Creative Minds Preschool

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CREATIVE MINDS PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000183 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/20/2025 Number Present: 224 Completed Date: 5/20/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM 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 monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Child Care Consultant, Andrea Johnson, accompanied and assisted me with this visit. The program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued April 30, 2018, earning 7 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 343 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on November 06, 2024. Fire Inspection – 06/11/2024 – Approved for daytime care only Sanitation Inspection – 03/06/2025 – Superior The center is owned by Creative Minds Preschool, Inc. As of May 18, 2025, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State and the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 97%. Jamie Ramsey, Administrator, was present and available for consultation. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom and contained evidence that you are using the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Infants in space 1 and 8 received care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in spaces 2-4, 6, 9-10, and 15-18 were engaged in a variety of age-appropriate fee play activities. Children in spaces 5, 7, and 12 were observed in the outdoor spaces. Adequate supervision and positive interactions were observed. Children in space 12 were seated at tables eating lunch which consisted of corn dogs, baked beans, mixed fruit, and milk. Routine diaper changing, toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Six new employees were hired since the last visit. Files for all new employees were monitored and found to be in compliance. One violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The walls above the baseboards in space seventeen (17) several areas of chipped paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 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 30, 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: Chipping paint can be a safety hazard for children if accessible and pieces of the paint are swallowed. Today, in space 17, chipped paint was observed on several areas above the baseboards of the walls. Ms. Ramsey stated she contacted the maintenance crew to request a repaint of the classroom is completed. Moving forward, please make sure any chipped paint is corrected before the areas become prominent and pose possible safety hazards to the children. Reminders: The program’s fire inspection expires on June 11, 2025. Ensure you reach out to the fire marshal’s office to remind them a new inspection is due soon. Email me a copy of the inspection upon receipt. A fire drill and playground inspection are due in May. K. Moore, hired on March 31, 2025, must complete CPR/FA certification and the maltreatment training by June 30, 2025, to maintain compliance. At the completion of the visit, the summary was reviewed, printed on-site, signed and a copy was left with you. Reach me with questions 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: CREATIVE MINDS PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000183 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/16/2023 Number Present: 187 Completed Date: 11/16/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Child Care Consultant, April Bosse, accompanied and assisted me with this visit. The program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued April 30, 2018, earning 7 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 343 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on November 18, 2023. Fire Inspection – 06/23/2023 – Approved for daytime care only - Satisfactory Sanitation Inspection – 09/28/2023 – 7 Demerits – Superior The center is owned by Creative Minds Preschool, Inc. As of November 15, 2023, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State and the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 97%. Administrators, Elizabeth Peloquin and Jamie Ramsey, were present and available for consultation. Ms. Peloquin accompanied Ms. Bosse as she completed a walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Ramsey assisted me with paperwork review. There are seventeen out of eighteen classrooms that are being utilized. There are two hundred and sixty-three children enrolled and one hundred and eighty-seven children, ages 0-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom and contained evidence that you are using the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning. A variety of age appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infants in spaces 1, 3, and 8 received care based on individual need, including diapering, napping, and feeding routines. Infants not engaged in routine care were observed either playing on the carpeted area of the classroom, moving about, and exploring freely with soft books, stacking cups, or being held by staff members. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in spaces 2, 5, and 7 were outside in the play area on see-saws, sliding on slides, driving small trucks, blowing bubbles, and engaged with manipulatives on small mats. Children in spaces 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12a, 14, 15, and 16 were observed in indoor spaces drawing on pumpkins with markers, playing with kinetic sand, baby dolls, magnets, dot markers, sticker art, collage art, pretending to bird watch with homemade binoculars, and building with blocks. Children from spaces 17 and 18 were outdoors riding in small cars, climbing on the tunnel climber, playing in sand, sliding on slides, and engaging with caregivers. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. Lunch served today consisted of mini corndogs, baked beans, mixed fruit, and milk. NC Pre-K Requirements were monitored today. The NC Pre-K Monitoring Tool was reviewed. The tool was completed, and all requirements were met. The program follows the New Hanover County School calendar, the length of the day meets requirements, and all staff meet education requirements. The Creative Curriculum 5th Addition has been implemented and the assessment tool, Teaching Strategies Gold, is in place. Three formal assessments with parent conferences are scheduled throughout the school year. Portfolios are maintained on Teacher Strategies Gold by taking pictures of the children’s work and uploading them to the program and were observed today. All required screenings were completed at the beginning of the year. NC Pre-K requirements were met today. There was one violation observed today; violation was corrected during the visit. Therefore, a letter of compliance is not needed. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Hand Sanitizer was located in the cup holder of the bus and not made inaccessible to children. An aerosol cleaner was located on the bus and not stored in a locked room or cabinet. .2820(b) Comments regarding violation TA for hazardous materials - Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested that any aerosol can be in locked storage and that if you are using them on the bus, they are not left on the bus at any time including transport. Hand Sanitizers should be stored in the above storage bins as they are at least five feet off the floor of the bus when they are not in active use by the driver. 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. 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 of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Health & Safety Training Staff must complete these trainings, as required, and trainings must be documented on the required form. All staff members, who have been employed at least a year, have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and completed the five-year repetition of topics as required. New staff members are in the process of completing the required trainings. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information Your rated license reassessment was due to be completed by April 30, 2021. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 1.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being completed July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact One Place for assistance with completion of the self-study component.. This is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Use staff meetings to discuss topics related to the Environment Rating Scales or other quality initiatives. For example, if transitions are challenging, ask staff what strategies help, or which transitions including a contact hour earning webinar and Thinking More worksheets for every rating scale. Engage to brainstorm, offer support and clarification, and set goals. Allocate resources so they can focus on self-study as part of the workday to help everyone become more familiar and confident with the assessment process. Also, be reminded that NCRLAP outreach assessments are still being offered if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with One Place to help you with mock assessments. Ms. Simmons advised she participated in an outreach assessment (ITERRS-R) and plans to participate in other assessments prior to completion year of your reassessment. Related to education, ensure you are uploading education has staff completed classwork. For any questions about the NC Early Childhood Equivalency exam, please contact: DCDEE.Equivalency.Exam@dhhs.nc.gov. This information can also be found on the DCDEE website (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/) under the What’s New section (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available). It is vitally important that all employees are registered for WORKS and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. We discussed that the facility is responsible for ensuring that information contained in the Early Childhood Education Workforce Database is up to date and complete. I encouraged you to study the information found on the Division’s website regarding education evaluations to ensure that staff member’s education information remains complete and to ensure accurate points are earned during Rated License Assessments. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. Reminders: Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 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: CREATIVE MINDS PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 71000183 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/16/2023 Number Present: 187 Completed Date: 11/16/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Child Care Consultant, April Bosse, accompanied and assisted me with this visit. The program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued April 30, 2018, earning 7 points in Education, 6 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 343 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on November 18, 2023. Fire Inspection – 06/23/2023 – Approved for daytime care only - Satisfactory Sanitation Inspection – 09/28/2023 – 7 Demerits – Superior The center is owned by Creative Minds Preschool, Inc. As of November 15, 2023, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State and the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 97%. Administrators, Elizabeth Peloquin and Jamie Ramsey, were present and available for consultation. Ms. Peloquin accompanied Ms. Bosse as she completed a walkthrough of the facility. Ms. Ramsey assisted me with paperwork review. There are seventeen out of eighteen classrooms that are being utilized. There are two hundred and sixty-three children enrolled and one hundred and eighty-seven children, ages 0-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom and contained evidence that you are using the North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning. A variety of age appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infants in spaces 1, 3, and 8 received care based on individual need, including diapering, napping, and feeding routines. Infants not engaged in routine care were observed either playing on the carpeted area of the classroom, moving about, and exploring freely with soft books, stacking cups, or being held by staff members. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in spaces 2, 5, and 7 were outside in the play area on see-saws, sliding on slides, driving small trucks, blowing bubbles, and engaged with manipulatives on small mats. Children in spaces 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12a, 14, 15, and 16 were observed in indoor spaces drawing on pumpkins with markers, playing with kinetic sand, baby dolls, magnets, dot markers, sticker art, collage art, pretending to bird watch with homemade binoculars, and building with blocks. Children from spaces 17 and 18 were outdoors riding in small cars, climbing on the tunnel climber, playing in sand, sliding on slides, and engaging with caregivers. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. Lunch served today consisted of mini corndogs, baked beans, mixed fruit, and milk. NC Pre-K Requirements were monitored today. The NC Pre-K Monitoring Tool was reviewed. The tool was completed, and all requirements were met. The program follows the New Hanover County School calendar, the length of the day meets requirements, and all staff meet education requirements. The Creative Curriculum 5th Addition has been implemented and the assessment tool, Teaching Strategies Gold, is in place. Three formal assessments with parent conferences are scheduled throughout the school year. Portfolios are maintained on Teacher Strategies Gold by taking pictures of the children’s work and uploading them to the program and were observed today. All required screenings were completed at the beginning of the year. NC Pre-K requirements were met today. There was one violation observed today; violation was corrected during the visit. Therefore, a letter of compliance is not needed. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. Hand Sanitizer was located in the cup holder of the bus and not made inaccessible to children. An aerosol cleaner was located on the bus and not stored in a locked room or cabinet. .2820(b) Comments regarding violation TA for hazardous materials - Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested that any aerosol can be in locked storage and that if you are using them on the bus, they are not left on the bus at any time including transport. Hand Sanitizers should be stored in the above storage bins as they are at least five feet off the floor of the bus when they are not in active use by the driver. 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. 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 of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Health & Safety Training Staff must complete these trainings, as required, and trainings must be documented on the required form. All staff members, who have been employed at least a year, have completed the Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102, and completed the five-year repetition of topics as required. New staff members are in the process of completing the required trainings. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information Your rated license reassessment was due to be completed by April 30, 2021. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 1.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being completed July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact One Place for assistance with completion of the self-study component.. This is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Use staff meetings to discuss topics related to the Environment Rating Scales or other quality initiatives. For example, if transitions are challenging, ask staff what strategies help, or which transitions including a contact hour earning webinar and Thinking More worksheets for every rating scale. Engage to brainstorm, offer support and clarification, and set goals. Allocate resources so they can focus on self-study as part of the workday to help everyone become more familiar and confident with the assessment process. Also, be reminded that NCRLAP outreach assessments are still being offered if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with One Place to help you with mock assessments. Ms. Simmons advised she participated in an outreach assessment (ITERRS-R) and plans to participate in other assessments prior to completion year of your reassessment. Related to education, ensure you are uploading education has staff completed classwork. For any questions about the NC Early Childhood Equivalency exam, please contact: DCDEE.Equivalency.Exam@dhhs.nc.gov. This information can also be found on the DCDEE website (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/) under the What’s New section (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available). It is vitally important that all employees are registered for WORKS and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. We discussed that the facility is responsible for ensuring that information contained in the Early Childhood Education Workforce Database is up to date and complete. I encouraged you to study the information found on the Division’s website regarding education evaluations to ensure that staff member’s education information remains complete and to ensure accurate points are earned during Rated License Assessments. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. Reminders: Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 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