Big Hearts-Little Minds Daycare

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: BIG HEARTS-LITTLE MINDS DAYCARE Facility ID: 98000225 Consultant: KESHIA HAYWARD Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2025 Number Present: 7 Completed Date: 4/9/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 11:35 AM Time Out: 02:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. T. Flowers, Owner/Operator, assisted with the visit. An additional caregiver was also present helping with lunch and toileting/diapering. Seven (7) children were observed in care today ranging from ages one to five years old. Children were resting/napping, eating lunch, completing toileting, diapering, and hand washing routines, interacting with the caregiver and eating lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, peaches, and milk. Currently this program operates with a three-star License earning six points in education, two points in program standards and one quality point for caring for no more than two infants under age one. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 102 Number of preschool children exceeded five children, including the provider's own preschool children. Seven preschool children were observed in care during today’s visit. GS 110-91(7)(b) 921 Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator's own preschool children. Arrival and departure times were not recorded for three children between the dates of March 4, 2025, to April 14, 2025. .1721(e)(6) 930 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years from the date of issuance). The criminal background check for the operator and a household member was not completed on or before the expiration date of February 10, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(n) & (o) 1831 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review at the facility. Valid qualification letters were not on file for operator and two additional caregivers. G.S. 110-90.2 (b) & (d) & .2703(e) .1702(b)(1) 1922 Plastic bags, toys, and toy parts small enough to be swallowed, including but not limited to materials that can be easily torn apart such as foam rubber and styrofoam, were accessible to children under the age of three. A plastic bag was in the lower level of a child’s cubby and accessible to children. .1719(a)(18) The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Please send a compliance verification letter to me describing how the violations were corrected. You can submit the compliance verification letter by postal mail to Keshia Hayward, PO Box 1504 Greenville NC 27834, or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance verification letter must be received on or before April 23, 2025. The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance verification letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during the visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined the information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's Star Rated License could be issued. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The program's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 95% percent as of April 8, 2025. OWNERSHIP STATUS: Tawana Willougby-Flowers is listed as the current owner of this family child care home. Prior to making any changes to the ownership status, contact me to discuss the change of ownership procedures. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your program are correct. If changes in your facility information occurs, please contact me at 252-214-2709 or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is updated in the system. CAPACITY: Upon arrival, you were observed caring for seven preschool-aged children. I informed you that according to the child care requirements, no more than five preschool age children may be cared for in a family child care home at any given time. You stated that you believed you were permitted to care up to seven children regardless of age. We discussed the definition of child care, including the specific ages and maximum number of children allowed in care at once. I informed you that you must come into compliance with capacity requirements by close of business today. I informed you that you must determine how compliance with capacity requirements will be maintained and implement appropriate strategies immediately. Additionally, you must include in your compliance letter a detailed explanation of the actions you have taken to correct the current violation. You stated you would need to disenroll two of the children currently in your care to come into compliance. I shared that I cannot tell you how to achieve compliance; therefore, you must determine the appropriate course of action. FOLLOW-UP VISIT: An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted to monitor compliance with capacity at your facility. CAPACITY INCREASE: You inquired about increasing your capacity. I shared the requirements for an increase in capacity according to NC General Statute 110-86(2) defining family child care homes (FCCH) and NC General Statute 110-91(7)(b) regarding FCCH capacity. I explained requires a new permit/license to be issued. I added that family child care homes currently meet a R3 (residential three) occupancy; however, to increase capacity using option two or three in statute would change the residential occupancy from an R3 to a R4 (residential four) occupancy. I shared the following information must be submitted to start the process: •the written request •application (if needed -review capacity noted on original application) •verification that local zoning and the neighborhood homeowner association do not prohibit the increase. •approved building inspection report •approved fire inspection report CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDCHECK REQUIRMENTS: The criminal background check renewal process not prior to the expiration date of February 10, 2025, for you and one household member. I informed you that the criminal background checks may be completed up to six months in advance. I shared starting the process early helps ensure that the background is completed and the qualification letter is received in a time manner. At the time of the visit, a valid qualification letter was not on file for you, an additional caregiver observed working and one household member. You stated that the criminal background check process had been completed; however, the qualification letter had not been received. I informed you that the qualification letter was sent to the email address used when completing the application process. I advised you and the additional caregiver to check your emails and if found print the qualification letter to be placed in the staff files. If the qualification letters cannot be retrieved, contact the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s criminal background check unit for assistance. SAFE ENVIRONMENT: I informed you that plastic bags must be stored in areas inaccessible to children under age three. During the visit, a plastic bag was in a child’s cubby within the space designated for child care. You explained that the bag had been brought in by a parent and directed the additional caregiver to remove the bag and discard it immediately. Additionally, we discussed the hole and damaged wood on the corner of the ramp leading into the shed. I explained that because there is no barrier preventing children from accessing the area during outdoor play, the damage poses a safety hazard and must be prepared. I recommend checking for potential hazards during outdoor inspections and removing them prior to children having access to the play area. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES: As part of continued efforts to maintain accurate and compliant records, you should periodically check sign in/out logs each day. It is important that times of drop-off and pick-ups are recorded as required. It parents forget to sign children in/out, you may document the times and add your initials to indicate who recorded the information. Maintaining accurate records for sign in/out helps your program stay aligned with licensing standards and accountability of all children in care. At the conclusion of today’s visit, the visit summary report was completed, reviewed, and left with you. DCDEE RESOURCES: I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Be reminded you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions regarding today’s visit, my contact information is listed above. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email susan.fuller@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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BIG HEARTS-LITTLE MINDS DAYCARE Facility ID: 98000225 Consultant: KESHIA HAYWARD Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2025 Number Present: 7 Completed Date: 4/9/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 11:35 AM Time Out: 02:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. T. Flowers, Owner/Operator, assisted with the visit. An additional caregiver was also present helping with lunch and toileting/diapering. Seven (7) children were observed in care today ranging from ages one to five years old. Children were resting/napping, eating lunch, completing toileting, diapering, and hand washing routines, interacting with the caregiver and eating lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, peaches, and milk. Currently this program operates with a three-star License earning six points in education, two points in program standards and one quality point for caring for no more than two infants under age one. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 102 Number of preschool children exceeded five children, including the provider's own preschool children. Seven preschool children were observed in care during today’s visit. GS 110-91(7)(b) 921 Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator's own preschool children. Arrival and departure times were not recorded for three children between the dates of March 4, 2025, to April 14, 2025. .1721(e)(6) 930 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years from the date of issuance). The criminal background check for the operator and a household member was not completed on or before the expiration date of February 10, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(n) & (o) 1831 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review at the facility. Valid qualification letters were not on file for operator and two additional caregivers. G.S. 110-90.2 (b) & (d) & .2703(e) .1702(b)(1) 1922 Plastic bags, toys, and toy parts small enough to be swallowed, including but not limited to materials that can be easily torn apart such as foam rubber and styrofoam, were accessible to children under the age of three. A plastic bag was in the lower level of a child’s cubby and accessible to children. .1719(a)(18) The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Please send a compliance verification letter to me describing how the violations were corrected. You can submit the compliance verification letter by postal mail to Keshia Hayward, PO Box 1504 Greenville NC 27834, or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance verification letter must be received on or before April 23, 2025. The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance verification letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during the visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined the information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's Star Rated License could be issued. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The program's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 95% percent as of April 8, 2025. OWNERSHIP STATUS: Tawana Willougby-Flowers is listed as the current owner of this family child care home. Prior to making any changes to the ownership status, contact me to discuss the change of ownership procedures. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your program are correct. If changes in your facility information occurs, please contact me at 252-214-2709 or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is updated in the system. CAPACITY: Upon arrival, you were observed caring for seven preschool-aged children. I informed you that according to the child care requirements, no more than five preschool age children may be cared for in a family child care home at any given time. You stated that you believed you were permitted to care up to seven children regardless of age. We discussed the definition of child care, including the specific ages and maximum number of children allowed in care at once. I informed you that you must come into compliance with capacity requirements by close of business today. I informed you that you must determine how compliance with capacity requirements will be maintained and implement appropriate strategies immediately. Additionally, you must include in your compliance letter a detailed explanation of the actions you have taken to correct the current violation. You stated you would need to disenroll two of the children currently in your care to come into compliance. I shared that I cannot tell you how to achieve compliance; therefore, you must determine the appropriate course of action. FOLLOW-UP VISIT: An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted to monitor compliance with capacity at your facility. CAPACITY INCREASE: You inquired about increasing your capacity. I shared the requirements for an increase in capacity according to NC General Statute 110-86(2) defining family child care homes (FCCH) and NC General Statute 110-91(7)(b) regarding FCCH capacity. I explained requires a new permit/license to be issued. I added that family child care homes currently meet a R3 (residential three) occupancy; however, to increase capacity using option two or three in statute would change the residential occupancy from an R3 to a R4 (residential four) occupancy. I shared the following information must be submitted to start the process: •the written request •application (if needed -review capacity noted on original application) •verification that local zoning and the neighborhood homeowner association do not prohibit the increase. •approved building inspection report •approved fire inspection report CRIMINAL BACKGROUNDCHECK REQUIRMENTS: The criminal background check renewal process not prior to the expiration date of February 10, 2025, for you and one household member. I informed you that the criminal background checks may be completed up to six months in advance. I shared starting the process early helps ensure that the background is completed and the qualification letter is received in a time manner. At the time of the visit, a valid qualification letter was not on file for you, an additional caregiver observed working and one household member. You stated that the criminal background check process had been completed; however, the qualification letter had not been received. I informed you that the qualification letter was sent to the email address used when completing the application process. I advised you and the additional caregiver to check your emails and if found print the qualification letter to be placed in the staff files. If the qualification letters cannot be retrieved, contact the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s criminal background check unit for assistance. SAFE ENVIRONMENT: I informed you that plastic bags must be stored in areas inaccessible to children under age three. During the visit, a plastic bag was in a child’s cubby within the space designated for child care. You explained that the bag had been brought in by a parent and directed the additional caregiver to remove the bag and discard it immediately. Additionally, we discussed the hole and damaged wood on the corner of the ramp leading into the shed. I explained that because there is no barrier preventing children from accessing the area during outdoor play, the damage poses a safety hazard and must be prepared. I recommend checking for potential hazards during outdoor inspections and removing them prior to children having access to the play area. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES: As part of continued efforts to maintain accurate and compliant records, you should periodically check sign in/out logs each day. It is important that times of drop-off and pick-ups are recorded as required. It parents forget to sign children in/out, you may document the times and add your initials to indicate who recorded the information. Maintaining accurate records for sign in/out helps your program stay aligned with licensing standards and accountability of all children in care. At the conclusion of today’s visit, the visit summary report was completed, reviewed, and left with you. DCDEE RESOURCES: I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Be reminded you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions regarding today’s visit, my contact information is listed above. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email susan.fuller@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 .1720 · Violation

Name of Operation: BIG HEARTS-LITTLE MINDS DAYCARE Facility ID: 98000225 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 11/8/2023 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 11/8/2023 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 140 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. T. Willoughby-Flowers, owner/operator, and assisted with the visit. This family child care home currently operates with a Three-Star license issued on July 27, 2023, earning two (2) points in the Education Component, six (6) points in the Program Component, and one (1) quality pointed related to restricting infant enrollment to two children or less. The temporary license was issued December 15, 2022. You confirmed that you do not provide transportation for enrolled children. The child in care was observed participating in free choice center play and engaging in alphabet review with T. Willoughby-Flowers. You engaged the child in conversation as you sat on the floor. Observed interactions were caring and nurturing in nature. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 716 Electrical outlets not in use were not covered. There was an uncovered outlet near the interior door to the space used to care for children. There was an uncovered outlet by the home's front door. 10A NCAC .1719(a)(27) 921 Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator's own preschool children. There were several missing departure times and signatures for children in October. .1721(e)(6) 1401 Prescribed medications were not stored in their original containers in which they are dispensed with the pharmacy label. The asthma medication on-site for an enrolled child was not stored in its original container with the pharmacy label. 10A NCAC 09 .1720(c)(1)&(2) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by November 22, 2023. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how you the violation was corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. OWNER & FACILITY PROFILE This program is owned by you, T. Willoughby-Flowers, as the sole proprietor and remains in good standing. Should the status of ownership change please contact me prior to doing so. I reviewed the contact and operator information for the program with you. You verified the current information listed with DCDEE remains correct. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 97% over an eighteen (18) month period and remains eligible for the child care license. CHILDREN RECORDS Both children’s records were monitored and found to be in compliance. OPERATOR RECORDS Your record was monitored your file and also found to be in compliance. MEDICATION The ProAir medication kept on-site for an enrolled child was not stored in its original box with the pharmacy label. Please be reminded that any medication must be given to you by parents in its original container/box. If this medication is prescribed by a doctor, it must also have the pharmacy label on it as well. Authorization to administer medication for chronic illnesses such as asthma are valid for six (6) months only. This means authorization must be given again by completing a new form six (6) months from the date of the original form. PROGRAM RECORDS While reviewing the program’s sign in/out sheet with arrival and departure times a violation was documented. There were several missing departure times, and signatures, during the month of October. I informed you that if parents forget to when they have dropped off or picked their children up you must document the times and sign as they occur. Accurate arrival and departure times must be documented daily for every child in attendance. INDOOR ENVIRONMENT Two uncovered outlets were observed during the visit. One outlet was uncovered by the information board near the interior door for the classroom. There was also an uncovered outlet near the front door. While the home's entrance leads into the dining room this space is used for children to wait before and after using the restroom. This means it is accessible to the children and should always be covered when not in use. The outlets were covered when you informed. Therefore, this violation was corrected during the visit. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Technical assistance was given related to using the DCDEE On-Going Training Hours Log to easily keep track of required yearly training hours. A copy was printed and left with you today. We also discussed ensuring that you log in and review your program’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) plan every May, even if no changes are required. Child Care Rules require that the EPR plan is reviewed in the Risk Management Portal yearly. Printing the cover page, with the date of review, or page 28 to document the date of review. Technical assistance discussed regarding having parents complete and sign the DCDEE Medication Authorization form when medication must be given while in your care. REMINDERS Licensing fee invoices will be sent out prior to the end of the year. Ensure that your email address remains current and once received that the payment is made online, on the Division website. Please be reminded that failure to pay the license fee is a violation of General Statutes 110-90(1a) and will result in a penalty assessment, accrued interest, and issuance of an Administrative Action. The entire home is licensed for child care and must meet the applicable child care requirements. Although you designated space to be used for child care in one room or a section of the home, the license is issued for the entire location. Monitoring visits may include spaces other than those designated for care. Any space that children use must have all outlets covered during operating hours if it is not covered by furniture and considered accessible. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated July 1, 2023, is available at the DCDEE website listed above. There are also modules of the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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