First Step Child Care

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 65000471 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 3 To 3 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 10:30 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. You, Janice White, Owner/Operator, assisted with the visit. Your program currently operates with a 3-star license issued July 29, 2024, earning 4 points in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: no more than 2 infants under 12 months of age; limited to 12 hours of operation daily; and limit to 5 non-custodial children. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on December 18, 2024. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of December 8, 2025. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. 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. Lunch was observed and consisted of hot dogs with buns, French fries, baked beans, and milk. The FCCH Verification Form and the Operator’s Statement of Responsibility were received prior to the visit and monitored today. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 2023 Operator and/or staff who work with children, did not complete health and safety training as part of on-going training so that every five years, all the topic areas were covered. The operator only completed 3 of the required 11 training topics over the last 5 years. .1703(d)(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 December 23, 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 Box 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 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 regarding violation cited: Health & Safety Training – Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information is completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. You need to complete the following trainings: 1-Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunizations 2-Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent 3-Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions 4-Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can be caused by bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic 5-Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster or a man caused event 6-Handling storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of bio contaminants 7-Precautions in transporting children 8-Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma and child maltreatment 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. 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 04/30/24. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- No results available • Asbestos- No results available 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/ 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. You reported that your facility has decided to choose pathway 1 – Program Assessment Pathway. The program stated they plan to apply for rated license by May 2026. 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 65000471 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/2/2025 Number Present: 2 Completed Date: 6/2/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 09:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Janice White, Owner/Operator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued July 29, 2024, earning 4 points in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced space and enhanced ratios and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Restrictions on the permit include: first and second shift; no more than 2 children under the age of 1; 12 hours of operation daily; and limit 5 non-custodial children. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 99%. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child interactions to be in compliance. There are currently no infants enrolled. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The following violation was observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 706 Corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, and products under pressure in an aerosol dispenser and any substance that may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not kept in locked storage when children were in care. An aerosol can was observed in the play room on the shelf rather than in locked storage. The provider immediately placed it in a locked cabinet. .1719 (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. Since the violation was corrected during the visit a compliance letter is not due at this time. Technical Assistance: ABCMS- Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care captured in ABCMS. You’ll need to gain access to the business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. 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. 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. Rated License: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to the timelines discussed previously; however, you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on the new assessment tools if you are interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. I will share more information as I am able. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP): As of February 1, 2025, the new and improved Environment Rating Scales – Third Additions will be implemented. Today we discussed the purchase of the new tools, training opportunities, and the NCRLAP website. Please visit www.ncrlap.org for more information and start training your staff now on this new tool! Outreach assessments on the new tools are available now. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed, and left with you today. Contact me at April Lester, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-0954, april.lester@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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 65000471 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/2/2025 Number Present: 2 Completed Date: 6/2/2025 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 09:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Janice White, Owner/Operator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued July 29, 2024, earning 4 points in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced space and enhanced ratios and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Restrictions on the permit include: first and second shift; no more than 2 children under the age of 1; 12 hours of operation daily; and limit 5 non-custodial children. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 99%. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child interactions to be in compliance. There are currently no infants enrolled. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The following violation was observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 706 Corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, and products under pressure in an aerosol dispenser and any substance that may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not kept in locked storage when children were in care. An aerosol can was observed in the play room on the shelf rather than in locked storage. The provider immediately placed it in a locked cabinet. .1719 (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. Since the violation was corrected during the visit a compliance letter is not due at this time. Technical Assistance: ABCMS- Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care captured in ABCMS. You’ll need to gain access to the business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. 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. 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. Rated License: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to the timelines discussed previously; however, you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your staff on the new assessment tools if you are interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. I will share more information as I am able. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP): As of February 1, 2025, the new and improved Environment Rating Scales – Third Additions will be implemented. Today we discussed the purchase of the new tools, training opportunities, and the NCRLAP website. Please visit www.ncrlap.org for more information and start training your staff now on this new tool! Outreach assessments on the new tools are available now. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed, and left with you today. Contact me at April Lester, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-0954, april.lester@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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 65000471 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 8/12/2024 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 8/12/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Janice White, Owner/Operator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued July 29, 2024, earning 4 points in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced space and enhanced ratios and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Restrictions on the permit include: first and second shift; no more than 2 children under the age of 1; 12 hours of operation daily; and limit 5 non-custodial children. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 100%. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child interactions to be in compliance. There are currently no infants enrolled. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Two violations were observed today and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1842 A child care provider or uncompensated provider found to be disqualified and not eligible for employment in child care was employed or living in the home. The providers husband was disqualified on May 21, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2 &.2703(i) 1845 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. The providers husband received pending criminal charges in March 2024 and the Division of Child Development and Early Education was not notified of these charges. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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. Technical assistance: Due to your husbands charges obtained in March 2024, your facility was placed under a Summary Suspension on May 21, 2024 through July 29, 2024. Since your husband was able to have his charges dismissed, he was re-qualified by our agency and you were able to reopen for care. Please be reminded that mandatory reporting requires all owners, child care providers and household members who have incurred any pending charges, indictments or convictions (other than minor traffic offenses) since the last qualification letter was issued by the Division to notify the operator of such charges within five business days or before returning to work, whichever comes first. If a household member is disqualified, the center in a residence will be issued a Summary Suspension, suspending all child care operations until further notice. Today we discussed transportation requirements for infants. You are allowed to transport all children in your care as long as you have written permission from the parents. This not only includes to and from school drop off but field trips as well; however, most field trips for your preschool and school aged children are not going to be age and developmentally appropriate for your infants and toddlers. Be reminded that transporting children is a huge liability at all times. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed, and left with 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 65000471 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 8/12/2024 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 8/12/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Janice White, Owner/Operator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued July 29, 2024, earning 4 points in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced space and enhanced ratios and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Restrictions on the permit include: first and second shift; no more than 2 children under the age of 1; 12 hours of operation daily; and limit 5 non-custodial children. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 100%. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child interactions to be in compliance. There are currently no infants enrolled. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Two violations were observed today and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1842 A child care provider or uncompensated provider found to be disqualified and not eligible for employment in child care was employed or living in the home. The providers husband was disqualified on May 21, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2 &.2703(i) 1845 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. The providers husband received pending criminal charges in March 2024 and the Division of Child Development and Early Education was not notified of these charges. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 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. Technical assistance: Due to your husbands charges obtained in March 2024, your facility was placed under a Summary Suspension on May 21, 2024 through July 29, 2024. Since your husband was able to have his charges dismissed, he was re-qualified by our agency and you were able to reopen for care. Please be reminded that mandatory reporting requires all owners, child care providers and household members who have incurred any pending charges, indictments or convictions (other than minor traffic offenses) since the last qualification letter was issued by the Division to notify the operator of such charges within five business days or before returning to work, whichever comes first. If a household member is disqualified, the center in a residence will be issued a Summary Suspension, suspending all child care operations until further notice. Today we discussed transportation requirements for infants. You are allowed to transport all children in your care as long as you have written permission from the parents. This not only includes to and from school drop off but field trips as well; however, most field trips for your preschool and school aged children are not going to be age and developmentally appropriate for your infants and toddlers. Be reminded that transporting children is a huge liability at all times. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed, and left with 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