THE Learning Center

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 65001003 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:30 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 was issued a Five-Star license on May 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. According to the Secretary of State’s website, the corporation’s status, Education Alliance LLC, is current and active. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 98%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on 01/29/2025. Sanitation Inspection – 10/23/2025 - Superior classification Fire Inspection – 02/27/2025 - Facility was approved for daytime only There are one hundred and eighteen (118) children enrolled and ninety-nine (99) children ages 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Infants in Spaces 1, 2 and 7 received care based on individual needs, including diapering, napping, and feeding routines. Infants not engaged in routine care were observed playing in the carpeted area with soft toys while caregivers sat close by. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in spaces 3 were seated down for a morning snack, which included cereal and milk. Preschool-aged children in spaces 4, 6, 10-12 were observed either during gross motor play outdoors or engaged in free play indoors, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Space 9 is not currently in use. Lunch for all children is provided from home daily. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space 5, two parent medication permission forms used for diaper creams were missing information including "how to apply" and "amount". In space 3, one permission form used for diaper cream was missing information on the amount of cream to be applied. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In spaces 4 and 8, plastic materials including grocery bags, loose gloves and baby wipes stored in soft plastic packaging was observed stored on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and accessible to the children. Children in both spaces are under 3 years old. .0604(q) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. ITS-SIDS training certification for one staff member currently working with infants expired on January 10, 2026. .1102(f) 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 February 02, 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. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED RELATED TO VIOLATIONS CITED: As discussed, parent permission forms for all medications should be completed and each line should be filled. This is to ensure accuracy and that staff members are using the medications exactly as parents permit, without having to guess. Answers such as “as needed” are not recommended because it leaves a gray line of who is to make the decision on what and how the medication is to be used with children. Parents are the experts on their child and staff members are to follow their direction. As discussed, for the safety of children in care, ensure any plastic bags, materials that may cause suffocation and any items with a “keep out of reach of children” are stored five feet above ground at all times. ITS-SIDS training must be completed withing two months of assuming responsibility in an infant classroom and every three years following, ensuring that certification is renewed prior to expiration of current one. One staff member’s certification expired on January 10, 2026. Ms. Green stated it was an oversight on her behalf. Moving forward, I recommend you find a system like setting reminders on your calendar of upcoming due dates/deadlines, which will help keep you organized and lessen the possibility of repeating such an occurrence. REGARDING THE QRIS: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility has decided to choose pathway #1 – Program Assessment. The program stated they plan to apply for rated license by May 2026. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Ms. Green has completed the training and has entered staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814 -6401and someone will assist you. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids - Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on September 12, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt • Asbestos- Exempt Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ REMINDERS: Your fire inspection expires in February. Please ensure you reach out to the fire marshal’s office to remind them that an inspection is due soon. Email me a copy of your inspection upon receipt. Playground inspections and a fire drill are due for the month of January. A. Gaines must complete .5 on-going annual training hours by 1/29/2026. Email me a copy of the certificate upon completion. L. Schuhmann’s CPR/FA and ITS-SIDS certification expire in February 2026. Ensure she registers and completes both trainings prior to expiration. You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 65001003 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:30 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 was issued a Five-Star license on May 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. According to the Secretary of State’s website, the corporation’s status, Education Alliance LLC, is current and active. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 98%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on 01/29/2025. Sanitation Inspection – 10/23/2025 - Superior classification Fire Inspection – 02/27/2025 - Facility was approved for daytime only There are one hundred and eighteen (118) children enrolled and ninety-nine (99) children ages 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Infants in Spaces 1, 2 and 7 received care based on individual needs, including diapering, napping, and feeding routines. Infants not engaged in routine care were observed playing in the carpeted area with soft toys while caregivers sat close by. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Children in spaces 3 were seated down for a morning snack, which included cereal and milk. Preschool-aged children in spaces 4, 6, 10-12 were observed either during gross motor play outdoors or engaged in free play indoors, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Space 9 is not currently in use. Lunch for all children is provided from home daily. The following violations were observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space 5, two parent medication permission forms used for diaper creams were missing information including "how to apply" and "amount". In space 3, one permission form used for diaper cream was missing information on the amount of cream to be applied. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In spaces 4 and 8, plastic materials including grocery bags, loose gloves and baby wipes stored in soft plastic packaging was observed stored on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and accessible to the children. Children in both spaces are under 3 years old. .0604(q) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. ITS-SIDS training certification for one staff member currently working with infants expired on January 10, 2026. .1102(f) 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 February 02, 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. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED RELATED TO VIOLATIONS CITED: As discussed, parent permission forms for all medications should be completed and each line should be filled. This is to ensure accuracy and that staff members are using the medications exactly as parents permit, without having to guess. Answers such as “as needed” are not recommended because it leaves a gray line of who is to make the decision on what and how the medication is to be used with children. Parents are the experts on their child and staff members are to follow their direction. As discussed, for the safety of children in care, ensure any plastic bags, materials that may cause suffocation and any items with a “keep out of reach of children” are stored five feet above ground at all times. ITS-SIDS training must be completed withing two months of assuming responsibility in an infant classroom and every three years following, ensuring that certification is renewed prior to expiration of current one. One staff member’s certification expired on January 10, 2026. Ms. Green stated it was an oversight on her behalf. Moving forward, I recommend you find a system like setting reminders on your calendar of upcoming due dates/deadlines, which will help keep you organized and lessen the possibility of repeating such an occurrence. REGARDING THE QRIS: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility has decided to choose pathway #1 – Program Assessment. The program stated they plan to apply for rated license by May 2026. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Ms. Green has completed the training and has entered staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814 -6401and someone will assist you. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids - Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on September 12, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt • Asbestos- Exempt Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ REMINDERS: Your fire inspection expires in February. Please ensure you reach out to the fire marshal’s office to remind them that an inspection is due soon. Email me a copy of your inspection upon receipt. Playground inspections and a fire drill are due for the month of January. A. Gaines must complete .5 on-going annual training hours by 1/29/2026. Email me a copy of the certificate upon completion. L. Schuhmann’s CPR/FA and ITS-SIDS certification expire in February 2026. Ensure she registers and completes both trainings prior to expiration. You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 65001003 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0725-220L Visit Date: 7/22/2025 Number Present: 104 Completed Date: 7/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 10:00 AM 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 an allegation of nurture/care treatment of children. Childcare requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The allegation of this report was discussed with Administrator Amy Green. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. This facility was issued a Five-Star license on May 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 100%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on January 29, 2025. All spaces approved for use with children were visited. Infants were observed receiving care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Toddlers and preschool aged children were either engaged in outdoor gross motor play or free play, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Morning snack consisted of raisin bran cereal and milk. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found to be in compliance. Allegation: There is a concern that children are not being treated in a nurturing and caring manner. This report is concerning the Flamingo classroom, which houses children one year of age. Three staff members were interviewed separately (A. Green – Administrator, T. Bryant -Assistant Administrator, and R. Jenkins – Lead Teacher). All staff members reported that on July 3, 2025, Assistant Teacher in the Flamingo classroom (K. Sasser) observed the following: M. Danielson, floater, was changing a male child’s diaper. As she wiped his front area, he laughed. Ms. Danielson was then heard saying “did that tickle?” and then tickled his penis. The incident was reported to Ms. Bryant and Ms. Green on July 9, 2025. Following a meeting, Ms. Danielson was terminated from her employment with the program. Ms. Green stated that she did not feel Ms. Danielson’s interaction was malicious or intentional to harm the child, and the choice to terminate was based on overall performance following Ms. Danielson’s file review. The child’s parents were alerted about the incident. Ms. Green stated they were understanding. The child remains enrolled at the program. Ms. Sasser was not present and could not be interviewed today, however; the other staff members interviewed confirmed this incident did occur and Ms. Danielson acknowledged her interaction with the child to Ms. Green. Today, all spaces were visited, and children appeared happy, content and well cared for. Staff members provided adequate supervision and interacted in a positive manner. Based on interviews with staff and my investigation, the allegation was confirmed. The following violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A staff member failed to attend to a child in an appropriate manner during a diaper change. G.S. 110-91(10) 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 01, 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: Early educators and child care programs have a legal and ethical mandate to protect children in their care and also are expected to have an understanding of the benefits of appropriate, respectful touch and its critical role in healthy child development. Written policies and guidelines should be available for all early educators regarding touch, including child abuse prevention. Policies provide clear information so there is no confusion about what may or may not be appropriate. Written guidelines help staff to offer safe, healthy, appropriate, and supportive environments and interactions with children. Effective policies and practices for touch are designed to increase the use of positive touch, prevent the possibility of abuse, and inform families. Policies and practices should include guidelines for staff training on positive touch; educational activities to teach children about appropriate and inappropriate touch; safeguards to limit allegations of abuse; parent information; and sharing policies, practices, and information on positive touch with families. To help protect staff from accusations of child abuse, programs can incorporate safeguards that minimize risk. Some safeguards that can be implemented are: • Obtain all required reference information and background checks for adults working with children. • Review touch policies and prevention of child abuse policies annually. • Train staff in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect and review information and procedures periodically. • Maintain staffing patterns so that staff are not left alone with a group of children. • Develop a definition for positive touch - Frances Carlson (Essential Touch: Meeting the Needs of Young Children, 2006) shares a possible measure: "In general, when deciding whether a touch is or is not appropriate, use the Touch Test: Ask yourself whether the touch would be appropriate if given to a stranger." Carlson also shares touching only non-vulnerable body parts, such as the shoulders, back, arms, and hands. At the conclusion of this visit, a summary was printed on-site, 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 LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 65001003 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0725-220L Visit Date: 7/22/2025 Number Present: 104 Completed Date: 7/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 10:00 AM 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 an allegation of nurture/care treatment of children. Childcare requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The allegation of this report was discussed with Administrator Amy Green. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. This facility was issued a Five-Star license on May 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 100%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on January 29, 2025. All spaces approved for use with children were visited. Infants were observed receiving care based on individual needs, including diapering, feeding and napping routines. Toddlers and preschool aged children were either engaged in outdoor gross motor play or free play, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Morning snack consisted of raisin bran cereal and milk. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found to be in compliance. Allegation: There is a concern that children are not being treated in a nurturing and caring manner. This report is concerning the Flamingo classroom, which houses children one year of age. Three staff members were interviewed separately (A. Green – Administrator, T. Bryant -Assistant Administrator, and R. Jenkins – Lead Teacher). All staff members reported that on July 3, 2025, Assistant Teacher in the Flamingo classroom (K. Sasser) observed the following: M. Danielson, floater, was changing a male child’s diaper. As she wiped his front area, he laughed. Ms. Danielson was then heard saying “did that tickle?” and then tickled his penis. The incident was reported to Ms. Bryant and Ms. Green on July 9, 2025. Following a meeting, Ms. Danielson was terminated from her employment with the program. Ms. Green stated that she did not feel Ms. Danielson’s interaction was malicious or intentional to harm the child, and the choice to terminate was based on overall performance following Ms. Danielson’s file review. The child’s parents were alerted about the incident. Ms. Green stated they were understanding. The child remains enrolled at the program. Ms. Sasser was not present and could not be interviewed today, however; the other staff members interviewed confirmed this incident did occur and Ms. Danielson acknowledged her interaction with the child to Ms. Green. Today, all spaces were visited, and children appeared happy, content and well cared for. Staff members provided adequate supervision and interacted in a positive manner. Based on interviews with staff and my investigation, the allegation was confirmed. The following violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A staff member failed to attend to a child in an appropriate manner during a diaper change. G.S. 110-91(10) 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 01, 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: Early educators and child care programs have a legal and ethical mandate to protect children in their care and also are expected to have an understanding of the benefits of appropriate, respectful touch and its critical role in healthy child development. Written policies and guidelines should be available for all early educators regarding touch, including child abuse prevention. Policies provide clear information so there is no confusion about what may or may not be appropriate. Written guidelines help staff to offer safe, healthy, appropriate, and supportive environments and interactions with children. Effective policies and practices for touch are designed to increase the use of positive touch, prevent the possibility of abuse, and inform families. Policies and practices should include guidelines for staff training on positive touch; educational activities to teach children about appropriate and inappropriate touch; safeguards to limit allegations of abuse; parent information; and sharing policies, practices, and information on positive touch with families. To help protect staff from accusations of child abuse, programs can incorporate safeguards that minimize risk. Some safeguards that can be implemented are: • Obtain all required reference information and background checks for adults working with children. • Review touch policies and prevention of child abuse policies annually. • Train staff in recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect and review information and procedures periodically. • Maintain staffing patterns so that staff are not left alone with a group of children. • Develop a definition for positive touch - Frances Carlson (Essential Touch: Meeting the Needs of Young Children, 2006) shares a possible measure: "In general, when deciding whether a touch is or is not appropriate, use the Touch Test: Ask yourself whether the touch would be appropriate if given to a stranger." Carlson also shares touching only non-vulnerable body parts, such as the shoulders, back, arms, and hands. At the conclusion of this visit, a summary was printed on-site, 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

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 65001003 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/19/2023 Number Present: 89 Completed Date: 7/19/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Routine Unannounced visit. This facility was issued a Five-Star license on May 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. According to the Secretary of State’s website, the corporation’s status, Education Alliance LLC, is current and active. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 94%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on 02/14/2023. I, Child Care Consultant April Bosse conducted this visit on behalf of your Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett. Sanitation Inspection – 03/23/23 - Superior classification Fire Inspection –03/16/2023- Facility was approved for daytime only There are one hundred and one children enrolled and eighty-nine children ages 0-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infants in Space 1 and Space 2 received care based on individual need, including diapering, napping, and feeding routines. Infants not engaged in routine care were observed playing on the carpeted area with soft toys while caregivers sat close by. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. One -year-old children in Spaces 3 were playing in activity areas with one caregiver pretending to take pictures while the other caregiver performed routine tasks such as handwashing and cleaning up from a morning snack of cheerios and milk. One year old children in Space 5 and 8 were outside on the playground engaged in play with balls, ride on toys, and push toys. Two- and three-year-old children in spaces 4, 6 and 9 were observed in the outdoor play area sliding on slides, riding a small see-saw and swinging on swings. Preschool children in Spaces 10 and 12 were observed indoors during group time reading “Baby Food” and talking about vegetables and reading “Curious George Goes Camping” and talking about camping. Lunch for all children is brought from home. One violation was observed today. The violation must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. The Epi-Pen in Space 9 was not in a original labeled container. .0803(2)(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 August 2, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Please email me the compliance letter at: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHINCAL ASSISTANCE RELATED TO VIOLATIONS CITED: Medication: All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications including an Epi-Pen must be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. Technical Assistance: Hazardous Materials: Today technical assistance was give about locking cabinets that are within reach of children. Today there were some cabinets unlocked that are floor level. There were no hazardous materials in any of these places today. However, teachers need to be aware that by keeping these cabinets unlocked, they need to ensure all items in them are appropriate for children. Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Playground Checks: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of and all gates to the area should be closed. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Reminders: Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Building Bright Futures: Gov. Cooper announced the Building Bright Futures (BBF) early childhood education pre-apprenticeship-to-apprenticeship program. This program is a partnership between the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and the NCDHHS' Division of Child Development and Early Education to pilot new pathways to entering the early childhood profession. BBF creates supportive pathways for high school and postsecondary students to earn credentials, while also obtaining hands-on, work-based learning experiences in the early childhood education field. BBF offers a variety of benefits to participating early child care providers and students including mentorship, professional development, career awareness, and other enrichment activities. Further, the program provides monetary support for transportation, books and materials, a 50 percent wage match reimbursement to providers for work-based learning hours, and other items and services. Learn more about the Building Bright Futures program and how it can support you. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, reviewed with you and emailed to you. Contact me at April Bosse, Child Care Consultant, 910-709-4196 or April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions regarding this visit. You may contact your Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my Supervisor Lynette Robbins, lynette.robbins@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-824-0235. 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 LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 65001003 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/19/2023 Number Present: 89 Completed Date: 7/19/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Routine Unannounced visit. This facility was issued a Five-Star license on May 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. According to the Secretary of State’s website, the corporation’s status, Education Alliance LLC, is current and active. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 94%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on 02/14/2023. I, Child Care Consultant April Bosse conducted this visit on behalf of your Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett. Sanitation Inspection – 03/23/23 - Superior classification Fire Inspection –03/16/2023- Facility was approved for daytime only There are one hundred and one children enrolled and eighty-nine children ages 0-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infants in Space 1 and Space 2 received care based on individual need, including diapering, napping, and feeding routines. Infants not engaged in routine care were observed playing on the carpeted area with soft toys while caregivers sat close by. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. One -year-old children in Spaces 3 were playing in activity areas with one caregiver pretending to take pictures while the other caregiver performed routine tasks such as handwashing and cleaning up from a morning snack of cheerios and milk. One year old children in Space 5 and 8 were outside on the playground engaged in play with balls, ride on toys, and push toys. Two- and three-year-old children in spaces 4, 6 and 9 were observed in the outdoor play area sliding on slides, riding a small see-saw and swinging on swings. Preschool children in Spaces 10 and 12 were observed indoors during group time reading “Baby Food” and talking about vegetables and reading “Curious George Goes Camping” and talking about camping. Lunch for all children is brought from home. One violation was observed today. The violation must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. The Epi-Pen in Space 9 was not in a original labeled container. .0803(2)(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 August 2, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Please email me the compliance letter at: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHINCAL ASSISTANCE RELATED TO VIOLATIONS CITED: Medication: All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Prescription medications including an Epi-Pen must be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. Technical Assistance: Hazardous Materials: Today technical assistance was give about locking cabinets that are within reach of children. Today there were some cabinets unlocked that are floor level. There were no hazardous materials in any of these places today. However, teachers need to be aware that by keeping these cabinets unlocked, they need to ensure all items in them are appropriate for children. Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Playground Checks: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of and all gates to the area should be closed. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Reminders: Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Building Bright Futures: Gov. Cooper announced the Building Bright Futures (BBF) early childhood education pre-apprenticeship-to-apprenticeship program. This program is a partnership between the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and the NCDHHS' Division of Child Development and Early Education to pilot new pathways to entering the early childhood profession. BBF creates supportive pathways for high school and postsecondary students to earn credentials, while also obtaining hands-on, work-based learning experiences in the early childhood education field. BBF offers a variety of benefits to participating early child care providers and students including mentorship, professional development, career awareness, and other enrichment activities. Further, the program provides monetary support for transportation, books and materials, a 50 percent wage match reimbursement to providers for work-based learning hours, and other items and services. Learn more about the Building Bright Futures program and how it can support you. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, reviewed with you and emailed to you. Contact me at April Bosse, Child Care Consultant, 910-709-4196 or April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions regarding this visit. You may contact your Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my Supervisor Lynette Robbins, lynette.robbins@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-824-0235. 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