10A NCAC 09 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: FRIENDS PLAYHOUSE Facility ID: 41001716 Consultant: SAMANTHA MCLEOD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 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 for compliance during an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This center currently operates with a Four Star license reissued on August 10, 2018. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by the center administrator, Ms. Elizabeth Brown and Ms. Nicole Wilkerson. Ms. Brown and Ms. Wilkerson assisted me during my visit today. A walk-thru of the indoor and outdoor spaces used by the children was monitored. Seventy-two (72) children were present during today’s visit. During today’s visit I observed the children during center play, small group activities and outdoor play. I also observed mealtime and rest time. Several transitions were also observed. Positive interaction was observed between the staff and the children. I monitored staff/ child ratios and supervision as I walked throughout the facility and found both in compliance. A sanitation inspection was conducted on July 19, 2024. This facility received an approved classification and nine (9) demerits. Monthly fire drills and playground inspections have been documented as well as quarterly disaster drills. A satisfactory fire inspection was completed on October 8, 2024. This facility was approved for daytime care only. This facility’s corporation status was verified current on the NC Department of the Secretary of State on March 25, 2025. The following violations of childcare requirements were cited today. Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In the space for younger two year old children, there were no books accessible to the children. The books were stored on a shelf out of reach from the children. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 614 Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18" apart or separated by partitions when in use. In the space for toddlers the cots were not placed at least 18 inches apart as required. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(e) Child Care facilities must maintain compliance with applicable childcare requirements at all times. In order to maintain compliance with North Carolina childcare laws and rules, the above violation must be corrected immediately. Please send a letter of compliance stating how the above violation was corrected and what you will do in the future to prevent this violation from being cited. Please email me this letter by April 9, 2025. CONSULTATION AND RESOURCES: Technical assistance regarding how to achieve and maintain compliance was offered. Health & Safety Requirements were also reviewed. --You stated today that your staff does training is completed by April 30th of each year. As a reminder, please make sure you have your training logs available for at least two years for review. INFANT/TODDLER OUTDOOR SPACE: During today’s visit we discussed your plans for an additional infant/toddler playground space. We discussed options for this area. When you decide on the type of fence you want to use, please send me a picture for approval. We also discussed the importance of using age-appropriate materials and equipment for infants & toddlers. It was recommended that this space accommodate at least 12 children at 100 square feet per child. Once you have created this space, I will come out and measure the area for approval. If you have any further questions about this space, please contact me. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/STAFF ANNUAL TRAINING REQUIREMENT: Because of the nature of their caregiving/teaching tasks, caregivers/teachers must attain multifaceted knowledge and skills. Professional development is crucial for early childhood educators as it enhances their skills, knowledge, and confidence, ultimately leading to higher quality care and education for young children, and improved job satisfaction for educators. Professional development also provides opportunities to learn about the latest research in child development, effective teaching strategies, and best practices in early childhood education. All staff members that have responsibility for planning and supervision of a childcare program; as well staff who work directly with children must complete in-service training annually. The required number of in-service training hours to be completed yearly is based on the education and/or experience of each individual staff member. --Please use the Record of In-service Training Chart to keep track of your training completed each year. (It is recommended that you use one sheet each year). Also have at least two years available for review (current year and previous year). --A sample chart was emailed to you to assist you with understanding the required number of training hours each staff must receive each year. During today’s visit it was noted that several staff members still had several hours to complete for their annual training that is due by April 30, 2025. During today’s visit I suggested additional ways that you can assist staff with managing their annual training requirements: --Provide opportunities on site at the facility --Recommend staff complete one training a month --Periodically throughout the year update staff on how many hours they have completed and how many more training hours are needed --Give opportunities to complete online training while at work or at home --Offer a Professional Development Day where staff can receive training at the facility --Cover the cost of training for staff --Include completion of annual training hours (on time) as part of the annual staff evaluation These are just a few suggestions that have assisted other programs with the completion of staff training. *For a complete review of the number of annual training hours required please review child care rule.1103 (On-going training and professional development requirements). RATED LICENSE UPDATE: The Governor signed Senate Bill 425 (now Session Law 2024-34), Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill, which includes the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modifications recommended to the Legislature by the NC Child Care Commission to update QRIS and create additional pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn star rated licenses. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended and star rated license assessments for licensed child care providers will be conducted by provider request only, until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. As discussed with you today it is important to have all your staff use this time to submit updated educational information to our Workforce system. All staff will need to have a current Workforce letter on file. It is also suggested that you visit the NCRLAP (www.NCRLAP.org) website for upcoming training and view their resources for the new Infant/ Toddler & Early Childhood assessment tools (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). UPDATED RULES: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ You were provided an opportunity to ask questions regarding interpretation and implementation of all child care requirements. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any further questions or concerns about today’s visit, please contact me at: Samantha R. McLeod Child Care Consultant (336) 580-5363 (336) 559-3513 (fax) samantha.mcleod@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.

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: FRIENDS PLAYHOUSE Facility ID: 41001716 Consultant: SAMANTHA MCLEOD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2025 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 3/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 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 for compliance during an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This center currently operates with a Four Star license reissued on August 10, 2018. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by the center administrator, Ms. Elizabeth Brown and Ms. Nicole Wilkerson. Ms. Brown and Ms. Wilkerson assisted me during my visit today. A walk-thru of the indoor and outdoor spaces used by the children was monitored. Seventy-two (72) children were present during today’s visit. During today’s visit I observed the children during center play, small group activities and outdoor play. I also observed mealtime and rest time. Several transitions were also observed. Positive interaction was observed between the staff and the children. I monitored staff/ child ratios and supervision as I walked throughout the facility and found both in compliance. A sanitation inspection was conducted on July 19, 2024. This facility received an approved classification and nine (9) demerits. Monthly fire drills and playground inspections have been documented as well as quarterly disaster drills. A satisfactory fire inspection was completed on October 8, 2024. This facility was approved for daytime care only. This facility’s corporation status was verified current on the NC Department of the Secretary of State on March 25, 2025. The following violations of childcare requirements were cited today. Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. In the space for younger two year old children, there were no books accessible to the children. The books were stored on a shelf out of reach from the children. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 614 Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18" apart or separated by partitions when in use. In the space for toddlers the cots were not placed at least 18 inches apart as required. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(e) Child Care facilities must maintain compliance with applicable childcare requirements at all times. In order to maintain compliance with North Carolina childcare laws and rules, the above violation must be corrected immediately. Please send a letter of compliance stating how the above violation was corrected and what you will do in the future to prevent this violation from being cited. Please email me this letter by April 9, 2025. CONSULTATION AND RESOURCES: Technical assistance regarding how to achieve and maintain compliance was offered. Health & Safety Requirements were also reviewed. --You stated today that your staff does training is completed by April 30th of each year. As a reminder, please make sure you have your training logs available for at least two years for review. INFANT/TODDLER OUTDOOR SPACE: During today’s visit we discussed your plans for an additional infant/toddler playground space. We discussed options for this area. When you decide on the type of fence you want to use, please send me a picture for approval. We also discussed the importance of using age-appropriate materials and equipment for infants & toddlers. It was recommended that this space accommodate at least 12 children at 100 square feet per child. Once you have created this space, I will come out and measure the area for approval. If you have any further questions about this space, please contact me. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/STAFF ANNUAL TRAINING REQUIREMENT: Because of the nature of their caregiving/teaching tasks, caregivers/teachers must attain multifaceted knowledge and skills. Professional development is crucial for early childhood educators as it enhances their skills, knowledge, and confidence, ultimately leading to higher quality care and education for young children, and improved job satisfaction for educators. Professional development also provides opportunities to learn about the latest research in child development, effective teaching strategies, and best practices in early childhood education. All staff members that have responsibility for planning and supervision of a childcare program; as well staff who work directly with children must complete in-service training annually. The required number of in-service training hours to be completed yearly is based on the education and/or experience of each individual staff member. --Please use the Record of In-service Training Chart to keep track of your training completed each year. (It is recommended that you use one sheet each year). Also have at least two years available for review (current year and previous year). --A sample chart was emailed to you to assist you with understanding the required number of training hours each staff must receive each year. During today’s visit it was noted that several staff members still had several hours to complete for their annual training that is due by April 30, 2025. During today’s visit I suggested additional ways that you can assist staff with managing their annual training requirements: --Provide opportunities on site at the facility --Recommend staff complete one training a month --Periodically throughout the year update staff on how many hours they have completed and how many more training hours are needed --Give opportunities to complete online training while at work or at home --Offer a Professional Development Day where staff can receive training at the facility --Cover the cost of training for staff --Include completion of annual training hours (on time) as part of the annual staff evaluation These are just a few suggestions that have assisted other programs with the completion of staff training. *For a complete review of the number of annual training hours required please review child care rule.1103 (On-going training and professional development requirements). RATED LICENSE UPDATE: The Governor signed Senate Bill 425 (now Session Law 2024-34), Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill, which includes the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modifications recommended to the Legislature by the NC Child Care Commission to update QRIS and create additional pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn star rated licenses. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended and star rated license assessments for licensed child care providers will be conducted by provider request only, until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. As discussed with you today it is important to have all your staff use this time to submit updated educational information to our Workforce system. All staff will need to have a current Workforce letter on file. It is also suggested that you visit the NCRLAP (www.NCRLAP.org) website for upcoming training and view their resources for the new Infant/ Toddler & Early Childhood assessment tools (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). UPDATED RULES: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ You were provided an opportunity to ask questions regarding interpretation and implementation of all child care requirements. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any further questions or concerns about today’s visit, please contact me at: Samantha R. McLeod Child Care Consultant (336) 580-5363 (336) 559-3513 (fax) samantha.mcleod@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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: FRIENDS PLAYHOUSE Facility ID: 41001716 Consultant: SAMANTHA MCLEOD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/2/2024 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 4/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance during an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued on August 10, 2018. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by the administrator Ms. Elizabeth Brown. Ms. Brown assisted me during my visit today. All indoor and outdoor spaces used use by the children was observed today. During today’s visit, I observed the children during center time, outdoor time, transition times and meal time. Seventy-seven (77) children were present during today’s visit. A sanitation inspection was conducted on January 22, 2024. This facility received a superior rating with nine (9) demerits. This facility received an approved fire inspection on October 11, 2023; and was approved for daytime care only. Monthly playground and fire drills have been conducted and documentation was available for review. Quarterly disaster drills have also been documented. Staff and children files were monitored during today’s visit. The staff and training worksheet was updated during today’s visit. Your signature on these forms serves as verification that the information provided is accurate and complete. This facility’s corporation status was verified current on the NC Department of the Secretary of State on April 1, 2024. The following violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the playground for toddler and two year old children, there was a wooden flower bed used for digging that was warped and had pieces of sharp wood exposed. The wooden flower bed was removed from the playground during today's visit. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On the playground for preschool & school-age children standing water was observed collected at the bottom of a sand table that accessible to the children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. .1103(b) Child Care facilities must maintain compliance with applicable childcare requirements at all times. In order to maintain compliance with North Carolina childcare laws and rules, the above violation must be corrected immediately. Please send a letter of compliance stating how the above violation was corrected and what you will do in the future to prevent this violation from being cited. Please email me this letter by April 16, 2024. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Monitoring the Outdoor Play Areas: During today’s visit we discussed in detail the importance of monitoring the outdoor play space in a more thorough manner. You currently have to complete a daily outdoor check list each morning as a part of a previous corrective action plan. During today’s visit I observed standing water and outdoor equipment that was not in good repair that posed a hazard to the children. The hazards were on the playground while the children played today. It is important that the outdoor area is kept free of potential hazards to the children. I suggested that you add additional items to your checklist to assist you with monitoring these areas each day. I also recommended that you remind the staff of the importance of removing broken equipment or equipment that is in poor repair immediately from the play space. CONSULTATION AND RESOURCES: **ANNUAL REMINDERS: As discussed during today’s visit the following items must be completed/updated annually. --Staff Records: Annual training, staff evaluations and development plan, fire safety training, aquatic policy, review of EPR Plan and Emergency Care Plan review. --Children Records: Updated emergency information and transportation forms --These documents will be monitored for compliance during each annual compliance visit. Sample forms can be found on the DCDEE website. UPDATED RULES: Effective July 1, 2023, we have new rules posted on the DCDEE website. The changes are within the rules for: staff/child ratios and group sizes .0713, cooperative arrangements .2513, and enhanced space requirements .2809. Please refer to the website for more information. New Child Care Sanitation Rules: The NC Children’s Environmental Health has re-adopted child care sanitation rules effective July 1, 2023. These rules can be found on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/S/Section_2800_Sanitation_of_Child_Care_Centers.pdf. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ RATED LICENSE UPDATE: During today’s visit I made you aware that facilities that have completed the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) will have to begin completing this assessment as part of maintaining their Star Rated License. I made you aware that you are in COHORT #1. Your preparation year for your three-year reassessment is July 2023-June 2024. If possible, we will align the reassessment with your annual compliance visit timeframe. I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. --Have all staff update their WORKS account to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) --Determine whether you wish to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessment conducted. --Request technical assistance with your Child Care Consultant and local partners --Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) --Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities --Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. --Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways. ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality. If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment. Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year. Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0. CLOSING COMMENTS: ****You have decided to have a practice assessment conducted. I will request the practice assessment for you on your behalf. The NCRLAP will contact you to set up a 30-day window for your practice assessment. Based on your current enrollment you would have an ITERS-R and ECERS-R assessment conducted. Once the results have been received, I will set up a time to review the results with you. If you receive a score on any assessment that you like, and you feel it is high enough to help you maintain your current star level you can use that assessment score to your Rated License re-evaluation. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me at: Samantha R. McLeod Child Care Consultant (336) 580-5363 (336) 559-3513 (fax) samantha.mcleod@dhhs.nc.gov www.ncchildcare.nc.gov (DCDEE Website) Mailing Address: 2201 Mail Service Road Raleigh, NC 27699 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.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: FRIENDS PLAYHOUSE Facility ID: 41001716 Consultant: SAMANTHA MCLEOD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/2/2024 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 4/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance during an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility currently operates with a Four Star license issued on August 10, 2018. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by the administrator Ms. Elizabeth Brown. Ms. Brown assisted me during my visit today. All indoor and outdoor spaces used use by the children was observed today. During today’s visit, I observed the children during center time, outdoor time, transition times and meal time. Seventy-seven (77) children were present during today’s visit. A sanitation inspection was conducted on January 22, 2024. This facility received a superior rating with nine (9) demerits. This facility received an approved fire inspection on October 11, 2023; and was approved for daytime care only. Monthly playground and fire drills have been conducted and documentation was available for review. Quarterly disaster drills have also been documented. Staff and children files were monitored during today’s visit. The staff and training worksheet was updated during today’s visit. Your signature on these forms serves as verification that the information provided is accurate and complete. This facility’s corporation status was verified current on the NC Department of the Secretary of State on April 1, 2024. The following violations of childcare requirements were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the playground for toddler and two year old children, there was a wooden flower bed used for digging that was warped and had pieces of sharp wood exposed. The wooden flower bed was removed from the playground during today's visit. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On the playground for preschool & school-age children standing water was observed collected at the bottom of a sand table that accessible to the children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. .1103(b) Child Care facilities must maintain compliance with applicable childcare requirements at all times. In order to maintain compliance with North Carolina childcare laws and rules, the above violation must be corrected immediately. Please send a letter of compliance stating how the above violation was corrected and what you will do in the future to prevent this violation from being cited. Please email me this letter by April 16, 2024. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Monitoring the Outdoor Play Areas: During today’s visit we discussed in detail the importance of monitoring the outdoor play space in a more thorough manner. You currently have to complete a daily outdoor check list each morning as a part of a previous corrective action plan. During today’s visit I observed standing water and outdoor equipment that was not in good repair that posed a hazard to the children. The hazards were on the playground while the children played today. It is important that the outdoor area is kept free of potential hazards to the children. I suggested that you add additional items to your checklist to assist you with monitoring these areas each day. I also recommended that you remind the staff of the importance of removing broken equipment or equipment that is in poor repair immediately from the play space. CONSULTATION AND RESOURCES: **ANNUAL REMINDERS: As discussed during today’s visit the following items must be completed/updated annually. --Staff Records: Annual training, staff evaluations and development plan, fire safety training, aquatic policy, review of EPR Plan and Emergency Care Plan review. --Children Records: Updated emergency information and transportation forms --These documents will be monitored for compliance during each annual compliance visit. Sample forms can be found on the DCDEE website. UPDATED RULES: Effective July 1, 2023, we have new rules posted on the DCDEE website. The changes are within the rules for: staff/child ratios and group sizes .0713, cooperative arrangements .2513, and enhanced space requirements .2809. Please refer to the website for more information. New Child Care Sanitation Rules: The NC Children’s Environmental Health has re-adopted child care sanitation rules effective July 1, 2023. These rules can be found on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/S/Section_2800_Sanitation_of_Child_Care_Centers.pdf. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ RATED LICENSE UPDATE: During today’s visit I made you aware that facilities that have completed the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) will have to begin completing this assessment as part of maintaining their Star Rated License. I made you aware that you are in COHORT #1. Your preparation year for your three-year reassessment is July 2023-June 2024. If possible, we will align the reassessment with your annual compliance visit timeframe. I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. --Have all staff update their WORKS account to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) --Determine whether you wish to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessment conducted. --Request technical assistance with your Child Care Consultant and local partners --Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) --Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities --Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. --Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways. ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality. If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment. Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year. Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0. CLOSING COMMENTS: ****You have decided to have a practice assessment conducted. I will request the practice assessment for you on your behalf. The NCRLAP will contact you to set up a 30-day window for your practice assessment. Based on your current enrollment you would have an ITERS-R and ECERS-R assessment conducted. Once the results have been received, I will set up a time to review the results with you. If you receive a score on any assessment that you like, and you feel it is high enough to help you maintain your current star level you can use that assessment score to your Rated License re-evaluation. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me at: Samantha R. McLeod Child Care Consultant (336) 580-5363 (336) 559-3513 (fax) samantha.mcleod@dhhs.nc.gov www.ncchildcare.nc.gov (DCDEE Website) Mailing Address: 2201 Mail Service Road Raleigh, NC 27699 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 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: FRIENDS PLAYHOUSE Facility ID: 41001716 Consultant: CAMILLE DAVIS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/16/2023 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 11/16/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 100 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 11:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to assess compliance with applicable child care requirements. This facility operates with a Four Star License effective August 10, 2018. Upon arrival at the center, I was greeted by you, Elizabeth Brown, the administrator for the program. You assisted me with the information required during the visit. The most recent sanitation inspection was conducted on April 11, 2023 and received a classification of Superior with eight demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility and the outdoor areas that the children use during the visit. The required items were posted and available for review. Sixty-three children were present today. I observed the preschool children engaged in free choice play in activity centers, eating lunch, and completing handwashing and bathroom routines. In the classrooms for infants and toddler-age children, I observed the caregivers providing routine care. I also observed a teacher completing a diaper change for a child. Some of the teachers were sitting on the floor interacting with the children. A partial assessment of applicable child care requirements was conducted during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 438 Developmentally appropriate equipment and materials were not provided for variety of outdoor activities for vigorous play and large muscle development. There were not enough materials and toys for children to play with on the playgrounds. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(4) 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. Six staff did not have current First Aid training within 90 days of employment. .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. Six staff did not have current CPR training within 90 days of employment. .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 did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) In order to maintain compliance with North Carolina child care laws and rules, the above violations must be corrected immediately. A letter stating how the violations were corrected and how you plan to maintain compliance in the future must be submitted electronically to my email address by November 30, 2023. The compliance letter should contain the following information: 1. Facility Name 2. Facility ID 3. Date of the letter 4. The violation number, the date the violation was corrected, information regarding how the violation was corrected and how you plan to maintain compliance with the item number in the future. 5. Signature of the person preparing the letter. New Child Care Sanitation Rules The NC Children’s Environmental Health has re-adopted child care sanitation rules effective July 1, 2023. These rules can be found on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/S/Section_2800_Sanitation_of_Child_Care_Centers.pdf. Rated License Reassessment Process The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. This program is in Cohort One, and the reassessment year will begin July 1, 2024. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for the reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. If possible, we will align the reassessment with your Annual Compliance visit timeframe. ** All teachers should update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) ** Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners ** Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. ** ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality ** Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year ** Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have any questions or if I may be of further assistance, please contact me at 336-580-7335 or by email at Camille.Davis@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation during the visit today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.