Carolina Kids

10A NCAC 09 .1725 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAROLINA KIDS Facility ID: 65001058 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 12/22/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 12/22/2025 Age: From 5 To 5 Total Minutes: 85 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 10:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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. Child Care Consultant, Heather Elliott, assisted with the visit today. You, Jeanne Finucan, Owner/Operator, assisted with the visit. Your program currently operates with a 3-star license issued August 8, 2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: first and second shift; maximum of 5 preschool children at any time; children in care on ground level only; and fireplace/woodstove not used during operating hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 14, 2025. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-eight (98) percent as of December 21, 2025. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Activity plans were observed posted in the playroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed for each age group. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. All children were adequately supervised. Provider/child interactions were positive and in appropriate manner. Breakfast for today consisted of oatmeal, mixed fruit, and milk. Proper handwashing was observed before and after meals. The FCCH Verification Form and the Operator’s Statement of Responsibility were received prior to the visit and monitored today. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 923 Operator did not keep records of monthly fire drills, quarterly lockdown or shelter-in-place drills, incident reports, incident logs, accurate attendance, emergency numbers, emergency preparedness and response plan, field trip/transportation permission, pet vaccinations records and/or playground inspections monthly outdoor safety checks for a minimum of one year. A playground inspection was not completed for July 2025. .1721 (e)(7) 2059 The family child care home operator did not have results of the water sample analysis on file in the home, showing they are free of bacteria and lead hazards. There was not water sample analysis results on file. 10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)(1)&(2) 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 January 5, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant PO Box12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@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 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance: CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on 03/22/22. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- no results • Asbestos- no results Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Reminders: K. Finucan’s CPR/FA certification on file expires 12/31/25. K. Finucan needs 1 hour of on-going training hours before 1/14/25. You must email me her certificate upon completion to avoid future violations. Other information: Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. You have completed the training and have entered all household members. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired or when household members move in/leave. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. July 2025 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility and that documentation is attached to this packet. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Reminder You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-0954 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAROLINA KIDS Facility ID: 65001058 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 12/22/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 12/22/2025 Age: From 5 To 5 Total Minutes: 85 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 10:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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. Child Care Consultant, Heather Elliott, assisted with the visit today. You, Jeanne Finucan, Owner/Operator, assisted with the visit. Your program currently operates with a 3-star license issued August 8, 2022, earning 4 points in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: first and second shift; maximum of 5 preschool children at any time; children in care on ground level only; and fireplace/woodstove not used during operating hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 14, 2025. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-eight (98) percent as of December 21, 2025. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Activity plans were observed posted in the playroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed for each age group. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. All children were adequately supervised. Provider/child interactions were positive and in appropriate manner. Breakfast for today consisted of oatmeal, mixed fruit, and milk. Proper handwashing was observed before and after meals. The FCCH Verification Form and the Operator’s Statement of Responsibility were received prior to the visit and monitored today. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 923 Operator did not keep records of monthly fire drills, quarterly lockdown or shelter-in-place drills, incident reports, incident logs, accurate attendance, emergency numbers, emergency preparedness and response plan, field trip/transportation permission, pet vaccinations records and/or playground inspections monthly outdoor safety checks for a minimum of one year. A playground inspection was not completed for July 2025. .1721 (e)(7) 2059 The family child care home operator did not have results of the water sample analysis on file in the home, showing they are free of bacteria and lead hazards. There was not water sample analysis results on file. 10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)(1)&(2) 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 January 5, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant PO Box12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@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 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance: CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on 03/22/22. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- no results • Asbestos- no results Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Reminders: K. Finucan’s CPR/FA certification on file expires 12/31/25. K. Finucan needs 1 hour of on-going training hours before 1/14/25. You must email me her certificate upon completion to avoid future violations. Other information: Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. You have completed the training and have entered all household members. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired or when household members move in/leave. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. July 2025 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility and that documentation is attached to this packet. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Reminder You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-0954 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CAROLINA KIDS Facility ID: 65001058 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/22/2024 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 1/22/2024 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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. Jeanne Finucan, Owner/Operator, assisted me with the visit. The program currently operates with a 3-star license issued August 8, 2022, earning 2 points in program standards, 4 points in staff education, and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Restrictions on the permit include: first and second shift; maximum of 5 preschool children at any time; children in care on ground level only; and fireplace/woodstove not used during operating hours. The last annual compliance visit was February 5, 2023 . Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 100%. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. There are 6 children enrolled in first shift (3 preschoolers and 3 school agers) and 5 children enrolled in second shift (all school age). The 1 year old child present today ate breakfast and engaged in free play with the provider. The activity plan was current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. The last fire drill was completed in November 2023. The provider had informal conversations with child and engaged in play as well. Lunch scheduled for today is meatballs, whole grain bread, corn, green salad, and milk. Children’s files were well organized and monitored. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 709 Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate. Insufficient materials were observed for the school aged children enrolled. 10 A NCAC 09.1720(a)(7) 1853 The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill. A fire drill for December 2023 was not recorded. .1719(a)(15) & .1721( e)(2) 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 February 5, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@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: Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records shall be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. When multiple age groups are enrolled adequate materials must be accessible for each age group. Today we discussed adding materials indoors for your school aged children, such as Lincoln logs, small legos, multi-piece puzzles, more complex books, realistic dramatic play (beauty salon or office job), and additional art materials. Some of these materials will need to be stored out of reach of younger children. Reminders: CPR and First Aid certifications are only good for 2 years. All three staff members will need to renew their CPR/FA certification in December 2025. Activity plans for each age group enrolled are required as their developmental needs are different. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, electronically signed, and emailed to you. Contact me at April Lester, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-0954, april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov or Lynette Robbins, Licensing Supervisor, 910-824-0235, Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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