Mustard Seed Ministry Childcare

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2026 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 2/4/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:00 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on February 11, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on December 2, 2025, and the program received a supervisor classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 23, 2026 and the facility was approved for day time care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93) percent as of February 3, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today, and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. You visited each licensed space with me. Infants enrolled in space 1 and 2 participated in free play with age-appropriate materials and activities or ate breakfast in the high chairs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregivers were on the floor with the infants as they explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and children two year of age in spaces 3 and 4 engaged in free play. Preschool aged children were observed playing in the gymnasium due to active precipitation or engaged in free play in there classroom. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Lunch scheduled for today consisted of cheeseburgers, whole grain buns, peaches, French fries, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were twenty (20) staff members employed at this facility. There were seven (7) new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Heath and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant in space 1 was observed eating baby food; however, his feeding plan stated he only drinks formula. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Diapers covered in plastic were observed under the diaper changing table in space 4 and accessible to children. .0604(q) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. A child, two years of age, had a medical report on file; however, it was not signed by a medical professional. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 18, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 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: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today we discussed administration checking all cabinets for plastic bags at the start of each day. Today we discussed ensuring that the feeding schedules you are using are working for your facility. We discussed ensuring parents or guardians can discuss any changes within the feeding schedule with caregivers before they occur. Once the parents advise a caregiver that there will be changes to the feeding schedule, the feeding schedule will be updated by the parent. Today you stated that the caregivers are instructed to follow the wishes of the parents and that conversations will occur between the caregiver and the parents before there are any changes made to an infant’s feeding. It is important that the plan is updated as soon as the parent or guardian makes any changes. It is also important that the caregivers are following what the feeding schedule states. We also discussed the required information that must be written on the feeding schedule and the frequency that it must be updated. Today all your feeding schedules were up to date and contained all required information. However, we discussed that there will be some times when the schedule might not coincide with the daily request of the parents or guardians. For example, if the feeding schedule states that a child will eat at 8 am, 10 am and 2 pm however the parent or guardian comes in and states that the child just ate at 7:30 am and will not need a bottle for another one and a half hours, the feeding schedule would no longer be accurate. Today we suggested that you use the feeding schedule provided by DCDEE and that is available on the website. This form will ask parents or guardians for the frequency of the feeding instead of the exact time a feeding will be needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Administration needs to ensure that the medical reports are singed by the parent and the health care professional that completed the exam. Reminders: Today we discussed the chipping paint on the walls throughout the facility in addition to the rubber baseboards in space 4 and 6 that has started to pull away from the walls. These concerns need to be addressed to avoid future violations. Other Information Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. You have completed the training and has entered 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. 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 04/24/24. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt • Asbestos- exempt 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 Standards Pathway. The program stated they plan to apply for rated license by June 2025. 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 or Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, at 910-824-0470, kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2026 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 2/4/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:00 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on February 11, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on December 2, 2025, and the program received a supervisor classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 23, 2026 and the facility was approved for day time care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93) percent as of February 3, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today, and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. You visited each licensed space with me. Infants enrolled in space 1 and 2 participated in free play with age-appropriate materials and activities or ate breakfast in the high chairs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregivers were on the floor with the infants as they explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and children two year of age in spaces 3 and 4 engaged in free play. Preschool aged children were observed playing in the gymnasium due to active precipitation or engaged in free play in there classroom. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Lunch scheduled for today consisted of cheeseburgers, whole grain buns, peaches, French fries, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were twenty (20) staff members employed at this facility. There were seven (7) new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Heath and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant in space 1 was observed eating baby food; however, his feeding plan stated he only drinks formula. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Diapers covered in plastic were observed under the diaper changing table in space 4 and accessible to children. .0604(q) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. A child, two years of age, had a medical report on file; however, it was not signed by a medical professional. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 18, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 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: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today we discussed administration checking all cabinets for plastic bags at the start of each day. Today we discussed ensuring that the feeding schedules you are using are working for your facility. We discussed ensuring parents or guardians can discuss any changes within the feeding schedule with caregivers before they occur. Once the parents advise a caregiver that there will be changes to the feeding schedule, the feeding schedule will be updated by the parent. Today you stated that the caregivers are instructed to follow the wishes of the parents and that conversations will occur between the caregiver and the parents before there are any changes made to an infant’s feeding. It is important that the plan is updated as soon as the parent or guardian makes any changes. It is also important that the caregivers are following what the feeding schedule states. We also discussed the required information that must be written on the feeding schedule and the frequency that it must be updated. Today all your feeding schedules were up to date and contained all required information. However, we discussed that there will be some times when the schedule might not coincide with the daily request of the parents or guardians. For example, if the feeding schedule states that a child will eat at 8 am, 10 am and 2 pm however the parent or guardian comes in and states that the child just ate at 7:30 am and will not need a bottle for another one and a half hours, the feeding schedule would no longer be accurate. Today we suggested that you use the feeding schedule provided by DCDEE and that is available on the website. This form will ask parents or guardians for the frequency of the feeding instead of the exact time a feeding will be needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Administration needs to ensure that the medical reports are singed by the parent and the health care professional that completed the exam. Reminders: Today we discussed the chipping paint on the walls throughout the facility in addition to the rubber baseboards in space 4 and 6 that has started to pull away from the walls. These concerns need to be addressed to avoid future violations. Other Information Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. You have completed the training and has entered 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. 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 04/24/24. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt • Asbestos- exempt 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 Standards Pathway. The program stated they plan to apply for rated license by June 2025. 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 or Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, at 910-824-0470, kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov 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: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2026 Number Present: 62 Completed Date: 2/4/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:00 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on February 11, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on December 2, 2025, and the program received a supervisor classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 23, 2026 and the facility was approved for day time care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93) percent as of February 3, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today, and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. You visited each licensed space with me. Infants enrolled in space 1 and 2 participated in free play with age-appropriate materials and activities or ate breakfast in the high chairs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregivers were on the floor with the infants as they explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and children two year of age in spaces 3 and 4 engaged in free play. Preschool aged children were observed playing in the gymnasium due to active precipitation or engaged in free play in there classroom. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Lunch scheduled for today consisted of cheeseburgers, whole grain buns, peaches, French fries, and milk. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were twenty (20) staff members employed at this facility. There were seven (7) new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Heath and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. An infant in space 1 was observed eating baby food; however, his feeding plan stated he only drinks formula. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Diapers covered in plastic were observed under the diaper changing table in space 4 and accessible to children. .0604(q) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. A child, two years of age, had a medical report on file; however, it was not signed by a medical professional. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 18, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 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: For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today we discussed administration checking all cabinets for plastic bags at the start of each day. Today we discussed ensuring that the feeding schedules you are using are working for your facility. We discussed ensuring parents or guardians can discuss any changes within the feeding schedule with caregivers before they occur. Once the parents advise a caregiver that there will be changes to the feeding schedule, the feeding schedule will be updated by the parent. Today you stated that the caregivers are instructed to follow the wishes of the parents and that conversations will occur between the caregiver and the parents before there are any changes made to an infant’s feeding. It is important that the plan is updated as soon as the parent or guardian makes any changes. It is also important that the caregivers are following what the feeding schedule states. We also discussed the required information that must be written on the feeding schedule and the frequency that it must be updated. Today all your feeding schedules were up to date and contained all required information. However, we discussed that there will be some times when the schedule might not coincide with the daily request of the parents or guardians. For example, if the feeding schedule states that a child will eat at 8 am, 10 am and 2 pm however the parent or guardian comes in and states that the child just ate at 7:30 am and will not need a bottle for another one and a half hours, the feeding schedule would no longer be accurate. Today we suggested that you use the feeding schedule provided by DCDEE and that is available on the website. This form will ask parents or guardians for the frequency of the feeding instead of the exact time a feeding will be needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Administration needs to ensure that the medical reports are singed by the parent and the health care professional that completed the exam. Reminders: Today we discussed the chipping paint on the walls throughout the facility in addition to the rubber baseboards in space 4 and 6 that has started to pull away from the walls. These concerns need to be addressed to avoid future violations. Other Information Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. You have completed the training and has entered 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. 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 04/24/24. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt • Asbestos- exempt 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 Standards Pathway. The program stated they plan to apply for rated license by June 2025. 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 or Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, at 910-824-0470, kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov 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: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/4/2025 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 8/4/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:15 AM Time Out: 10:30 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all licensed indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants in space 1 were engaged in tummy time, and napping routines. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. Waddlers in space 2 ate breakfast in approved feeding apparatuses, had diaper changes, or engaged in free play. Toddlers in space 3 ate breakfast that consisted of cereal, applesauce, and milk. Adequate handwashing was observed after eating. Young preschoolers in spaces 4 and 6 finished breakfast and then transitioned to outdoor play time. Older preschoolers in space 5 looked at books on the group carpet. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. All activity plans aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations and the activities observed matched the activities listed on the activity plans. Files for five (5) new staff were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with the current program and education components as well as the quality point. Fire and sanitation inspections remain current. ABCMS was monitored today. The following violation was observed and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. Three (3) diaper creams in space 4 were not disposed of or returned to the parent after the course of the treatment was completed. .0803(12) 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: When no longer needed by the child, or when the child withdraws from the program, all medications should be returned to the child’s parent/guardian or disposed of after an attempt to reach parent/guardian within 72 hours of completion of treatment. Today three diaper creams were not returned to the parents or disposed of after the completion of the treatment. These diaper creams were disposed of today. We discussed administration checking all diaper creams once a month to ensure compliance. Reminders: A major part of a child’s day is spent indoors. Children learn through their own experiences, trial and error, repetition, and imitation. Caregivers can guide and encourage children’s learning by ensuring that the environment is emotionally appropriate, invites play, active exploration, and movement by children, and supports an array of experiences. Intentional planning of the environment using the requirements in this chapter ensures a safe environment to prevent and reduce injuries and promotes all areas of a child’s development. When opening the door to a quality early childhood environment one can see children actively engaging with materials and teachers interacting responsively. They will see displays of learning as well as demonstrations of safety practices. Thoughtful caregivers recognize that the learning environment includes both people and relationships with people and that attention to the way in which environments are set up and used is an important contribution to the quality of the learning experience. Environments should ensure safety, promote health, provide comfort, and be convenient for children and caregivers. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. Be reminded that you have five (5) business days from the date of hire/termination to add/remove staff from the portal. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. 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. Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments is ending, and the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are forthcoming. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. If you are interested in the outreach assessments through NCRLAP. I encourage you to go ahead and get those scheduled. Today we discussed Pathway 2 as well. As I mentioned I encourage you to go to the QRIS Modernization tab on our website (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/) and review all links to help you decide which Pathway will work best for you. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-0954 with any questions or concerns regarding this visit. 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: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/4/2025 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 8/4/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:15 AM Time Out: 10:30 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all licensed indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants in space 1 were engaged in tummy time, and napping routines. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. Waddlers in space 2 ate breakfast in approved feeding apparatuses, had diaper changes, or engaged in free play. Toddlers in space 3 ate breakfast that consisted of cereal, applesauce, and milk. Adequate handwashing was observed after eating. Young preschoolers in spaces 4 and 6 finished breakfast and then transitioned to outdoor play time. Older preschoolers in space 5 looked at books on the group carpet. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. All activity plans aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations and the activities observed matched the activities listed on the activity plans. Files for five (5) new staff were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with the current program and education components as well as the quality point. Fire and sanitation inspections remain current. ABCMS was monitored today. The following violation was observed and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. Three (3) diaper creams in space 4 were not disposed of or returned to the parent after the course of the treatment was completed. .0803(12) 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: When no longer needed by the child, or when the child withdraws from the program, all medications should be returned to the child’s parent/guardian or disposed of after an attempt to reach parent/guardian within 72 hours of completion of treatment. Today three diaper creams were not returned to the parents or disposed of after the completion of the treatment. These diaper creams were disposed of today. We discussed administration checking all diaper creams once a month to ensure compliance. Reminders: A major part of a child’s day is spent indoors. Children learn through their own experiences, trial and error, repetition, and imitation. Caregivers can guide and encourage children’s learning by ensuring that the environment is emotionally appropriate, invites play, active exploration, and movement by children, and supports an array of experiences. Intentional planning of the environment using the requirements in this chapter ensures a safe environment to prevent and reduce injuries and promotes all areas of a child’s development. When opening the door to a quality early childhood environment one can see children actively engaging with materials and teachers interacting responsively. They will see displays of learning as well as demonstrations of safety practices. Thoughtful caregivers recognize that the learning environment includes both people and relationships with people and that attention to the way in which environments are set up and used is an important contribution to the quality of the learning experience. Environments should ensure safety, promote health, provide comfort, and be convenient for children and caregivers. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. Be reminded that you have five (5) business days from the date of hire/termination to add/remove staff from the portal. The Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit: https://www.childcareaware.org/feeassistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. 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. Rated License Information: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments is ending, and the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are forthcoming. You can find the most current information on our website under the QRIS modernization section QRIS Modernization. If you are interested in the outreach assessments through NCRLAP. I encourage you to go ahead and get those scheduled. Today we discussed Pathway 2 as well. As I mentioned I encourage you to go to the QRIS Modernization tab on our website (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/) and review all links to help you decide which Pathway will work best for you. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-0954 with any questions or concerns regarding this visit. 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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/11/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 2/11/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 19, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed December 20, 2024, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed on January 30, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play indoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. The gum was also used for gross motor activities since it was raining outdoors. All activity plans were monitored. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today was chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, oranges, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed December 18, 2023 and a re-inspection was not scheduled until January 2025 and completed January 30, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A child who has an emergency medication (Epi-Pen) in space 4, did not have a medication permission form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). A staff members' qualification letter expired August 21, 2024, and the staff member did not complete and submit required forms prior to the expiration. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff members' qualification letter expired August 21, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 25, 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 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Jasmine Gilgosch has a qualification letter that expired on August 21, 2024, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, by February 26, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility until they receive their qualification letter. A fire inspection was completed December 18, 2023. The next fire inspection was not completed until January 30, 2025. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/11/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 2/11/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 19, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed December 20, 2024, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed on January 30, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play indoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. The gum was also used for gross motor activities since it was raining outdoors. All activity plans were monitored. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today was chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, oranges, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed December 18, 2023 and a re-inspection was not scheduled until January 2025 and completed January 30, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A child who has an emergency medication (Epi-Pen) in space 4, did not have a medication permission form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). A staff members' qualification letter expired August 21, 2024, and the staff member did not complete and submit required forms prior to the expiration. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff members' qualification letter expired August 21, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 25, 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 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Jasmine Gilgosch has a qualification letter that expired on August 21, 2024, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, by February 26, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility until they receive their qualification letter. A fire inspection was completed December 18, 2023. The next fire inspection was not completed until January 30, 2025. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/11/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 2/11/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 19, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed December 20, 2024, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed on January 30, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play indoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. The gum was also used for gross motor activities since it was raining outdoors. All activity plans were monitored. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today was chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, oranges, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed December 18, 2023 and a re-inspection was not scheduled until January 2025 and completed January 30, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A child who has an emergency medication (Epi-Pen) in space 4, did not have a medication permission form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). A staff members' qualification letter expired August 21, 2024, and the staff member did not complete and submit required forms prior to the expiration. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff members' qualification letter expired August 21, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 25, 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 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Jasmine Gilgosch has a qualification letter that expired on August 21, 2024, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, by February 26, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility until they receive their qualification letter. A fire inspection was completed December 18, 2023. The next fire inspection was not completed until January 30, 2025. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/11/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 2/11/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted February 19, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed December 20, 2024, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed on January 30, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play indoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. The gum was also used for gross motor activities since it was raining outdoors. All activity plans were monitored. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today was chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, oranges, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was completed December 18, 2023 and a re-inspection was not scheduled until January 2025 and completed January 30, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A child who has an emergency medication (Epi-Pen) in space 4, did not have a medication permission form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). A staff members' qualification letter expired August 21, 2024, and the staff member did not complete and submit required forms prior to the expiration. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A staff members' qualification letter expired August 21, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 25, 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 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Jasmine Gilgosch has a qualification letter that expired on August 21, 2024, and information for requalification was not submitted prior to the expiration. This violation must be corrected within fifteen (15) days, by February 26, 2025, and a copy of the qualification letter must be sent with the required compliance letter. If the qualification letter is not on file within the 15 days, the employee cannot be at the facility until they receive their qualification letter. A fire inspection was completed December 18, 2023. The next fire inspection was not completed until January 30, 2025. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/13/2024 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 8/13/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 10:40 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards and 1 quality point in the programmatic option. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 89%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. 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 ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, feedings, and diapering routines. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. All activity plans aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations and the activities observed matched the activities listed on the activity plans. Files for new staff were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Fire and sanitation inspections remain current. One violation was observed and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. Leftover diaper cream was not returned to the parent or discarded after the course of the treatment. It was removed today. .0803(12) 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: I strongly encourage you to review the child care rules regarding medication and share them with staff. It may be helpful to create a checklist for staff to assist them in making sure requirements regarding permission, storage and administration are met. I also encourage you to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis as an additional monitoring measure. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and emailed to you. Contact me at April Lester, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-0954, april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov or Lynette Robbins, Licensing Supervisor, 910-824-0235, lynette.robbins@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0624-306L Visit Date: 7/1/2024 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 7/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 11:15 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 childcare requirements. The allegations are as follows: There is a concern that children were not adequately supervised. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 89%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, and the outdoor environment were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Fire drills, medication administration, and storage of hazardous products were also monitored. Files for new staff were reviewed and contained all required information. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children. Children were observed actively supervising children during free play, group circle time, and routines such as diapering. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found as follows: Space 1 – infants – 1:3 Space 2 – infants/toddlers – 2:8 Space 3 – one’s/two’s – 2:7 Space 4 – two’s/three’s – 1:5 Space 5 – three’s/four’s/fives – 1:10 Space 6 – three’s/fours – 2:8 There is a concern that children were not adequately supervised. ***Per Administration and staff report there are two children with behavioral issues and a Smart Start Resource and Referral Consultant has been working with on classroom management for the last 6 months. There are currently eighteen children enrolled in the classroom with two teachers. I was able to observe all incident reports for the month of June and most of the reports included specific information on how each incident occurred. I was able to observe this space today and did not have any concerns with supervision. Staff actively move about the room and engage in play with children. When assisting with routines, staff position themselves in a manner that allows them to see the entire classroom. The facility does not have video surveillance. Based on my investigation, observation, and staff report the allegation was unsubstantiated. The following violations were observed and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Open electrical outlets were observed in spaces 1 and 4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic bags were observed in space 4 within reach of children. .0604(q) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Technical Assistance: Opening staff should check all electrical outlets, shelves, cabinets, etc to ensure all items are stowed adequately. You may consider reaching out the a Behavioral Specialist at Smart Start if you feel like you need additional help with challenging behaviors. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed, and left with to you. Contact me at April Lester, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-0954, april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov or Lynette Robbins, Licensing Supervisor, 910-824-0235, lynette.robbins@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any questions and/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: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0624-306L Visit Date: 7/1/2024 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 7/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 11:15 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 childcare requirements. The allegations are as follows: There is a concern that children were not adequately supervised. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Prior to the visit the compliance history score was 89%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, and the outdoor environment were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Fire drills, medication administration, and storage of hazardous products were also monitored. Files for new staff were reviewed and contained all required information. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children. Children were observed actively supervising children during free play, group circle time, and routines such as diapering. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found as follows: Space 1 – infants – 1:3 Space 2 – infants/toddlers – 2:8 Space 3 – one’s/two’s – 2:7 Space 4 – two’s/three’s – 1:5 Space 5 – three’s/four’s/fives – 1:10 Space 6 – three’s/fours – 2:8 There is a concern that children were not adequately supervised. ***Per Administration and staff report there are two children with behavioral issues and a Smart Start Resource and Referral Consultant has been working with on classroom management for the last 6 months. There are currently eighteen children enrolled in the classroom with two teachers. I was able to observe all incident reports for the month of June and most of the reports included specific information on how each incident occurred. I was able to observe this space today and did not have any concerns with supervision. Staff actively move about the room and engage in play with children. When assisting with routines, staff position themselves in a manner that allows them to see the entire classroom. The facility does not have video surveillance. Based on my investigation, observation, and staff report the allegation was unsubstantiated. The following violations were observed and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Open electrical outlets were observed in spaces 1 and 4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic bags were observed in space 4 within reach of children. .0604(q) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Technical Assistance: Opening staff should check all electrical outlets, shelves, cabinets, etc to ensure all items are stowed adequately. You may consider reaching out the a Behavioral Specialist at Smart Start if you feel like you need additional help with challenging behaviors. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed, and left with to you. Contact me at April Lester, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-0954, april.lester@dhhs.nc.gov or Lynette Robbins, Licensing Supervisor, 910-824-0235, lynette.robbins@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any questions and/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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: ALLISON DAVIS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-399A Visit Date: 4/30/2024 Number Present: 75 Completed Date: 4/30/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. April Lester, Child Care Consultant, was also present during today's visit. Ms. Lester completed a walk-through of the facility unaccompanied. During the visit we discussed the allegations with Donna Maldonado, Administrator, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A staff member used a harsh tone and/or derogatory statements when speaking to multiple two-year-old children on various instances. G.S. 110-91(10) 904 Child was handled roughly. A staff member pulled and dragged a two-year-old child by one arm and forcefully sat them in timeout. The same staff member picked up another two-year-old child under the arms and plopped them on the ground in timeout. .1803(a)(1) You may contact me at Allison Davis, Investigations Consultant, allison.davis@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-800-0079 or Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2024 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 2/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 08:20 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 02, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed June 30, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted January 13, 2023, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Ms. Maldonado stated that the fire inspector came out last month; however, they did not pass inspection due to the kitchen hood needing cleaning. Mr. Clark stated they are waiting for a reinspection. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play both indoors and outdoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. All activity plans were current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today is sausage, hashbrowns, fruit pastry, pears, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last approved fire inspection was dated January 13, 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Children 4-5 years old in space 5 were watching The Bernstein Bears. This activity was not logged nor did it coincide with the activity plan. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 865 A child was given over the counter medication without written authorization from a parent to follow the direction of the NC State Health Director during a public health emergency and/or the authorization did not contain the required information. A&D ointment for an infant in space 2 did not have signed authorization from a parent. Additionally, multiple over-the-counter ointments in spaces 1 and 2 did not contain all required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(9)(a-d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff members last annual staff evaluation and staff development plan was from May 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. Four of the nine children's files reviewed today did not include allergy information and unique behavior characteristics. .0801(a)(1-7) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 04, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Your last fire inspection was on January 13, 2023. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. I strongly encourage you to review the child care rules regarding medication and share them with staff. It may be helpful to create a checklist for staff to assist them in making sure requirements regarding permission, storage and administration are met. I also encourage you to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis as an additional monitoring measure. Children’s files must have all required information including but not limited to: child’s date of birth, any particular fears the child has, any allergies and symptoms, unique behavior characteristics, health care concerns, and the names of individuals the child may be released to. Today, four of the nine children’s files did not have information about any known allergies or unique behavior characteristics. It is important to ensure all children’s files are checked for complete information upon receipt. By doing so, it paints a clear picture of each child’s needs for staff caring for the children. Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Staff development plans and annual staff evaluations must be completed annually. I suggest you and your staff track time sensitive due dates on calendars and/or smart phone devices. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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

10A NCAC 09 .0510 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2024 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 2/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 08:20 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 02, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed June 30, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted January 13, 2023, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Ms. Maldonado stated that the fire inspector came out last month; however, they did not pass inspection due to the kitchen hood needing cleaning. Mr. Clark stated they are waiting for a reinspection. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play both indoors and outdoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. All activity plans were current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today is sausage, hashbrowns, fruit pastry, pears, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last approved fire inspection was dated January 13, 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Children 4-5 years old in space 5 were watching The Bernstein Bears. This activity was not logged nor did it coincide with the activity plan. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 865 A child was given over the counter medication without written authorization from a parent to follow the direction of the NC State Health Director during a public health emergency and/or the authorization did not contain the required information. A&D ointment for an infant in space 2 did not have signed authorization from a parent. Additionally, multiple over-the-counter ointments in spaces 1 and 2 did not contain all required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(9)(a-d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff members last annual staff evaluation and staff development plan was from May 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. Four of the nine children's files reviewed today did not include allergy information and unique behavior characteristics. .0801(a)(1-7) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 04, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Your last fire inspection was on January 13, 2023. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. I strongly encourage you to review the child care rules regarding medication and share them with staff. It may be helpful to create a checklist for staff to assist them in making sure requirements regarding permission, storage and administration are met. I also encourage you to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis as an additional monitoring measure. Children’s files must have all required information including but not limited to: child’s date of birth, any particular fears the child has, any allergies and symptoms, unique behavior characteristics, health care concerns, and the names of individuals the child may be released to. Today, four of the nine children’s files did not have information about any known allergies or unique behavior characteristics. It is important to ensure all children’s files are checked for complete information upon receipt. By doing so, it paints a clear picture of each child’s needs for staff caring for the children. Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Staff development plans and annual staff evaluations must be completed annually. I suggest you and your staff track time sensitive due dates on calendars and/or smart phone devices. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2024 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 2/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 08:20 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 02, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed June 30, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted January 13, 2023, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Ms. Maldonado stated that the fire inspector came out last month; however, they did not pass inspection due to the kitchen hood needing cleaning. Mr. Clark stated they are waiting for a reinspection. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play both indoors and outdoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. All activity plans were current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today is sausage, hashbrowns, fruit pastry, pears, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last approved fire inspection was dated January 13, 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Children 4-5 years old in space 5 were watching The Bernstein Bears. This activity was not logged nor did it coincide with the activity plan. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 865 A child was given over the counter medication without written authorization from a parent to follow the direction of the NC State Health Director during a public health emergency and/or the authorization did not contain the required information. A&D ointment for an infant in space 2 did not have signed authorization from a parent. Additionally, multiple over-the-counter ointments in spaces 1 and 2 did not contain all required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(9)(a-d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff members last annual staff evaluation and staff development plan was from May 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. Four of the nine children's files reviewed today did not include allergy information and unique behavior characteristics. .0801(a)(1-7) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 04, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Your last fire inspection was on January 13, 2023. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. I strongly encourage you to review the child care rules regarding medication and share them with staff. It may be helpful to create a checklist for staff to assist them in making sure requirements regarding permission, storage and administration are met. I also encourage you to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis as an additional monitoring measure. Children’s files must have all required information including but not limited to: child’s date of birth, any particular fears the child has, any allergies and symptoms, unique behavior characteristics, health care concerns, and the names of individuals the child may be released to. Today, four of the nine children’s files did not have information about any known allergies or unique behavior characteristics. It is important to ensure all children’s files are checked for complete information upon receipt. By doing so, it paints a clear picture of each child’s needs for staff caring for the children. Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Staff development plans and annual staff evaluations must be completed annually. I suggest you and your staff track time sensitive due dates on calendars and/or smart phone devices. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2024 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 2/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 08:20 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 02, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed June 30, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted January 13, 2023, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Ms. Maldonado stated that the fire inspector came out last month; however, they did not pass inspection due to the kitchen hood needing cleaning. Mr. Clark stated they are waiting for a reinspection. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play both indoors and outdoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. All activity plans were current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today is sausage, hashbrowns, fruit pastry, pears, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last approved fire inspection was dated January 13, 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Children 4-5 years old in space 5 were watching The Bernstein Bears. This activity was not logged nor did it coincide with the activity plan. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 865 A child was given over the counter medication without written authorization from a parent to follow the direction of the NC State Health Director during a public health emergency and/or the authorization did not contain the required information. A&D ointment for an infant in space 2 did not have signed authorization from a parent. Additionally, multiple over-the-counter ointments in spaces 1 and 2 did not contain all required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(9)(a-d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff members last annual staff evaluation and staff development plan was from May 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. Four of the nine children's files reviewed today did not include allergy information and unique behavior characteristics. .0801(a)(1-7) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 04, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Your last fire inspection was on January 13, 2023. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. I strongly encourage you to review the child care rules regarding medication and share them with staff. It may be helpful to create a checklist for staff to assist them in making sure requirements regarding permission, storage and administration are met. I also encourage you to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis as an additional monitoring measure. Children’s files must have all required information including but not limited to: child’s date of birth, any particular fears the child has, any allergies and symptoms, unique behavior characteristics, health care concerns, and the names of individuals the child may be released to. Today, four of the nine children’s files did not have information about any known allergies or unique behavior characteristics. It is important to ensure all children’s files are checked for complete information upon receipt. By doing so, it paints a clear picture of each child’s needs for staff caring for the children. Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Staff development plans and annual staff evaluations must be completed annually. I suggest you and your staff track time sensitive due dates on calendars and/or smart phone devices. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2024 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 2/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 08:20 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center 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. Donna Maldonado, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 02, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed June 30, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted January 13, 2023, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Ms. Maldonado stated that the fire inspector came out last month; however, they did not pass inspection due to the kitchen hood needing cleaning. Mr. Clark stated they are waiting for a reinspection. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 91%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. Ms. Maldonado assisted me with the walkthrough this morning. Children were enrolled and present in spaces 1-6. Children participated in free play both indoors and outdoors with age-appropriate materials and activities. All activity plans were current and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations. Proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. Safe sleep charts and feeding schedules were monitored and found in compliance. Lunch for today is sausage, hashbrowns, fruit pastry, pears, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last approved fire inspection was dated January 13, 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Children 4-5 years old in space 5 were watching The Bernstein Bears. This activity was not logged nor did it coincide with the activity plan. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 865 A child was given over the counter medication without written authorization from a parent to follow the direction of the NC State Health Director during a public health emergency and/or the authorization did not contain the required information. A&D ointment for an infant in space 2 did not have signed authorization from a parent. Additionally, multiple over-the-counter ointments in spaces 1 and 2 did not contain all required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(9)(a-d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff members last annual staff evaluation and staff development plan was from May 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. Four of the nine children's files reviewed today did not include allergy information and unique behavior characteristics. .0801(a)(1-7) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 04, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant 12948 Wilmington, NC 28405 April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Your last fire inspection was on January 13, 2023. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304 (a) states that each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. I suggest noting the date of your most recent inspection on a calendar and setting a reminder for yourself to call and request your inspection at least one month in advance of the deadline. I strongly encourage you to review the child care rules regarding medication and share them with staff. It may be helpful to create a checklist for staff to assist them in making sure requirements regarding permission, storage and administration are met. I also encourage you to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis as an additional monitoring measure. Children’s files must have all required information including but not limited to: child’s date of birth, any particular fears the child has, any allergies and symptoms, unique behavior characteristics, health care concerns, and the names of individuals the child may be released to. Today, four of the nine children’s files did not have information about any known allergies or unique behavior characteristics. It is important to ensure all children’s files are checked for complete information upon receipt. By doing so, it paints a clear picture of each child’s needs for staff caring for the children. Today I suggested that you review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510 regarding screen time. If you choose to provide screen time at your facility, you must ensure that it is used to meet a developmental goal, that it is limited to 30 minutes per day and that the time is documented, and that free choice activities are offered for children not participating. I shared with you that screen time is also now prohibited for children under the age of three years old, therefore if any children this age are present the television may not be on. Staff development plans and annual staff evaluations must be completed annually. I suggest you and your staff track time sensitive due dates on calendars and/or smart phone devices. All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was 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

GS 110-105 · Violation

Name of Operation: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: ALLISON DAVIS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-258A Visit Date: 11/30/2023 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 11/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 305 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Donna Maldonado, Director, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed allegations with Ms. Maldonado and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violation was confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 904 Child was handled roughly. On June 12, 2023, a staff member picked up a two-year-old child abruptly and forced the child to sit down on the floor. On November 13, 2023, the same staff member pulled a two-year-old child by the arm forcing them to sit down on the floor. .1803(a)(1) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week, by December 7, 2023, you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at Allison Davis, Investigations Consultant, allison.davis@dhhs.nc.gov, fax# 919-715-1013, 2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2201. You may contact me at Allison Davis, Investigations Consultant, allison.davis@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-800-0079 or Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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: MUSTARD SEED MINISTRY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 65000989 Consultant: APRIL LESTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/3/2023 Number Present: 65 Completed Date: 8/3/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:20 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued August 18, 2022, earning 5 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and 1 quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and a staff benefits package. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by April Lester on March 02, 2023. Today’s visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant April Bosse on behalf of your Child Care Consultant April Lester. The sanitation inspection was completed June 30, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted January 13, 2023, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. Prior to today’s visit the compliance history score was 94%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on August 1, 2023, and Mustard Seed, LLC was listed as current- active. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children were enrolled in all licensed indoor spaces. Daily schedules were available for children. Infants in spaces 1 and 2 received care based on individual needs, including diapering, napping, and eating routines. Infants not engaged in routine care were observed moving about the room, playing freely. Feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. One year old children space 3 participated in group time reading books and singing songs. Two-year-old enrolled in space 4 were observed on their playground in free play with ride on toys and slides. Children ages 3-5 in spaces 6 and 7 were observed in their classrooms participating in free play with age-appropriate materials and activities that coincide with their activity plans and aligned with NC Early Childhood Foundations such as modeling doh, puzzles, pretending to cook, and stringing puzzles. Positive interactions and adequate supervision were observed. Lunch planned for today consist of chicken nuggets, green beans, peaches, bread, and milk. There was one violation observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. Three diaper cream forms in Space 3 were expired and medications were not returned to the parent after authorization had expired. .0803(12) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 17, 2023. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. 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 may be completed. Email the information to: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical assistance for violations cited: 3 diaper cream forms were expired in Space 3. These diaper cream forms expire after one year of parent signature. Today I suggested marking these dates on a calendar for the teachers or on a calendar for you so that everyone can track these expiration dates without any lapse. Technical Assistance: Today technical assistance was given regarding child safety locks. I suggested you review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items as these locks on your bottom cabinets in your classrooms, are not considered locked storage. 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. You will need to ensure any items inside these cabinets are not potentially hazardous for children. Rated License Reassessment Information: Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due to be completed in August 2025. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 3.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of New Hanover County or Region 4 CCR&R for assistance with completion of the self-study component. Your Consultant April Lester is also available to assist you upon request. This is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Review topics related to the Environment Rating Scales or other quality initiatives. For example, if transitions are challenging, ask yourself what strategies help. Engage to brainstorm, offer support and clarification, and set goals. Allocate resources so you can focus on self-study as part of the workday to help you become more familiar and confident with the assessment process. Also, be reminded that you may voluntarily request a reassessment at any time by contacting April Lester, and that NCRLAP outreach assessments are still being offered if you wish to “practice.” You may also wish to contact technical assistance specialists with Smart Start of New Hanover County to help you with mock assessments. Related to education, ensure you are uploading your education. 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/WhatsNew/north-carolina-early-childhood-equivalency-exam-now-available). It is vitally important that you are registered for WORKS and maintain your workforce information to support education requirements. You are responsible for ensuring that all staff’s information contained in the Early Childhood Education Workforce Database is up to date and complete. Reminders: Childcare 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed, and emailed to you. Contact me at April Bosse, Child Care Consultant, 910-709-4196, April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov 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