Childcare Network #128

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #128 Facility ID: 65001093 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0126-132L Visit Date: 1/20/2026 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 1/20/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 08:15 AM Time Out: 10:50 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns that children are not being treated in a nurturing and caring manner. There are concerns that staff members used inappropriate discipline. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued September 02, 2024, earning 7 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. Prior to this visit, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 98%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC, the corporation’s status is current and active. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on December 11, 2025. In addition to the allegations, Supervision, Staff /Child Ratios, Adequate/Approved Space, and Permit Restrictions were monitored. G. Johnson, Administrator, and S. Brown, Assistant Administrator, were present. I conducted the walkthrough of the facility unaccompanied. There were ninety-two (92) children enrolled and forty-six (46) children ranging in age from infants to eleven-years-old present. Today, all spaces approved for use with the children were visited. Six infants were present. Two infants were seated in highchairs enjoying breakfast. Three infants were placed on boppy pillows or enjoying tummy time. One infant was receiving a diaper change. Toddlers and two-year-old children were engaged in a variety of free play activities, including legos, a variety of table toys, building blocks and pretending in housekeeping. Preschool children ranging from three to five years old were completing breakfast routines. Today is a teacher workday for New Hanover County. NC Pre-K children were out of school, but school-age children were present. School age children were transitioning from breakfast to handwashing to free choice in centers. Breakfast consisted of French toast, apple slices, and milk. The allegations were reviewed with Ms. Johnson, Ms. Brown and four other staff members. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation. The facility does have a camera system that shows live footage only. Previous footage could not be accessed. Findings- Allegation #1 - There are concerns that children are not being treated in a nurturing and caring manner. This allegation is specific to an incident that occurred on January 14, 2026, in the NC Pre-K classroom. The reporter stated the child did not want to attend school because the teacher is “mean and grabs her by the arm”. Four classroom staff members and two administrative staff members were interviewed regarding this specific allegation. All staff members interviewed stated that one of the two teachers working in this classroom is stern and runs a very structured classroom. However, none of the staff members have ever witnessed this staff member mistreat children in her care. Staff members did state that the child in question has exhibited some behavior challenges in the past, such as hitting another child and putting mulch in a child’s hair, in which both staff members used redirection to guide her. Staff members stated the child does not like being redirected or corrected by her teachers. On the day of the incident, the child’s dad dropped the child off in her classroom, pointed a finger at the alleged staff member and said he wanted to talk to her. Seeing that the dad was agitated, the staff member agreed and asked that they step outside of the classroom and away from the children. As the conversation got heated, the staff member and the assistant administrator, who by that point heard the loud tones and went to check on things, asked the dad to step into the office to continue the conversation. Following some back and forth, the dad agreed to leave and let administration investigate the situation. Administration later decided the staff member did not mistreat the child, instead; the child did not like the staff member’s firm tone when correcting her. Lengthy observations were conducted today in all spaces approved for use with the children. Children appeared happy, comfortable and cared for in a safe environment. Positive interactions and adequate supervision were observed. Staff and administrators interviewed stated they did not have concerns with any children not being treated in a nurturing and caring manner. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed. Allegation #2 - There are concerns that staff members used inappropriate discipline. A total of six staff members were interviewed today. It was confirmed that on January 06, 2026, a staff member working in the NC Pre-K classroom directed a child in her care to remove paper towels from the toilet. The staff member stated the same child had thrown paper towels in the toilet twice before, on different days. On the third time, the staff member stated she asked the child not to do that anymore and since she continued not to listen, she was going to get gloves and have the child remove the paper towels from the toilet. The staff member stated she went to grab the gloves and by the time she returned, the child had already removed the paper towels from the toilet and tossed them in the trash can. This incident was reported to administration by the other staff member present in the classroom but was not reported to the child’s parents. Disciplinary action was not taken against the staff member involved. Since this incident, administration has spoken with the parents to assure them their child is in good care. The child remains enrolled at the program. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. The following violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 911 Children were disciplined by assigning chores that required them to be in contact with hazardous materials. A four year old child was disciplined by a staff member requiring her to remove paper towels out of the toilet. .1803(a)(7) 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 30, 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 of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. An administrative action may be issued based on a confirmed allegation AND (if applicable) a return visit will be made to verify correction of the violation. Technical Assistance Provided Relating to Violation Cited: The word discipline means to teach and guide. Discipline is not punishment. The discipline standard should reflect an approach that prevents behavior problems by supporting children in learning appropriate social skills and emotional responses. Those that work with young children should care for children without ever resorting to physical punishment or abusive language. When a child needs assistance, needs to express feelings, needs, and wants, the adult should help the child learn strategies for dealing with any situation. Conventional discipline too easily slides into punishment. For example, if we embarrass children by singling them out as part of our discipline strategy, this is punishment. Punishment makes young children feel stressed, hurt, rejected, and angry; these feelings make it harder for children to learn emotional and social skills. When we punish children, we are actually making life more difficult for --other children who worry for themselves and the punished child --adults who are not being the leaders they want to be --the child, who feels rejected and unworthy and becomes more challenged in learning social skills To assist with challenging behaviors, modify the learning/play environment (schedule, routine, activities, transitions, etc) to support appropriate behavior in a child. Recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors. Understand the stages of development in which the children in your care fall. For example, those that cry may not have the verbal ability to express their needs and/or wants. Or, they may not have the skills yet to do so. Speak to a Behavior Support Advisor for advice and resources specific to the challenging behaviors in your classroom. 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 Post your questions in the ‘Talk to the Expert’ Group on our online network, Social Emotional Connections, for early childhood educators. There will also be opportunities to join free webinars on challenging topics or classroom activities. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was provided to you. Contact me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with any 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: Childcare Network #128 Facility ID: 65001093 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/2/2025 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 7/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during a routine unannounced visit. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued September 02, 2024, earning 7 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. Prior to this visit, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 97%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC, the corporation’s status is current and active. Sanitation Inspection – 01/03/ 2025 – Superior classification Fire Inspection – 03/14/2025 - Facility was approved for daytime only S. Darling, Administrator and D. Dotson, Assistant Administrator were present and available for consultation. Infants in space 1 received care based on individual needs, including diapering, napping, and feeding routines. Safe sleep checks and feeding schedules were monitored and found to be in compliance. Waddlers and toddlers in spaces 2-3 were engaged in teacher directed art activities. Preschool and school-age children in spaces 4-7a were engaged in free play, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Breakfast consisted of cinnamon toast muffins, pineapples and milk. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. Six new staff members were hired since the last visit was conducted. Files for the new staff members were monitored today and found to be in compliance. One violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. In space 3, which is used with children one year of age, the art, block and dramatic play centers did not provide sufficient quantity and varying materials for children to use them at sometime during the day and allow for a range of choices. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 11, 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 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: Toys and classroom equipment must be readily accessible to the children throughout the day. This morning, during my visit to the toddler classroom, it was noticed that most of the shelves were completely empty. When I inquired about toys/materials, both classroom staff members and administrators stated all materials available are present. Based on observation, art, blocks, and dramatic play learning centers did not have sufficient materials to meet minimum standards, which is unacceptable since this program operates under a five-star license. As discussed, Ms. Darling must make an order to ensure all learning shelves/centers are equipped with proper amounts of toys to meet the children’s ages and abilities. Moving forward, I also encouraged Ms. Darling to monitor her classrooms closely and conduct an inventory of materials periodically to ensure all spaces are meeting required materials for the children. REMINDERS: Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed all three tests with no hazards identified. Remember that water testing must be completed every three years. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. 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. S. Darling has completed the training and is actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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. At the conclusion of this visit, the visit summary was reviewed, signed, printed, and a copy was left with you. Reach me with questions or concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #128 Facility ID: 65001093 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-275L Visit Date: 4/29/2024 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 4/29/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 153 Time In: 07:37 AM Time Out: 10:10 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The facility currently operates with a Temporary License issued March 1, 2024 and is valid through September 1, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 129 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. Child care consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. Allegation one: There are concerns that the staff/child ratio is out of compliance. Upon arrival at 7:37am, all spaces were observed, and staff/child ratios were noted. In the mornings children are combined in space #1, space #5 and space #6. Upon arrival two infants were in space #1 with one caregiver. One caregiver was in space #4 with one child completing a diaper change. One caregiver was in space #5 with11 children ages one to three years old. In space #4 nine four year old children were present with one caregiver. One toddler was being moved to space #1 to maintain ratios. At 8:00am, Two infants and one toddler were in space #1 with one caregiver. Two caregivers and twelve children ages one to three years old were in space #5. In space #4 ten four year old children were present with one caregiver. At 8:15am, Two infants and one toddler were in space #1 with one caregiver. Two caregivers and nine children ages one to two years old were present in space #4. One caregiver and eleven three year old children were present in space #5. In space #6 nine four-year-old children were present with one caregiver. In space #7, nine children ages four and five-years-old were present with two caregivers. One three-year-old child was being moved to space #4 to maintain ratios. At 8:45 Two infants and one toddler were in space #1 with one caregiver. In space #3, six toddlers and two caregivers were present. One caregiver and eight two-year-old children were present in space #4. Two caregivers and seventeen three and four-year-old children were present in space #5. In space #6 nine four-year-old children were present with one caregiver. In space #7, thirteen children ages four and five-years-old were present with two caregivers. Allegations were reviewed with administrative staff, support staff and classroom staff. Staff confirmed they are frequently out of ratio in the morning. Opening staff come in at 6:30am. The next staff members arrive at 9:00am. Staff shared that two staff were out today and having them there would have helped with staff/child ratios. Staff interviewed stated when they are at maximum ratio they notify administration and children are moved to other spaces as ratios allow. As traffic is unpredictable, staff stated the expected attendance at a specific time is not possible. Staff stated children are moved most every day in an effort to maintain ratios. Staff stated that as the next staff members do not arrive until 9:00am they are frequently out of staff/child ratios. Based on today’s observations and interviews with staff, this allegation is substantiated. Allegation two: There are concerns that activities are not developmentally appropriate as it relates to inappropriate media exposure. Each space has a tablet that is used exclusively by staff. The tablets are used to communicate with parents regarding the daily happenings with their child. According to staff, children do not use tablets. Staff also use the tables to Bluetooth to a speaker to play rest time music. The facility does not have a policy specifically about rest time music. Staff are able to choose the music they would like played in their classrooms. Staff interviewed stated they play lullabies and classical music. Today we heard an alphabet rap being played via Bluetooth speaker in space #3. Based on today’s observations and interviews with staff, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Allegation three: There are concerns with delayed and improperly handled incident reporting. In August 2023, in the morning, before 9:00am, staff reported to administration that they smelled gas. Administration called 911 and evacuated the facility in accordance with their evacuation plan. The fire department arrived, went through the facility and determined the building was safe. According to staff, the fire department shared that the paper plant in Riegelwood NC had been “cleaning” and that resulted in a gas smell in the local area. When the facility evacuated, they began calling parents to pick up their children as they were unsure of what was causing the smell. Once the facility was deemed safe by the fire department, the facility decided close for the day to let the smell of gas dissipate from the area. Based on interviews with staff, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Allegation four: There are concerns of inadequate supervision as it relates to improper use of cell phones by staff. During the classroom observations cell phones were not observed. Staff interviewed stated classroom staff are often on their cell phones while counted in staff/child ratios and supervising children. According to the administrator, staff are required to leave their cell phones in their mailbox in the office, or in their car. Twelve staff were present during today’s visit. One cell phone was observed in the mailboxes. As staff confirmed instances of caregivers on their cell phones in the classroom while providing care, this allegation is substantiated. Allegation five: There are concerns of nutrition as it relates to children being given unsafe food items. Staff stated at Easter a few parents brought in food items such as suckers and the staff did not feel the suckers were age appropriate. Staff stated they discarded the items and did not give them to children at the facility nor to be taken home. Staff stated they are only allowed to give children “soft” candy. Staff stated if a food item is questionable, they discard it. Staff stated parents are only allowed to bring food items on special occasions and each classroom has a sign-up sheet for allowed items. No hard candy or inappropriate food items were observed during today’s visit. Based on today’s observations and interviews with staff, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Staff members reported staff on their cell phones during the day while they are counted in staff/child ratio. .1801(a)(1-5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Eleven three year old children were present with one staff member in Space five. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The above violations were observed today. Submit your compliance letter to me no later May 10, 2024. Your compliance letter should detail how you have corrected the violations. A follow-up visit will be made to ensure compliance Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Ratio: As you selected to operate under voluntary enhanced staff-child ratios, these ratios must be followed at all times. When absent or late staff put you at risk of not maintaining ratios, you must have a plan to provide substitute staff so that ratios may be followed. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is also essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning hour after opening or later evening one hour before closing, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are in each group at all times. Today I suggested that staff keep a running list of children and their ages during these transition times to maintain ratios and ensure they can ask for assistance if needed. I strongly urge you to review your staffing plan alongside records of children’s attendance and arrival and departure times to ensure compliance during those times moving forward. As discussed, you must also have a backup plan for when regular staff members are out. Again, this may include limiting enrollment and/or attendance if you cannot maintain compliance based on staff members present. Cell Phones-When in the classroom, staff’s focus should be on supervising children and engaging them in play. As the facility has a landline, staff should not be on their cell phones in the classrooms. If staff need to make a phone call, they need to have a substitute caregiver replace them in the classroom while they step out to use the telephone. When staff are on their cell phones they are not adequately supervising the children in their care. 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: Childcare Network #128 Facility ID: 65001093 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-275L Visit Date: 4/29/2024 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 4/29/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 153 Time In: 07:37 AM Time Out: 10:10 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The facility currently operates with a Temporary License issued March 1, 2024 and is valid through September 1, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 129 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. Child care consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. Allegation one: There are concerns that the staff/child ratio is out of compliance. Upon arrival at 7:37am, all spaces were observed, and staff/child ratios were noted. In the mornings children are combined in space #1, space #5 and space #6. Upon arrival two infants were in space #1 with one caregiver. One caregiver was in space #4 with one child completing a diaper change. One caregiver was in space #5 with11 children ages one to three years old. In space #4 nine four year old children were present with one caregiver. One toddler was being moved to space #1 to maintain ratios. At 8:00am, Two infants and one toddler were in space #1 with one caregiver. Two caregivers and twelve children ages one to three years old were in space #5. In space #4 ten four year old children were present with one caregiver. At 8:15am, Two infants and one toddler were in space #1 with one caregiver. Two caregivers and nine children ages one to two years old were present in space #4. One caregiver and eleven three year old children were present in space #5. In space #6 nine four-year-old children were present with one caregiver. In space #7, nine children ages four and five-years-old were present with two caregivers. One three-year-old child was being moved to space #4 to maintain ratios. At 8:45 Two infants and one toddler were in space #1 with one caregiver. In space #3, six toddlers and two caregivers were present. One caregiver and eight two-year-old children were present in space #4. Two caregivers and seventeen three and four-year-old children were present in space #5. In space #6 nine four-year-old children were present with one caregiver. In space #7, thirteen children ages four and five-years-old were present with two caregivers. Allegations were reviewed with administrative staff, support staff and classroom staff. Staff confirmed they are frequently out of ratio in the morning. Opening staff come in at 6:30am. The next staff members arrive at 9:00am. Staff shared that two staff were out today and having them there would have helped with staff/child ratios. Staff interviewed stated when they are at maximum ratio they notify administration and children are moved to other spaces as ratios allow. As traffic is unpredictable, staff stated the expected attendance at a specific time is not possible. Staff stated children are moved most every day in an effort to maintain ratios. Staff stated that as the next staff members do not arrive until 9:00am they are frequently out of staff/child ratios. Based on today’s observations and interviews with staff, this allegation is substantiated. Allegation two: There are concerns that activities are not developmentally appropriate as it relates to inappropriate media exposure. Each space has a tablet that is used exclusively by staff. The tablets are used to communicate with parents regarding the daily happenings with their child. According to staff, children do not use tablets. Staff also use the tables to Bluetooth to a speaker to play rest time music. The facility does not have a policy specifically about rest time music. Staff are able to choose the music they would like played in their classrooms. Staff interviewed stated they play lullabies and classical music. Today we heard an alphabet rap being played via Bluetooth speaker in space #3. Based on today’s observations and interviews with staff, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Allegation three: There are concerns with delayed and improperly handled incident reporting. In August 2023, in the morning, before 9:00am, staff reported to administration that they smelled gas. Administration called 911 and evacuated the facility in accordance with their evacuation plan. The fire department arrived, went through the facility and determined the building was safe. According to staff, the fire department shared that the paper plant in Riegelwood NC had been “cleaning” and that resulted in a gas smell in the local area. When the facility evacuated, they began calling parents to pick up their children as they were unsure of what was causing the smell. Once the facility was deemed safe by the fire department, the facility decided close for the day to let the smell of gas dissipate from the area. Based on interviews with staff, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Allegation four: There are concerns of inadequate supervision as it relates to improper use of cell phones by staff. During the classroom observations cell phones were not observed. Staff interviewed stated classroom staff are often on their cell phones while counted in staff/child ratios and supervising children. According to the administrator, staff are required to leave their cell phones in their mailbox in the office, or in their car. Twelve staff were present during today’s visit. One cell phone was observed in the mailboxes. As staff confirmed instances of caregivers on their cell phones in the classroom while providing care, this allegation is substantiated. Allegation five: There are concerns of nutrition as it relates to children being given unsafe food items. Staff stated at Easter a few parents brought in food items such as suckers and the staff did not feel the suckers were age appropriate. Staff stated they discarded the items and did not give them to children at the facility nor to be taken home. Staff stated they are only allowed to give children “soft” candy. Staff stated if a food item is questionable, they discard it. Staff stated parents are only allowed to bring food items on special occasions and each classroom has a sign-up sheet for allowed items. No hard candy or inappropriate food items were observed during today’s visit. Based on today’s observations and interviews with staff, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Staff members reported staff on their cell phones during the day while they are counted in staff/child ratio. .1801(a)(1-5) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Eleven three year old children were present with one staff member in Space five. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 The above violations were observed today. Submit your compliance letter to me no later May 10, 2024. Your compliance letter should detail how you have corrected the violations. A follow-up visit will be made to ensure compliance Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your me at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. Ratio: As you selected to operate under voluntary enhanced staff-child ratios, these ratios must be followed at all times. When absent or late staff put you at risk of not maintaining ratios, you must have a plan to provide substitute staff so that ratios may be followed. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is also essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning hour after opening or later evening one hour before closing, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are in each group at all times. Today I suggested that staff keep a running list of children and their ages during these transition times to maintain ratios and ensure they can ask for assistance if needed. I strongly urge you to review your staffing plan alongside records of children’s attendance and arrival and departure times to ensure compliance during those times moving forward. As discussed, you must also have a backup plan for when regular staff members are out. Again, this may include limiting enrollment and/or attendance if you cannot maintain compliance based on staff members present. Cell Phones-When in the classroom, staff’s focus should be on supervising children and engaging them in play. As the facility has a landline, staff should not be on their cell phones in the classrooms. If staff need to make a phone call, they need to have a substitute caregiver replace them in the classroom while they step out to use the telephone. When staff are on their cell phones they are not adequately supervising the children in their care. 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