THE Children'S Courtyard #3245

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2026 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 7/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance with rated license visit. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 92%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. Sanitation – 06/24/2026 – Superior Fire – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime care only R. Steigerwald, Administrator, was present and available for consultation. Infants in spaces 1 received care based on individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in space 3 were engaged in free choice activities, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Children in spaces 5 and 7 were completing toileting/handwashing routines before sitting down for morning snack. Space 6 is a multi-purpose room used by all ages at different times. Spaces 2, 4, 8, 9, and 10 were not in use due to low staffing and enrollments. Children either bring their own lunch from home or families have the choice to order lunch through a catering company. Morning snack consisted of strawberry yogurt, ABC cookies and milk. Regarding the QRIS and the program’s intent to transition to the Pathways: A QRIS Conversation Template form for your facility was completed during your RUN visit conducted on January 8, 2026. Your facility was interested in applying for Pathway #2, Classroom and Instructional Quality. Today, Ms. steigerwald and I reviewed all requirements for Pathway #2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality for Child Care Centers. The plan is for the requirements and submission for a permit renewal to be completed before or by October 2026. Pathway #2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through smaller groups of children, child-focused planning, curriculum implementation, child observations, training and coaching for staff, CQI plans, and family engagement. The facility must complete the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A CQI plan must be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education – Submit the Staff Information and Education Worksheet. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Ensure all education information has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is very important as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the star level that your facility is eligible for in the education component of QRIS. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. Parent's signature was missing from a written feeding plan. .0902(a) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Trash including paper plates, used napkins, and crushed plastic cups were observed dispersed on the playground space used with preschool and school-aged children. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space 3, one medication administration permission form for over-the-counter topical medication did not include a description on how to apply the ointment. Another form did not include the ointment's expiration date. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child's application did not include information regarding the child's health care needs. .0801 (a)(5) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 20, 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 considered legal documentation. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE PROVIDED REGARDING VIOLATIONS CITED: For the health and safety of infants in care, feeding schedules must be clearly completed and signed by parents. This is to ensure that parents agree with how they want their infant’s feeding routines to be completed while in your care. Indoor and outdoor environments that children use must be kept clean, free of trash and hazards at all times. The playground spaces should be monitored daily, prior to children going out to ensure the space is clean and safe. I encourage you to discuss the necessities of ensuring playground spaces are kept sanitary with staff members. Each enrollment application should be fully and clearly completed by parents and reviewed by administration. To ensure children enrolling in your program receive the best care, the health care section of the application is vital. This information provides important information on likes/dislikes/fears and allergies or any additional medical needs the child may require. Other Information: Health & Safety Training – New and veteran staff members, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were fourteen staff members employed at this facility. There were nine new staff members hired since the last visit. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed today. Required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. 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 May 23, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete - Exempt • Asbestos- Section Complete – Exempt Ms. Steigerwald is a new administrator with a hire date of May 18, 2026. Ms. Steigerwald is aware that the program must complete another water test as soon as possible. I was able to verify that Ms. Steigerwald reached out to Clean Classrooms for Carolina kids via email on July 2, 2026. I encouraged Ms. Steigerwald to reach back out to them via phone to inquire about completion of the testing. The program received a sanitation inspection on June 24, 2026. Sanitation notes that a kit should be requested soon, but did not cite a violation. REMINDERS: M. Carter, hired on June 15, 2026, must complete the maltreatment training by September 15, 2026 to maintain compliance. A. Driver, hired on May 26, 2026, must complete CPR/FA training before or by August 26, 2026, to maintain compliance. M. Merritt’s CPR/FA certification expires in September 2026. Ensure new certification is completed prior to expiration of current one. A. Grant’s CPR/FA certification expires in August 2026. Ensure new certification is completed prior to expiration of current one. P. Cameron is required to complete 20 annual on-going training hours. Nineteen hours were completed to date. Ms. Cameron must complete 1 additional training hour by July 24, 2026, in order to maintain compliance. Ensure staff members remain diligent about wiping children’s noses as needed throughout the day. Remember that proper handwashing must be completed following. A monthly fire drill and a quarterly drill are due in July. 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 conclusion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, signed and a copy was provided to you. Reach me with questions/ concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2026 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 7/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance with rated license visit. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 92%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. Sanitation – 06/24/2026 – Superior Fire – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime care only R. Steigerwald, Administrator, was present and available for consultation. Infants in spaces 1 received care based on individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in space 3 were engaged in free choice activities, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Children in spaces 5 and 7 were completing toileting/handwashing routines before sitting down for morning snack. Space 6 is a multi-purpose room used by all ages at different times. Spaces 2, 4, 8, 9, and 10 were not in use due to low staffing and enrollments. Children either bring their own lunch from home or families have the choice to order lunch through a catering company. Morning snack consisted of strawberry yogurt, ABC cookies and milk. Regarding the QRIS and the program’s intent to transition to the Pathways: A QRIS Conversation Template form for your facility was completed during your RUN visit conducted on January 8, 2026. Your facility was interested in applying for Pathway #2, Classroom and Instructional Quality. Today, Ms. steigerwald and I reviewed all requirements for Pathway #2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality for Child Care Centers. The plan is for the requirements and submission for a permit renewal to be completed before or by October 2026. Pathway #2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through smaller groups of children, child-focused planning, curriculum implementation, child observations, training and coaching for staff, CQI plans, and family engagement. The facility must complete the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A CQI plan must be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education – Submit the Staff Information and Education Worksheet. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Ensure all education information has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is very important as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the star level that your facility is eligible for in the education component of QRIS. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. Parent's signature was missing from a written feeding plan. .0902(a) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Trash including paper plates, used napkins, and crushed plastic cups were observed dispersed on the playground space used with preschool and school-aged children. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space 3, one medication administration permission form for over-the-counter topical medication did not include a description on how to apply the ointment. Another form did not include the ointment's expiration date. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child's application did not include information regarding the child's health care needs. .0801 (a)(5) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 20, 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 considered legal documentation. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE PROVIDED REGARDING VIOLATIONS CITED: For the health and safety of infants in care, feeding schedules must be clearly completed and signed by parents. This is to ensure that parents agree with how they want their infant’s feeding routines to be completed while in your care. Indoor and outdoor environments that children use must be kept clean, free of trash and hazards at all times. The playground spaces should be monitored daily, prior to children going out to ensure the space is clean and safe. I encourage you to discuss the necessities of ensuring playground spaces are kept sanitary with staff members. Each enrollment application should be fully and clearly completed by parents and reviewed by administration. To ensure children enrolling in your program receive the best care, the health care section of the application is vital. This information provides important information on likes/dislikes/fears and allergies or any additional medical needs the child may require. Other Information: Health & Safety Training – New and veteran staff members, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were fourteen staff members employed at this facility. There were nine new staff members hired since the last visit. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed today. Required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. 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 May 23, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete - Exempt • Asbestos- Section Complete – Exempt Ms. Steigerwald is a new administrator with a hire date of May 18, 2026. Ms. Steigerwald is aware that the program must complete another water test as soon as possible. I was able to verify that Ms. Steigerwald reached out to Clean Classrooms for Carolina kids via email on July 2, 2026. I encouraged Ms. Steigerwald to reach back out to them via phone to inquire about completion of the testing. The program received a sanitation inspection on June 24, 2026. Sanitation notes that a kit should be requested soon, but did not cite a violation. REMINDERS: M. Carter, hired on June 15, 2026, must complete the maltreatment training by September 15, 2026 to maintain compliance. A. Driver, hired on May 26, 2026, must complete CPR/FA training before or by August 26, 2026, to maintain compliance. M. Merritt’s CPR/FA certification expires in September 2026. Ensure new certification is completed prior to expiration of current one. A. Grant’s CPR/FA certification expires in August 2026. Ensure new certification is completed prior to expiration of current one. P. Cameron is required to complete 20 annual on-going training hours. Nineteen hours were completed to date. Ms. Cameron must complete 1 additional training hour by July 24, 2026, in order to maintain compliance. Ensure staff members remain diligent about wiping children’s noses as needed throughout the day. Remember that proper handwashing must be completed following. A monthly fire drill and a quarterly drill are due in July. 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 conclusion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, signed and a copy was provided to you. Reach me with questions/ concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2026 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 7/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance with rated license visit. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 92%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. Sanitation – 06/24/2026 – Superior Fire – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime care only R. Steigerwald, Administrator, was present and available for consultation. Infants in spaces 1 received care based on individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in space 3 were engaged in free choice activities, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Children in spaces 5 and 7 were completing toileting/handwashing routines before sitting down for morning snack. Space 6 is a multi-purpose room used by all ages at different times. Spaces 2, 4, 8, 9, and 10 were not in use due to low staffing and enrollments. Children either bring their own lunch from home or families have the choice to order lunch through a catering company. Morning snack consisted of strawberry yogurt, ABC cookies and milk. Regarding the QRIS and the program’s intent to transition to the Pathways: A QRIS Conversation Template form for your facility was completed during your RUN visit conducted on January 8, 2026. Your facility was interested in applying for Pathway #2, Classroom and Instructional Quality. Today, Ms. steigerwald and I reviewed all requirements for Pathway #2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality for Child Care Centers. The plan is for the requirements and submission for a permit renewal to be completed before or by October 2026. Pathway #2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through smaller groups of children, child-focused planning, curriculum implementation, child observations, training and coaching for staff, CQI plans, and family engagement. The facility must complete the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A CQI plan must be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education – Submit the Staff Information and Education Worksheet. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Ensure all education information has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is very important as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the star level that your facility is eligible for in the education component of QRIS. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. Parent's signature was missing from a written feeding plan. .0902(a) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Trash including paper plates, used napkins, and crushed plastic cups were observed dispersed on the playground space used with preschool and school-aged children. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space 3, one medication administration permission form for over-the-counter topical medication did not include a description on how to apply the ointment. Another form did not include the ointment's expiration date. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child's application did not include information regarding the child's health care needs. .0801 (a)(5) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 20, 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 considered legal documentation. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE PROVIDED REGARDING VIOLATIONS CITED: For the health and safety of infants in care, feeding schedules must be clearly completed and signed by parents. This is to ensure that parents agree with how they want their infant’s feeding routines to be completed while in your care. Indoor and outdoor environments that children use must be kept clean, free of trash and hazards at all times. The playground spaces should be monitored daily, prior to children going out to ensure the space is clean and safe. I encourage you to discuss the necessities of ensuring playground spaces are kept sanitary with staff members. Each enrollment application should be fully and clearly completed by parents and reviewed by administration. To ensure children enrolling in your program receive the best care, the health care section of the application is vital. This information provides important information on likes/dislikes/fears and allergies or any additional medical needs the child may require. Other Information: Health & Safety Training – New and veteran staff members, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were fourteen staff members employed at this facility. There were nine new staff members hired since the last visit. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed today. Required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. 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 May 23, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete - Exempt • Asbestos- Section Complete – Exempt Ms. Steigerwald is a new administrator with a hire date of May 18, 2026. Ms. Steigerwald is aware that the program must complete another water test as soon as possible. I was able to verify that Ms. Steigerwald reached out to Clean Classrooms for Carolina kids via email on July 2, 2026. I encouraged Ms. Steigerwald to reach back out to them via phone to inquire about completion of the testing. The program received a sanitation inspection on June 24, 2026. Sanitation notes that a kit should be requested soon, but did not cite a violation. REMINDERS: M. Carter, hired on June 15, 2026, must complete the maltreatment training by September 15, 2026 to maintain compliance. A. Driver, hired on May 26, 2026, must complete CPR/FA training before or by August 26, 2026, to maintain compliance. M. Merritt’s CPR/FA certification expires in September 2026. Ensure new certification is completed prior to expiration of current one. A. Grant’s CPR/FA certification expires in August 2026. Ensure new certification is completed prior to expiration of current one. P. Cameron is required to complete 20 annual on-going training hours. Nineteen hours were completed to date. Ms. Cameron must complete 1 additional training hour by July 24, 2026, in order to maintain compliance. Ensure staff members remain diligent about wiping children’s noses as needed throughout the day. Remember that proper handwashing must be completed following. A monthly fire drill and a quarterly drill are due in July. 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 conclusion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, signed and a copy was provided to you. Reach me with questions/ concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: JENNIFER GARNER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-192L Visit Date: 3/25/2026 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 3/25/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 90%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. In addition to the allegations, Staff /Child Ratios, Adequate/Approved Space, and Permit Restrictions were monitored. New Staff records were monitored during today’s visit. One new staff was on site completing onboarding for new employees. Patrice Byrd, Team Lead, was present today. Ms. Byrd accompanied me on the walkthrough of the facility. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and twenty-seven (27) children ranging in age from infants to five years-old were present. I observed all approved indoor and outdoor spaces. I observed the teachers caring for children in a nurturing and caring manner. One infant was asleep in a crib. Safe sleep documentation was current and appeared to be completed in real time. One infant was being held for a bottle feeding. Awake infants were on the floor exploring the space and playing with various age-appropriate toys and materials. Toddlers were engaged in free with blocks, books, dolls and dramatic play kitchen materials. Toddlers were also observed in indoor gross motor play in space 6. Toddlers were bouncing balls, running, playing toss and listening to their voices echo. Preschool-aged children were observed outside on the fenced in playground. They were running, climbing, sliding, pushing cars, riding trikes and climbing hills. The allegation was reviewed with administration, and various staff members. Each staff was given the opportunity to state their perceptions of the allegation. Findings- Allegation #1- There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. Per administration’s report on March 11, 2026, sometime between 1:00p.m. and 1:30 p.m., a teacher was asleep in a rocking chair in the classroom during the children’s rest time. There were seven children ages 3-5 years old also asleep in the space. Administrative staff complete a ratio form every 30 minutes on their hallway checks. The staff member was awake when administration completed the 1:00p.m. check. Administration had not yet completed the 1:30p.m. hallway check when a staff delivered snack and found the caregiver asleep in the rocking chair. The staff member immediately woke the caregiver and reported the incident to administration. Administration took immediate action by placing the caregiver on immediate leave. The facility ensured the children were unharmed, and the facility reported the incident to the agency. The caregiver is no longer employed at the facility. Administrative staff continue to complete hallway checks every 30 minutes. During each hallway check administrative staff compare the “tune-up enrollment sheet” with the number of children present in the space. Administrative staff go into each space where children are present to count the children, observe staff and ensure there are no obvious potential concerns. Between hallway checks administrative staff view live classroom cameras and address potential concerns immediately. The lights remain on in the classroom spaces at all times when children are present. The facility does not dim the light during rest time. An walkthrough of all spaces was conducted, and children were adequately supervised today. Administration also stated they do not have current concerns with lack of supervision in any classroom. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. The following violation was documented and has been corrected. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Per administration’s report on March 11, 2026, sometime between 1:00p.m. and 1:30 p.m., a teacher was asleep in a rocking chair in the classroom during the children’s rest time. .1801(a)(1-5) 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. An administrative action may be issued based on a confirmed allegation and a return visit will be made to verify correction of the violation. Technical Assistance: A violation was documented related to supervision was documented. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. In addition, these types of violations have the greatest negative impact on your compliance history. As discussed, supervision is paramount to quality child care as it is basic to the safety of children and the prevention of injury while maintaining quality child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed, or inappropriate behavior. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions regarding this visit, please contact me Jennifer Garner, Lead Consultant, (910) 824-1447 or email me: jennifer.j.garner@dhhs.nc.gov. or Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, 910-824-0470, kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If you have questions regarding child care requirements please contact your consultant Shereen Pickett at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-038L Visit Date: 3/5/2026 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 3/5/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegation was: A Child was handled roughly. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 89%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. In addition to the allegations, Staff /Child Ratios, Adequate/Approved Space, and Permit Restrictions were monitored. Vickie Bullock, Acting Administrator, was present. I conducted the walkthrough of the facility unaccompanied. There were forty-six (46) children enrolled and twenty-nine (29) children ranging in age from infants to five years-old were present. Today, all spaces approved for use with the children were visited. Infants received care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Toddlers and preschool-aged children were observed during free choice in centers and outdoor gross motor play. Morning snack consisted of number crackers, sun butter and water. The allegations were reviewed with V. Bullock. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegations. The facility does have a camera system that shows live footage only. Previous footage could not be accessed. Findings- Allegation – A child was handled roughly. Ms. Bullock, Acting Administrator, stated that on February 26, 2026, a parent shared a concern with her regarding L. Blair, a staff member working in the preschool classroom. Ms. Bullock stated she was unaware until the parent spoke with her about the incident. The parent showed Ms. Bullock a picture of L. Blair roughly grabbing a two (2) year old child by the upper arm while pulling the child’s hair. The photo was viewed and it appeared the child’s feet were lifted off the ground as he was being handled roughly. Immediately, Ms. Bullock arranged for L. Blair to be removed from the classroom. Ms. Bullock shared the allegation with Ms. Blair, who admitted to roughly handling the child and apologized. Ms. Blair was placed on administrative leave, and her employment was terminated by the program the same day. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. The following violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. On February 26, 2026, a photo was taken and submitted to the administrator showing a staff member working in the preschool classroom roughly handling a two year old child. The photo showed the child being picked up by the upper arm to the point the child's feet were pulled off the floor as the child's hair was being pulled by the staff member. .1803(a)(1) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 17, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Due to the severity of violations cited, follow-up visits will be conducted. An administrative action may be issued based on a confirmed allegation AND (if applicable) a return visit will be made to verify correction of the violations. Technical Assistance Provided Relating to Violation Cited: Rough handling children by grabbing, pulling, dragging, or rough, forced movements—is never acceptable, as it can be physically damaging and constitutes child abuse or neglect. Caregivers must use positive, developmentally appropriate guidance, as harsh methods are often criminal. Each child should be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. Staff should protect children from threats, give them opportunities for early learning, through interactions that are emotionally supportive and responsive. Some examples of nurturing behavior are: being fully present in your interactions with children (verbally and non-verbally), validating their feelings, providing physical affection and comfort when sought, laughing and playing games, providing safe mental, physical and social challenges that promote healthy growth and development. Children who are adequately nurtured feel more secure, which leads to the healthy development of self-esteem. Nurturing care is essential for child development and lays the foundation for life-long health and well-being and builds human capital in the child today, the adolescent and adult tomorrow, and in the next generation in the future. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was provided to you. Contact me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with any questions/concerns If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-104L Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations were: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 91%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. In addition to the allegations, Staff /Child Ratios, Adequate/Approved Space, and Permit Restrictions were monitored. T. Eddy, Acting Administrator, was present. I conducted the walkthrough of the facility unaccompanied. There were seventy (70) children enrolled and thirty-six (36) children ranging in age from infants to five years-old present. Today, all spaces approved for use with the children were visited. Infants received care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Toddlers and preschool-aged children were engaged Children were observed during free choice in centers and outdoor gross motor play. Morning snack consisted of pita bread, humus and milk. The allegations were reviewed with Ms. Eddy, and six (6) other staff members. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegations. The facility does have a camera system that shows live footage only. Previous footage could not be accessed. Findings- Allegation #1- There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. This allegation is specific to an incident that occurred on February 10, 2026, in the infant 1 classroom. According to reports received from staff members interviewed today, it was confirmed that a staff member (K. Farreh) fell asleep in the rocking chair while holding an twelve-month-old child. The child was asleep and was never harmed. The estimated time the staff member was asleep was ten minutes. Another staff member that was walking past the infant classroom saw Ms. Farreh asleep and reported it to Ms. Eddy, who was covering a lunch break in another classroom. Ms. Eddy immediately went to Ms. Farreh, woke her up and arranged coverage so Ms. Farreh could step out of the classroom. In the office, Ms. Eddy discussed her findings with Ms. Farreh and sent her home pending a response from corporate representatives. Dana Mazur, District Manager, spoke with Ms. Eddy regarding the incident and told her this was a human resources issue. Ms. Eddy completed a “final written warning” with Ms. Farreh, in accordance with policies and waited for a response from corporate representatives and human resources but has not heard back yet. Ms. Farreh was allowed to return to work the following day and is currently serving as a floater. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. Allegation #2 - There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment One staff member interviewed today stated that approximately three weeks ago, she witnessed a bottle of prescribed generic Adderall 15mg in a staff member’s (K. Farreh) open lunch box, which was stored under the unlocked counter/cabinet area in the kitchen area of the infant classroom. The same staff member stated she found a pill on the floor in the infant room. The staff member recognized it as one of the Adderall pills. She stated she reported her concerns to Ms. Eddy, who told the staff member she would handle it. The staff member feels like no action has been taken to remedy this incident. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. Additional Information: Ms. Eddy has been serving as Acting Administrator since June 2025, with very limited experience in licensing requirements and administration experience. There have been several administrators hired since Ms. N. Emery left, however; their time has been very short-lived. Ms. Eddy stated she is trying to maintain compliance daily and has reached out to corporate representatives for support on multiple occasions. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. It was confirmed that on February 10, 2026, a staff member fell asleep in the rocking chair for approximately ten minutes while holding a twelve-month-old child. The child was asleep and was not harmed. .1801(a)(1-5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Approximately three weeks ago, a staff member working in the infant classroom found a generic 15mg Adderall pill belonging to another staff member on the floor. Children were not harmed from this incident. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 03, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Due to the severity of violations cited, a follow-up visit will be conducted. An administrative action may be issued based on a confirmed allegation AND (if applicable) a return visit will be made to verify correction of the violation. Technical Assistance Provided Relating to Violations Cited: Regarding Supervision: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 – Requires that children are adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision means: (1) Staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance; (2) Staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) Staff must know where each child is located and be aware of children’s activities at all times; (4) Staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child; As discussed, supervision is paramount to quality child care as it is basic to the safety of children and the prevention of injury while maintaining quality child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed, or inappropriate behavior. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. Regarding Providing Safe Environments: It is vital that all caregivers be responsible and protect children in their care by providing a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of all children are met and where all children are cared for by qualified persons of good moral character. Some medications can cause drowsiness, sleepiness, fatigue, make a person less aware of children's needs, and impair people's judgment, and reaction time – both of which are crucially important when taking care of young children. I strongly encourage you to review the program's "drug and alcohol" policy with all staff members and discuss the importance of immediately reporting any safety concerns to administration. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was provided to you. Contact me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with any questions/concerns If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-104L Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations were: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 91%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. In addition to the allegations, Staff /Child Ratios, Adequate/Approved Space, and Permit Restrictions were monitored. T. Eddy, Acting Administrator, was present. I conducted the walkthrough of the facility unaccompanied. There were seventy (70) children enrolled and thirty-six (36) children ranging in age from infants to five years-old present. Today, all spaces approved for use with the children were visited. Infants received care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Toddlers and preschool-aged children were engaged Children were observed during free choice in centers and outdoor gross motor play. Morning snack consisted of pita bread, humus and milk. The allegations were reviewed with Ms. Eddy, and six (6) other staff members. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegations. The facility does have a camera system that shows live footage only. Previous footage could not be accessed. Findings- Allegation #1- There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. This allegation is specific to an incident that occurred on February 10, 2026, in the infant 1 classroom. According to reports received from staff members interviewed today, it was confirmed that a staff member (K. Farreh) fell asleep in the rocking chair while holding an twelve-month-old child. The child was asleep and was never harmed. The estimated time the staff member was asleep was ten minutes. Another staff member that was walking past the infant classroom saw Ms. Farreh asleep and reported it to Ms. Eddy, who was covering a lunch break in another classroom. Ms. Eddy immediately went to Ms. Farreh, woke her up and arranged coverage so Ms. Farreh could step out of the classroom. In the office, Ms. Eddy discussed her findings with Ms. Farreh and sent her home pending a response from corporate representatives. Dana Mazur, District Manager, spoke with Ms. Eddy regarding the incident and told her this was a human resources issue. Ms. Eddy completed a “final written warning” with Ms. Farreh, in accordance with policies and waited for a response from corporate representatives and human resources but has not heard back yet. Ms. Farreh was allowed to return to work the following day and is currently serving as a floater. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. Allegation #2 - There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment One staff member interviewed today stated that approximately three weeks ago, she witnessed a bottle of prescribed generic Adderall 15mg in a staff member’s (K. Farreh) open lunch box, which was stored under the unlocked counter/cabinet area in the kitchen area of the infant classroom. The same staff member stated she found a pill on the floor in the infant room. The staff member recognized it as one of the Adderall pills. She stated she reported her concerns to Ms. Eddy, who told the staff member she would handle it. The staff member feels like no action has been taken to remedy this incident. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. Additional Information: Ms. Eddy has been serving as Acting Administrator since June 2025, with very limited experience in licensing requirements and administration experience. There have been several administrators hired since Ms. N. Emery left, however; their time has been very short-lived. Ms. Eddy stated she is trying to maintain compliance daily and has reached out to corporate representatives for support on multiple occasions. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. It was confirmed that on February 10, 2026, a staff member fell asleep in the rocking chair for approximately ten minutes while holding a twelve-month-old child. The child was asleep and was not harmed. .1801(a)(1-5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Approximately three weeks ago, a staff member working in the infant classroom found a generic 15mg Adderall pill belonging to another staff member on the floor. Children were not harmed from this incident. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 03, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Due to the severity of violations cited, a follow-up visit will be conducted. An administrative action may be issued based on a confirmed allegation AND (if applicable) a return visit will be made to verify correction of the violation. Technical Assistance Provided Relating to Violations Cited: Regarding Supervision: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 – Requires that children are adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision means: (1) Staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance; (2) Staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) Staff must know where each child is located and be aware of children’s activities at all times; (4) Staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child; As discussed, supervision is paramount to quality child care as it is basic to the safety of children and the prevention of injury while maintaining quality child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed, or inappropriate behavior. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. Regarding Providing Safe Environments: It is vital that all caregivers be responsible and protect children in their care by providing a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of all children are met and where all children are cared for by qualified persons of good moral character. Some medications can cause drowsiness, sleepiness, fatigue, make a person less aware of children's needs, and impair people's judgment, and reaction time – both of which are crucially important when taking care of young children. I strongly encourage you to review the program's "drug and alcohol" policy with all staff members and discuss the importance of immediately reporting any safety concerns to administration. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was provided to you. Contact me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with any questions/concerns If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-104L Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations were: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 91%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. In addition to the allegations, Staff /Child Ratios, Adequate/Approved Space, and Permit Restrictions were monitored. T. Eddy, Acting Administrator, was present. I conducted the walkthrough of the facility unaccompanied. There were seventy (70) children enrolled and thirty-six (36) children ranging in age from infants to five years-old present. Today, all spaces approved for use with the children were visited. Infants received care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Toddlers and preschool-aged children were engaged Children were observed during free choice in centers and outdoor gross motor play. Morning snack consisted of pita bread, humus and milk. The allegations were reviewed with Ms. Eddy, and six (6) other staff members. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegations. The facility does have a camera system that shows live footage only. Previous footage could not be accessed. Findings- Allegation #1- There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. This allegation is specific to an incident that occurred on February 10, 2026, in the infant 1 classroom. According to reports received from staff members interviewed today, it was confirmed that a staff member (K. Farreh) fell asleep in the rocking chair while holding an twelve-month-old child. The child was asleep and was never harmed. The estimated time the staff member was asleep was ten minutes. Another staff member that was walking past the infant classroom saw Ms. Farreh asleep and reported it to Ms. Eddy, who was covering a lunch break in another classroom. Ms. Eddy immediately went to Ms. Farreh, woke her up and arranged coverage so Ms. Farreh could step out of the classroom. In the office, Ms. Eddy discussed her findings with Ms. Farreh and sent her home pending a response from corporate representatives. Dana Mazur, District Manager, spoke with Ms. Eddy regarding the incident and told her this was a human resources issue. Ms. Eddy completed a “final written warning” with Ms. Farreh, in accordance with policies and waited for a response from corporate representatives and human resources but has not heard back yet. Ms. Farreh was allowed to return to work the following day and is currently serving as a floater. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. Allegation #2 - There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment One staff member interviewed today stated that approximately three weeks ago, she witnessed a bottle of prescribed generic Adderall 15mg in a staff member’s (K. Farreh) open lunch box, which was stored under the unlocked counter/cabinet area in the kitchen area of the infant classroom. The same staff member stated she found a pill on the floor in the infant room. The staff member recognized it as one of the Adderall pills. She stated she reported her concerns to Ms. Eddy, who told the staff member she would handle it. The staff member feels like no action has been taken to remedy this incident. Based on your information, reporters’ information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. Additional Information: Ms. Eddy has been serving as Acting Administrator since June 2025, with very limited experience in licensing requirements and administration experience. There have been several administrators hired since Ms. N. Emery left, however; their time has been very short-lived. Ms. Eddy stated she is trying to maintain compliance daily and has reached out to corporate representatives for support on multiple occasions. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. It was confirmed that on February 10, 2026, a staff member fell asleep in the rocking chair for approximately ten minutes while holding a twelve-month-old child. The child was asleep and was not harmed. .1801(a)(1-5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Approximately three weeks ago, a staff member working in the infant classroom found a generic 15mg Adderall pill belonging to another staff member on the floor. Children were not harmed from this incident. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 03, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Due to the severity of violations cited, a follow-up visit will be conducted. An administrative action may be issued based on a confirmed allegation AND (if applicable) a return visit will be made to verify correction of the violation. Technical Assistance Provided Relating to Violations Cited: Regarding Supervision: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 – Requires that children are adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision means: (1) Staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance; (2) Staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) Staff must know where each child is located and be aware of children’s activities at all times; (4) Staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child; As discussed, supervision is paramount to quality child care as it is basic to the safety of children and the prevention of injury while maintaining quality child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed, or inappropriate behavior. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. Regarding Providing Safe Environments: It is vital that all caregivers be responsible and protect children in their care by providing a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of all children are met and where all children are cared for by qualified persons of good moral character. Some medications can cause drowsiness, sleepiness, fatigue, make a person less aware of children's needs, and impair people's judgment, and reaction time – both of which are crucially important when taking care of young children. I strongly encourage you to review the program's "drug and alcohol" policy with all staff members and discuss the importance of immediately reporting any safety concerns to administration. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was provided to you. Contact me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with any questions/concerns If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2026 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 1/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 compliance during a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on July 24, 2025. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 97%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. Sanitation – 09/17/2025 – Superior Fire – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime care only T. Eddy, Acting Administrator, was present and available for consultation. Infants in spaces 1 and 2 received care based on individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in space 3 were engaged in free choice activities, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Children in spaces 4 and 7 were engaged in outdoor gross motor activities. Spaces 5 and 9 are not currently in use. Space 6 is a multi-purpose room used by all ages at different times. Children in space 8 were seated on the carpet listening to a story read by their teacher. Space 10 is used with school-age children. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. Children either bring their own lunch from home or families have the choice to order lunch through a catering company. Morning snack consisted of cinnamon cereal and milk. Four new staff members were hired since the last visit. The files were monitored and violations were cited below. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space 2, one infant's bottles and jar of baby food did not have a date listed. This is a repeat violation. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In spaces 1 and 2, three parent permission forms required for diaper creams did not include all required information. The forms only included the child's name and parent signatures, all other information was missing. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Four staff members did not receive 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of hire. .1101(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member's First Aid training expired in November 2025. Two additional staff members did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of employment as required. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member's CPR training expired in November 2025.Two additional staff members did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment as required. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On the playground space used with preschool and school-aged children, mulch used as surfacing measured less than two inches under and around the large climbing structure and swings. .0605(k)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members did not complete the maltreatment training within 90 days of employment as required. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSITANCE PROVIDED REGARDING VIOLATIONS CITED: Bottles and sippy cups brought from home should be labeled with each child’s name and date. Today, bottles and a jar of baby food for one child in space 2 did not have a date. This is a repeat violation. Ms. Eddy corrected the violation during the visit. We discussed sending a reminder to parents and providing masking tape/pen to allow parents to label their child’s bottles at arrival if they wish. I also recommend that staff members check bottles as a daily routine. All medications must be accompanied by parent permission forms that detail specific directions as to the name of medication, reason, amount and how it should be used. It is the program’s responsibility to ensure each permission form is filled out correctly and reviewed prior to accepting the medication in the classroom or allowing staff members to use it on the children. I encouraged you to find a system that works best for your program to ensure forms are completed correctly each time. All new staff members hired that will have contact with children must complete 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment. I understand the program has experienced changes in administration, however; new staff requirements, files and records must be maintained at all times. This is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in your care. Ms. Eddy stated today that she was unaware of this requirement. I pulled up the orientation form on the website and showed it to her. She stated she can access a copy of the form to complete orientation with the new staff. Moving forward, I also encourage scheduling time slots of your calendar that will serve as a reminder to complete required trainings and documentation. For the health and safety of the children, all staff members are required to obtain CPR and First Aid certification and keep it current. Renewing this certification is crucial for staff to be refreshed in first aid and other lifesaving techniques as well as receive the most up to date information. I suggest you set a reminder on your calendar to keep track of expiration dates and/or seek out training from additional approved agencies when staff cannot attend courses offered locally or at the facility. Today we discussed fall zones on the preschool playground. The mulch around the large climbing structure and swings is not the appropriate six inches of loose surfacing. We discussed adding more mulch to the area to ensure that the depth of the mulch is a resilient six inches. We also discussed tilling or fluffing the mulch periodically to ensure proper levels. You do have black resilient mats under the swings for protection. Those could be a good option to consider. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be completed by all new staff members within the first 90 days of employment. The training can be found on the following website: www.preventchildabusenc.org. The rest of the topics (except CPR/First Aid) are available on Moodle. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. REMINDERS: Johanna Slappy’s criminal background qualification letter expires today (January 08, 2026). Ms. Slappy’s qualification letter must be renewed immediately and placed on-file within 15 days from today. If a new valid letter is not received and placed on-file within that time frame, Ms. Slappy may not work with children beginning the 16th day. Make sure you email me a copy of the new letter upon receipt. Follow-up visits may be conducted to ensure compliance. A monthly fire drill is due in January. Ensure staff members remain diligent about wiping children’s noses as needed throughout the day. Remember that proper handwashing must be completed following. As observed today, swings on the preschool playground are very high for the preschool-aged children (2-4). I discussed with Ms. Eddy that staff members must keep children from using those swings until the height is adjusted and suitable for the ages and size of the children. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for the facility. Ms. Eddy reported that she is interested in the program following Pathway #2. However, as she is the acting administrator, she plans to submit the form for review by corporate representatives. Ms. Eddy will follow-up with me regarding a final decision and the month the program plans to apply for a rated license. Ms. Eddy understands the program must be transitioned to the new system by December 2026. A copy of the template was provided to Ms. Eddy. 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 May 23, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete - Exempt • Asbestos- Section Complete - Exempt 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 conclusion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, signed and a copy was provided to you. Reach me with questions/ concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/24/2025 Number Present: 60 Completed Date: 7/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on August 01, 2024. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 97%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. Sanitation – 04/01/2025 – Superior Fire – 1/29/2025 – approved for daytime care only Macie Walker, Administrator was present and available for consultation. Infants in spaces 1 and 2 received care based on individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in spaces 3 – 4 and 7-8 were engaged in free choice activities, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Space 5 is not currently in use. Space 6 is a multi-purpose room used by all ages at different times. Children in spaces 9 and 10 were engaged in outdoor gross motor activities. Children either bring their own lunch from home or families have the choice to order lunch through a catering company. Morning snack consisted of hummus, pita bread, and water. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In spaces 1 and 3, four infant's bottles were not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Three protruding bolts were observed on the playground space used by preschool and school-aged children. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Two children did not have a complete medical or health assessment, signed by a pediatrician on file within 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 04, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Due to the severity of the violation cited, follow-up visits will be conducted. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE REGARDING VIOLATION CITED: Bottles and sippy cups brought from home should be labeled with each child’s name and date. Today, four bottles did not have a date. We discussed sending a reminder to parents and providing masking tape/pen to allow parents to label their child’s bottles at arrival if they wish. I also recommend that staff members check bottles as a daily routine. Protruding bolts on the plastic border of playgrounds can be a tripping hazard to children as they play. Today, we discussed these bolts can be checked during the daily morning playground check as well as during the monthly playground inspection. During the monitoring of six children’s files, two files did not have a complete medical form, signed by the child’s pediatrician within 30 days of enrollment. Moving forward, I encourage the use of the children’s file checklist and placing due dates on your calendar to ensure all deadlines for required paperwork is met. REMINDERS: A monthly fire drill and quarterly lockdown drill are due in July. As discussed, ensure tree roots on all playground spaces are spray painted to cut down on tripping incidents. It is important to keep weeds removed from the mulch and ensure grass is always trimmed. M. Walker, hired on June 16, 2025, must complete all required health and safety training topics before or by June 16, 2026, to maintain compliance. M. Walker, hired on June 16, 2025, must complete the maltreatment training within 90 days of employment with this program, regardless of the training was completed in the past at another program. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed all three tests with no hazards identified. Remember that water testing must be completed every three years. According to the website, your water was last tested on May 23, 2023. At the conclusion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, printed, signed and a copy was left with you. Reach me with questions/ concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/24/2025 Number Present: 60 Completed Date: 7/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on August 01, 2024. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 97%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. Sanitation – 04/01/2025 – Superior Fire – 1/29/2025 – approved for daytime care only Macie Walker, Administrator was present and available for consultation. Infants in spaces 1 and 2 received care based on individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in spaces 3 – 4 and 7-8 were engaged in free choice activities, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Space 5 is not currently in use. Space 6 is a multi-purpose room used by all ages at different times. Children in spaces 9 and 10 were engaged in outdoor gross motor activities. Children either bring their own lunch from home or families have the choice to order lunch through a catering company. Morning snack consisted of hummus, pita bread, and water. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In spaces 1 and 3, four infant's bottles were not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Three protruding bolts were observed on the playground space used by preschool and school-aged children. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Two children did not have a complete medical or health assessment, signed by a pediatrician on file within 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 04, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Due to the severity of the violation cited, follow-up visits will be conducted. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE REGARDING VIOLATION CITED: Bottles and sippy cups brought from home should be labeled with each child’s name and date. Today, four bottles did not have a date. We discussed sending a reminder to parents and providing masking tape/pen to allow parents to label their child’s bottles at arrival if they wish. I also recommend that staff members check bottles as a daily routine. Protruding bolts on the plastic border of playgrounds can be a tripping hazard to children as they play. Today, we discussed these bolts can be checked during the daily morning playground check as well as during the monthly playground inspection. During the monitoring of six children’s files, two files did not have a complete medical form, signed by the child’s pediatrician within 30 days of enrollment. Moving forward, I encourage the use of the children’s file checklist and placing due dates on your calendar to ensure all deadlines for required paperwork is met. REMINDERS: A monthly fire drill and quarterly lockdown drill are due in July. As discussed, ensure tree roots on all playground spaces are spray painted to cut down on tripping incidents. It is important to keep weeds removed from the mulch and ensure grass is always trimmed. M. Walker, hired on June 16, 2025, must complete all required health and safety training topics before or by June 16, 2026, to maintain compliance. M. Walker, hired on June 16, 2025, must complete the maltreatment training within 90 days of employment with this program, regardless of the training was completed in the past at another program. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed all three tests with no hazards identified. Remember that water testing must be completed every three years. According to the website, your water was last tested on May 23, 2023. At the conclusion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, printed, signed and a copy was left with you. Reach me with questions/ concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/24/2025 Number Present: 60 Completed Date: 7/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on August 01, 2024. Prior to this visit, the facility’s Compliance History score was 97%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation, The Children’s Courtyard, Inc., is current and active. Sanitation – 04/01/2025 – Superior Fire – 1/29/2025 – approved for daytime care only Macie Walker, Administrator was present and available for consultation. Infants in spaces 1 and 2 received care based on individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in spaces 3 – 4 and 7-8 were engaged in free choice activities, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Space 5 is not currently in use. Space 6 is a multi-purpose room used by all ages at different times. Children in spaces 9 and 10 were engaged in outdoor gross motor activities. Children either bring their own lunch from home or families have the choice to order lunch through a catering company. Morning snack consisted of hummus, pita bread, and water. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In spaces 1 and 3, four infant's bottles were not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Three protruding bolts were observed on the playground space used by preschool and school-aged children. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Two children did not have a complete medical or health assessment, signed by a pediatrician on file within 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 04, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Due to the severity of the violation cited, follow-up visits will be conducted. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE REGARDING VIOLATION CITED: Bottles and sippy cups brought from home should be labeled with each child’s name and date. Today, four bottles did not have a date. We discussed sending a reminder to parents and providing masking tape/pen to allow parents to label their child’s bottles at arrival if they wish. I also recommend that staff members check bottles as a daily routine. Protruding bolts on the plastic border of playgrounds can be a tripping hazard to children as they play. Today, we discussed these bolts can be checked during the daily morning playground check as well as during the monthly playground inspection. During the monitoring of six children’s files, two files did not have a complete medical form, signed by the child’s pediatrician within 30 days of enrollment. Moving forward, I encourage the use of the children’s file checklist and placing due dates on your calendar to ensure all deadlines for required paperwork is met. REMINDERS: A monthly fire drill and quarterly lockdown drill are due in July. As discussed, ensure tree roots on all playground spaces are spray painted to cut down on tripping incidents. It is important to keep weeds removed from the mulch and ensure grass is always trimmed. M. Walker, hired on June 16, 2025, must complete all required health and safety training topics before or by June 16, 2026, to maintain compliance. M. Walker, hired on June 16, 2025, must complete the maltreatment training within 90 days of employment with this program, regardless of the training was completed in the past at another program. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed all three tests with no hazards identified. Remember that water testing must be completed every three years. According to the website, your water was last tested on May 23, 2023. At the conclusion of this visit, the summary was reviewed, printed, signed and a copy was left with you. Reach me with questions/ concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0325-092L Visit Date: 3/11/2025 Number Present: 65 Completed Date: 3/11/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit is to investigate a report alleging violations of childcare requirements. Childcare requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The allegation of this report was discussed with N. Emery, Administrator. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. Prior to the visit the Compliance History score was 98%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. is current and active. Infants received care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Toddlers were observed during free play, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Preschool-aged children were enjoying outdoor play. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. Morning snack consisted of mini muffins and milk. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found to be in compliance. Allegation: There is a concern that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. Ms. Emery stated that on March 5, 2025, at approximately 3:07 pm, a parent brought a concern to her attention. The parent stated she observed a staff member in the classroom for two-three year olds, with a “twisted tea”. According to information found on the product's website, this beverage includes up to 5% alcohol by volume. The parent could not identify the staff member by name. Ms. Emery separately interviewed the three staff members present in the classroom (Benaiah Cole, JaLisa Smith-Wells, and Krishanta Jones). Ms. Cole admitted to bringing the beverage into the classroom, pouring some into a cup, and taking a sip from the cup, along with Ms. Jones. According to Ms. Emery, there was no evidence that Ms. Smith-Wells consumed any of the beverage. Ms. Emery later found the empty can in the bottom of the diaper pail. Ms. Emery stated that Ms. Cole's employment with the program was terminated, and the other two staff members are on administrative leave until the investigation is completed by the human resources office. The program does have video footage, however; it is live feed only and not recorded. Based on information provided, interviews with staff and my investigation, this allegation was substantiated. The following violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Staff members working in the classroom for two-three year old children admitted to consuming sips of "Twisted Tea" while caring for children. This beverage can include up to 5% alcohol by volume. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 21, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Due to the severity of the violation cited, follow-up visits will take place. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE REGARDING VIOLATION CITED: It is vital that all caregivers be responsible and protect children in their care by providing a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of all children are met and where all children are cared for by qualified persons of good moral character. Alcohol can make a person less aware of children's needs, and impair people's judgment, and reaction time – both of which are crucially important when taking care of young children. I strongly encourage you to review the program's "drug and alcohol" policy with all staff members and discuss the importance of immediately reporting any safety concerns to administration. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed and a copy was left with you. Reach me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with questions/concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD #3245 Facility ID: 65001045 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0325-092L Visit Date: 3/11/2025 Number Present: 65 Completed Date: 3/11/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit is to investigate a report alleging violations of childcare requirements. Childcare requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The allegation of this report was discussed with N. Emery, Administrator. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. This facility currently operates with a Five-Star license issued on February 24, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 150 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios; no cooking allowed. Prior to the visit the Compliance History score was 98%. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. is current and active. Infants received care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Toddlers were observed during free play, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Preschool-aged children were enjoying outdoor play. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. Morning snack consisted of mini muffins and milk. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found to be in compliance. Allegation: There is a concern that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. Ms. Emery stated that on March 5, 2025, at approximately 3:07 pm, a parent brought a concern to her attention. The parent stated she observed a staff member in the classroom for two-three year olds, with a “twisted tea”. According to information found on the product's website, this beverage includes up to 5% alcohol by volume. The parent could not identify the staff member by name. Ms. Emery separately interviewed the three staff members present in the classroom (Benaiah Cole, JaLisa Smith-Wells, and Krishanta Jones). Ms. Cole admitted to bringing the beverage into the classroom, pouring some into a cup, and taking a sip from the cup, along with Ms. Jones. According to Ms. Emery, there was no evidence that Ms. Smith-Wells consumed any of the beverage. Ms. Emery later found the empty can in the bottom of the diaper pail. Ms. Emery stated that Ms. Cole's employment with the program was terminated, and the other two staff members are on administrative leave until the investigation is completed by the human resources office. The program does have video footage, however; it is live feed only and not recorded. Based on information provided, interviews with staff and my investigation, this allegation was substantiated. The following violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Staff members working in the classroom for two-three year old children admitted to consuming sips of "Twisted Tea" while caring for children. This beverage can include up to 5% alcohol by volume. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 21, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Due to the severity of the violation cited, follow-up visits will take place. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSITANCE REGARDING VIOLATION CITED: It is vital that all caregivers be responsible and protect children in their care by providing a physically safe and healthy environment where the developmental needs of all children are met and where all children are cared for by qualified persons of good moral character. Alcohol can make a person less aware of children's needs, and impair people's judgment, and reaction time – both of which are crucially important when taking care of young children. I strongly encourage you to review the program's "drug and alcohol" policy with all staff members and discuss the importance of immediately reporting any safety concerns to administration. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed and a copy was left with you. Reach me at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov with questions/concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times