and the see saws as well and ensure that you can maintain it unless you decide to also make those pieces of equipment inaccessible. For the safety of the children, I also advised staff members in Spaces #1 and 2 to remove blankets from children’s faces at nap time when they have pulled them over their heads. Today we discussed using a rewards system for toilet training in Space #2. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803 states “no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward;” which includes candy or other types of edible treats. As discussed, you may use stickers or some other type of reward which is not food to encourage children to use the toilet instead. Remember, treats such as candy should also only be served during special occasions such as birthday parties, and you must ensure there are no choking hazards as well. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accurate completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, this document has been updated and the most recent version is available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms, along with instructions. Today we specifically discussed Line 6 for criminal records qualification letters; the letter date should match the date on the letter which is in the staff file, and the expiration date should be five years from the letter date. We also discussed Line 19, which should list the expiration dates of CPR and First Aid training; these dates should be obtained for staff certification cards. Today you made necessary edits to the worksheet you submitted December 28, 2023; be sure to revise your electronic version as well and review instructions as needed moving forward. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in May 2023, therefore you have been placed in “Cohort 3” of the cohort model of resuming rated license reassessments. This means your planning/preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26, and your next reassessment will be due between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27. As discussed, if you continue as an NC Pre-K site, the NC Pre-K classroom must be assessed and score at least a 5.0 on the ECERS-R. In addition, you will have the option to request any additional Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments during your planning year if you wish to try to increase your Program Standards points. Planning year assessments will be free and will only count towards your star rating if you choose. If interested, I encourage you to use resources such as the NCRLAP website, Columbus County Partnership for Children, and Region 4 CCR&R to prepare for assessments. I will be in touch regarding timelines as your planning year approaches. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you and noted on the Staff and Training Worksheet today. Regarding Education standards, compliance could not be verified due to pending WORKS evaluations of three new staff members. You must ensure all staff in key positions including lead teacher and teacher have registered for WORKS accounts, applied for appropriate positions and submitted official transcripts as required for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Today we also discussed your Quality Point, as the one printed on your license during your recent reassessment no longer applies. It was verified that you are still eligible for the other Quality Point you chose, however, using the Education option of “Administrator has at least 10 years of documented experience.” Reminders Remember to submit a copy of your approved fire inspection within one week as required. You must also remind all staff members that all types of balloons are now prohibited in child care for safety reasons. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Keep an eye out for an email invitation with Zoom link soon! Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KID KARE ACADEMY Facility ID: 24000083 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 1/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued May 31, 2023, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. Restrictions on the permit include: a first shift capacity of 137 children 0-12 years of age and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The facility was also monitored for implementing an approved curriculum with children four years of age as required by the star rating; this program uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition. Kid Kare Academy, Inc., the corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the Secretary of State’s office December 29, 2023. The last annual compliance visit was conducted January 18, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned June 7, 2023, and a fire inspection was conducted January 19, 2023; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 84%. Director, C. Green, was present and available for consultation today. Seven indoor spaces and five outdoor spaces are approved for use by children. Infants and children one year of age in Space #1 were observed in individual feeding and sleeping routines as well as play activities on the floor with their caregiver. Safe sleep practices were monitored and in compliance today. Children one and two years of age were observed in Space #4 playing with materials including phones, manipulatives, and indoor riding toys. In Space #2, children two and three years of age were observed in a large group circle time activity, during which they discussed the calendar and sang the “ABC’s.” Later, this group was observed on one of the fenced in playgrounds, using balls and riding toys. Children three and four years of age in Space #3 participated in free choice activities including pretending to cook food and dressing up as superheroes in the dramatic play area, as well as building with magnet tiles. In Space #5, preschool children were also engaged in free choice activities, pretending to vacuum and dressing up in the dramatic play center, as well as building with Legos. School age children were observed in Space #6, pretending to make ice cream with playdough and playing with plastic dinosaurs. Interactions were positive and adequate supervision was provided in all spaces. Lunch served consisted of ground beef with spaghetti sauce over whole grain noodles, green beans, applesauce and milk. After lunch, children one through five years of age transitioned to rest time routines. They rested on appropriately spaced cots with individual linens; lights were dimmed and soft music played. School age children were observed playing games during this time. Today Ms. Green stated the same 15-passenger van monitored last year is still the only one being used to transport school age children. Transportation requirements were monitored and in compliance today. All staff members employed more than one year have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and staff members employed at least five years have now repeated all topics as required. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Space #5 is operated as an NC Pre-K classroom. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8am to 2:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was signed by Terri Ard, representative of contracting agency Columbus County Schools, during a site visit November 16, 2023. It was noted that all requirements were in compliance. NC Pre-K staff information was checked in the NC Pre-K Plan prior to the visit, and it was discovered that an update was needed for a new lead teacher. Ms. Green stated all of the teacher’s information had been sent to Ms. Ard already, and she did not know why the plan hadn’t been updated. It was verified that the new lead teacher meets requirements as long as she enrolls with the Early Educator Support (EES) unit and begins a licensure program. The assistant teacher meets requirements as she is enrolled in an Associate’s in Early Childhood program. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) score received on February 7, 2023 was 5.57. Ms. Green stated she understood the NC Pre-K classroom must earn a score of at least 5.0 on the ECERS-R when the next rated license reassessment is conducted. 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 corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 trash bags, Ziploc bags and grocery bags were observed accessible to children under three years of age in Spaces #2 and 4. .0604(q) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. An annual staff evaluation was not on file for one staff member today. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) As both violations were corrected during the visit, a compliance letter is not due at this time. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited Today you stated you must have missed the annual evaluation for S. Bowen when you completed them for all eligible staff members in February 2023. You completed one for Ms. Bowen today and placed it in her file; moving forward I urged you to make a list of all staff members who need annual evaluations so you can cross them off as you go to ensure none are missed. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage or trash are kept inaccessible to children under three years of age by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today all plastic bags were relocated to higher shelves. Technical Assistance Technical assistance was provided today regarding maintaining resilient surfacing under and around equipment with a fall height of at least 18 inches. It was observed today that you have made the large slide and climbing ladder inaccessible to children using caution tape, and you stated it was due to difficulty maintaining the mulch. I advised you to till the mulch under the rock climbing wall and the see saws as well and ensure that you can maintain it unless you decide to also make those pieces of equipment inaccessible. For the safety of the children, I also advised staff members in Spaces #1 and 2 to remove blankets from children’s faces at nap time when they have pulled them over their heads. Today we discussed using a rewards system for toilet training in Space #2. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803 states “no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward;” which includes candy or other types of edible treats. As discussed, you may use stickers or some other type of reward which is not food to encourage children to use the toilet instead. Remember, treats such as candy should also only be served during special occasions such as birthday parties, and you must ensure there are no choking hazards as well. Technical assistance was also provided today regarding accurate completion of the Staff and Training Worksheet. As discussed, this document has been updated and the most recent version is available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms, along with instructions. Today we specifically discussed Line 6 for criminal records qualification letters; the letter date should match the date on the letter which is in the staff file, and the expiration date should be five years from the letter date. We also discussed Line 19, which should list the expiration dates of CPR and First Aid training; these dates should be obtained for staff certification cards. Today you made necessary edits to the worksheet you submitted December 28, 2023; be sure to revise your electronic version as well and review instructions as needed moving forward. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in May 2023, therefore you have been placed in “Cohort 3” of the cohort model of resuming rated license reassessments. This means your planning/preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26, and your next reassessment will be due between 7/1/26 and 6/30/27. As discussed, if you continue as an NC Pre-K site, the NC Pre-K classroom must be assessed and score at least a 5.0 on the ECERS-R. In addition, you will have the option to request any additional Environment Rating Scales (ERS) assessments during your planning year if you wish to try to increase your Program Standards points. Planning year assessments will be free and will only count towards your star rating if you choose. If interested, I encourage you to use resources such as the NCRLAP website, Columbus County Partnership for Children, and Region 4 CCR&R to prepare for assessments. I will be in touch regarding timelines as your planning year approaches. Information from DCDEE WORKS was reviewed with you and noted on the Staff and Training Worksheet today. Regarding Education standards, compliance could not be verified due to pending WORKS evaluations of three new staff members. You must ensure all staff in key positions including lead teacher and teacher have registered for WORKS accounts, applied for appropriate positions and submitted official transcripts as required for evaluation. Please let me know if you need assistance with the WORKS portal. Today we also discussed your Quality Point, as the one printed on your license during your recent reassessment no longer applies. It was verified that you are still eligible for the other Quality Point you chose, however, using the Education option of “Administrator has at least 10 years of documented experience.” Reminders Remember to submit a copy of your approved fire inspection within one week as required. You must also remind all staff members that all types of balloons are now prohibited in child care for safety reasons. Save the date for a Zoom Provider Meeting! The meeting for center owners and directors will be held February 7, 2024 at 10am. Keep an eye out for an email invitation with Zoom link soon! Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times