Cadence Academy Preschool, Wilmington

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, WILMINGTON Facility ID: 65000748 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0426-174L Visit Date: 4/23/2026 Number Present: 157 Completed Date: 4/23/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit is to investigate an allegation regarding a child that was given the wrong bottle. Childcare requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The allegation of this report was discussed with Administrator Monica McLamb. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued June 02, 2022, earning 4 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. The last annual compliance with rated license visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on March 09, 2026. Prior to the visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 100%. Infants received care based on individual needs, including diapering feeding and napping routines. Toddlers and preschool-aged children in all other spaces were engaged in free play, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials or engaged in a variety of outdoor gross motor play. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with four staff members. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation. Findings - Allegation: There are concerns that a child was given the wrong bottle. On Friday, April 10, 2026, I received an email from Jessica Tew, Assistant Administrator, regarding an incident that took place in the infant one classroom. Ms. Tew stated that a caregiver accidentally fed a six-month-old infant a bottle of breastmilk that belonged to another child. Ms. Tew stated the incident occurred during morning routines, while a floater was relieving the two infant caregivers for a bathroom break. The mistake was noticed when the floater realized the infant was refusing the breastmilk and inquired about it from the infant caregivers. At that point, it was noticed that two infant bottles were placed next to each other, and the wrong bottle was offered to one of the infants. The incident was immediately reported to Ms. Tew, and both parents were contacted. Administration stated that both parents seemed understanding of the mistake and trust that a similar incident will not occur. Since this incident, all staff involved were counseled and required to document the incident. Both children are still enrolled with the program. Based on information received, staff interviews and observation, this allegation is confirmed. One violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. On April 10, 2026, a caregiver in space 1 accidentally fed a six-month-old infant a bottle of breastmilk that belonged to another child. .0902(d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 01, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. 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. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification. Technical Assistance Provided for Violation Cited: If a child has been mistakenly fed another child’s bottle of expressed breast milk, the possible exposure to HIV or other infectious diseases should be treated just as if an accidental exposure to other body fluids had occurred. Programs should do the following: 1. Inform the mother who expressed the breast milk of the bottle switch, and ask -When the breast milk was expressed and how it was handled prior to being delivered to the caretaker or facility -Whether she has ever had an HIV test and, if so, would she be willing to share the results with the parents of the child given the incorrect milk -If she does not know whether she has ever been tested for HIV, would she be willing to contact her physician and find out if she has been tested -If she has never been tested for HIV, would she be willing to have one and share the results with the parents of the other child. 2. Discuss the mistaken milk with the parents of the child who was given the wrong bottle -Inform them that their child was given another child’s bottle of expressed breast milk -Inform them that the risk of transmission of HIV is very small -Encourage the parents to notify the child’s physician of the exposure -Provide the family with information on when the milk was expressed and how the milk was handled prior to its being delivered to the caretaker so that the parents may inform their own physician -Inform the parents that their child should soon undergo a baseline test for HIV. At the completion of the visit, findings were reviewed with Ms. McLamb and a copy of the visit summary was provided. Reach me with questions at Shereen.Pickett@dhhs.nc.gov or (910) 508-3228. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, can be reached at Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or (910) 824-0470. 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: CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, WILMINGTON Facility ID: 65000748 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1223-092L Visit Date: 12/13/2023 Number Present: 152 Completed Date: 12/13/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit is to investigate a report alleging violations of childcare requirements. Childcare requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The allegation of this report was discussed with Monica McLamb, Administrator. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued June 02, 2022, earning 4 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 95%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, the corporation’s status, Cadence Education LLC, is current and active. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on 04/4/2023. All approved indoor spaces were visited today. Infants received care based on individual needs. Infants not engaged in routine care were either being held by staff members, or moved about the classroom and given the opportunity to engage with a variety of toys. Toddlers and preschool aged children were observed completing breakfast, handwashing routines and transitioning into morning circle time. Breakfast consisted of cereal, blueberries and milk. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found to be in compliance today. Allegation: There are concerns regarding nutrition guidelines. This is a self-reported incident. Ms. McLamb contacted me on December 6, 2023. After discussing her concerns, I requested she place a call to The Division of Child Development and Early Education’s intake consultant and make a self-report. On December 6, 2023, Ms. McLamb was notified by a parent that when she arrived to pick up her twin sons on the afternoon of December 5, 2023, she noticed Sydney Payne, staff member serving the children applesauce pouches that were part of a recall. Ms. Payne immediately collected the pouches and threw them away. On October 31, 2023, WanaBana recalled all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches regardless of expiration date and lot code as part of an ongoing FDA investigation into lead-contaminated food products. Ms. McLamb stated that Emerald Atkinson, staff member had purchased 20 boxes with 3 pouches each from a local Dollar Tree in early November. When asked by Ms. McLamb, Ms. Atkinson stated she was unaware of the recall and had purchased some for her niece as well as the children in her classroom as an “extra” snack. Ms. Atkinson stated the pouches were brought to the program on either November 13 or 14. The program typically serves a daily afternoon snack to the children around 1:45 – 2:00 pm. The “extra” snack is sometimes offered to children who are present past 4:00pm and the usual snacks offered include goldfish, Cheez its and dry cereal. All other pouches that were stored in the classroom were removed and disposed of by Ms. McLamb. According to Ms. McLamb, the following morning, the mother took her sons in to their pediatrician’s office for a check-up and it was determined that the lead levels in their blood were elevated to 8.8 and 10.8. The normal reading of lead is 1. Ms. McLamb stated that the parents are not upset with the teachers regarding this incident because they understand the pouches were served innocently and without knowledge about the recall. The parents reported no further treatment was necessary. The boys will be rechecked in three months as a precaution. The parents stated the local health department was scheduled to make a visit to the home to investigate if other sources may be contributing to the high levels of lead found in the boy’s blood. The boys remain enrolled in the program. Based on my observations, interviews with staff and my investigation, this allegation was substantiated. One violation was observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). Two children, one-year of age were served WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches as an "extra" afternoon snack. The applesauce pouches were previously recalled by the FDA as part of an on-going investigation into lead-contaminated food products. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 22, 2023, 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 considered legal documentation. Due to the severity of the violation cited, follow-up visits will take place. 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. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE REGARDING VIOLATION CITED: General Statute 130A-131.7. defines "Elevated blood lead level" as blood lead concentration of five micrograms per deciliter or greater. Children with lead exposure may have no apparent acute symptoms. Although this was an isolated incident and the applesauce pouches were not part of the food typically served by the program, it is vital for the health and safety of all children enrolled, that staff members do not serve any additional snacks or food items without prior authorization by parents. Any extra snacks or treats left over from a special or seasonal celebration should be sent home or disposed of the same day. Ensure you discuss this information with not only your typical classroom staff members, but also all afternoon staff and floaters. At the completion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, signed electronically and a copy was emailed to you. Reach me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with questions/concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CADENCE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL, WILMINGTON Facility ID: 65000748 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1223-092L Visit Date: 12/13/2023 Number Present: 152 Completed Date: 12/13/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit is to investigate a report alleging violations of childcare requirements. Childcare requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The allegation of this report was discussed with Monica McLamb, Administrator. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. This facility currently operates with a Four-Star license issued June 02, 2022, earning 4 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 95%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, the corporation’s status, Cadence Education LLC, is current and active. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on 04/4/2023. All approved indoor spaces were visited today. Infants received care based on individual needs. Infants not engaged in routine care were either being held by staff members, or moved about the classroom and given the opportunity to engage with a variety of toys. Toddlers and preschool aged children were observed completing breakfast, handwashing routines and transitioning into morning circle time. Breakfast consisted of cereal, blueberries and milk. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found to be in compliance today. Allegation: There are concerns regarding nutrition guidelines. This is a self-reported incident. Ms. McLamb contacted me on December 6, 2023. After discussing her concerns, I requested she place a call to The Division of Child Development and Early Education’s intake consultant and make a self-report. On December 6, 2023, Ms. McLamb was notified by a parent that when she arrived to pick up her twin sons on the afternoon of December 5, 2023, she noticed Sydney Payne, staff member serving the children applesauce pouches that were part of a recall. Ms. Payne immediately collected the pouches and threw them away. On October 31, 2023, WanaBana recalled all WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches regardless of expiration date and lot code as part of an ongoing FDA investigation into lead-contaminated food products. Ms. McLamb stated that Emerald Atkinson, staff member had purchased 20 boxes with 3 pouches each from a local Dollar Tree in early November. When asked by Ms. McLamb, Ms. Atkinson stated she was unaware of the recall and had purchased some for her niece as well as the children in her classroom as an “extra” snack. Ms. Atkinson stated the pouches were brought to the program on either November 13 or 14. The program typically serves a daily afternoon snack to the children around 1:45 – 2:00 pm. The “extra” snack is sometimes offered to children who are present past 4:00pm and the usual snacks offered include goldfish, Cheez its and dry cereal. All other pouches that were stored in the classroom were removed and disposed of by Ms. McLamb. According to Ms. McLamb, the following morning, the mother took her sons in to their pediatrician’s office for a check-up and it was determined that the lead levels in their blood were elevated to 8.8 and 10.8. The normal reading of lead is 1. Ms. McLamb stated that the parents are not upset with the teachers regarding this incident because they understand the pouches were served innocently and without knowledge about the recall. The parents reported no further treatment was necessary. The boys will be rechecked in three months as a precaution. The parents stated the local health department was scheduled to make a visit to the home to investigate if other sources may be contributing to the high levels of lead found in the boy’s blood. The boys remain enrolled in the program. Based on my observations, interviews with staff and my investigation, this allegation was substantiated. One violation was observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 1955 The child care center was not free of lead poisoning hazards as defined in G.S. 1130A-131.7(7). Two children, one-year of age were served WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches as an "extra" afternoon snack. The applesauce pouches were previously recalled by the FDA as part of an on-going investigation into lead-contaminated food products. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(f) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 22, 2023, 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 considered legal documentation. Due to the severity of the violation cited, follow-up visits will take place. 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. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE REGARDING VIOLATION CITED: General Statute 130A-131.7. defines "Elevated blood lead level" as blood lead concentration of five micrograms per deciliter or greater. Children with lead exposure may have no apparent acute symptoms. Although this was an isolated incident and the applesauce pouches were not part of the food typically served by the program, it is vital for the health and safety of all children enrolled, that staff members do not serve any additional snacks or food items without prior authorization by parents. Any extra snacks or treats left over from a special or seasonal celebration should be sent home or disposed of the same day. Ensure you discuss this information with not only your typical classroom staff members, but also all afternoon staff and floaters. At the completion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, signed electronically and a copy was emailed to you. Reach me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with questions/concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times