NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: JOYCE G. FELTON PERQUIMANS HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 72000037 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/1/2025 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 5/1/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. A Drew, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/20/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: 75% of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 9/3/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/27/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 10/10/24. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of 4/28/25. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The children in space 1 were practicing songs for their end of the year program. Breakfast was observed and consisted of cheerios, peaches, and milk. After breakfast, the children were observed to wash their hands. The tables were cleaned and sanitized as required. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Chowan Perquimans Smart Start / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 482-3035 or check out their website at www.cp-smartstart.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Today, in the first aid kit located on the bus used to transport children, there were containers of Povidone Iodine, BZK Antiseptic Towelettes, and Ammonia Inhalants. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. 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 documented today was corrected during the visit. You are not required to submit a compliance verification letter. Please be aware that 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. Technical Assistance: Storage of Medications - Items that might be poisonous or hazardous to children must be kept in locked storage to prevent unintentional injuries. Today, in the first aid kit located on the bus used to transport children, there were containers of Povidone Iodine, BZK Antiseptic Towelettes, and Ammonia Inhalants. All medications, other than topical ointments like sunscreen, diaper cream, or lotion, are required to be kept in locked storage. When first aid kits are bought, staff must go through the contents and remove all medications to ensure the safety of the children when they ride the bus. Additional Information: NCID Password Change – In the Raise NC email blast sent out on 2/21/25, announced changes to the password rules. As part of ongoing efforts to protect state systems and data, the N.C. Department of Information Technology will be changing the minimum length of NCID passwords from 8 to 14 characters. The change will apply to all providers. NCID passwords must be updated on a regular basis to keep them active. The next time you update your current password; you will be required to create a new one that must: • Be a minimum of 14 characters. • Consist of at least one numeric character, at least one uppercase letter, at least one lowercase letter, and at least one special character such as #, &, * etc. • Passwords shall not contain number or character substitutes to create dictionary words (e.g., d33psl33p for deepsleep). Strong, unique passwords, along with practicing mindful cybersecurity practices, are key components to the Division protecting your devices and personal information At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: JOYCE G. FELTON PERQUIMANS HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 72000037 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/7/2024 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 3/7/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 160 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The Center Supervisor and Family Advocate assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/20/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: 75% of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 3 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/26-6/30/27. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (https://ncrlap.org/) also has many resources available. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94 % as of 3/6/24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/6/24 and Economic Improvement Council, Inc. was listed as current- active. A walk-through of the facility was completed. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were transitioning from breakfast to center time. Breakfast was observed and consisted of cinnamon toast crunch cereal, mixed fruit, and milk. After breakfast, the children toileted and washed their hands as required. The tables were observed to be cleaned and sanitized as required. In space 1, a parent read a book to the children as part of Dr. Seuss week. In space 2, the children sang jump up and down and then counted to 100. They then transitioned to center time. The children in space 1 were observed on the fenced playground located next to the building. The children had access to tricycles, swings, a stationary climbing structure, and dramatic play materials. There continues to be poured surfacing which is approved by ATSM standards. No new staff have been hired since the last visit. The bus used to transport children was also monitored with all requirements observed to be in compliance. The Chowan Perquimans Smart Start / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 482-3035 or check out their website at www.cp-smartstart.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space 2, the first aid kit located 5 feet above the floor in the unlocked outdoor back pack contained a packet of Iodine and a packet of sting relief medication. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. 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 was corrected during the visit, therefore you are not required to submit a compliance verification letter. Please be aware, any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Technical Assistance: Storage of Medications – Items that might be poisonous or hazardous to children must be kept in locked storage to prevent unintentional injuries. Today, in the first aid kit located in the unlocked outdoor back pack there was a packet of Iodine and a packet of sting relief medications. All medications, other than topical ointments like sunscreen, diaper cream, lotion, are required to be kept in locked storage. Written permission must be obtained from the parent before applying any medication to a child. Per our discussion, when you receive a new store bought first aid kit, you must go through the contents and remove all medications. The medications were disposed of in the locked kitchen’s trash can. Additional Technical Assistance: Incident Reports and Log - You must now document every injury incurred while a child is in your care, including cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bitemarks. These incidents must be recorded on the incident report form supplied by the Division. In the file reviewed today, there was a mix of old versions of the Division’s form, and some of the most current version of the form. Per our discussion, you will need to go through your file and remove any old blank versions of the form to ensure that staff are using the most current required form. Medications - Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. Remember, before accepting medication from a parent, you must have: 1. The medication in the original pharmacy box with all the required information. Make sure the expiration date on the box matches the date on the medication. 2. A Medical Action Plan completed by a physician attached to the child’s application in their file and in the Ready to Go file. 3. Written permission to administer the medication, with complete instructions for how and when the medication is to be administered and signed by the parent. You would use the long form for chronic conditions for this type of medication. Before receiving any medication from a parent, you must carefully review the medication, the pharmacy box, the medical action plan, and the permission to administer forms to ensure everything is correct and all information matches. Consider creating a checklist to complete each time medication is brought to the facility to help staff verify they have all the required information. Additional Information: Provider Access to ABCMS - Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Watch for more information in the next Raise NC newsletter. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. The team is made up of specialists with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. To speak to a Behavior Support Advisor, contact 1-888-600-1685 option 1. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: JOYCE G. FELTON PERQUIMANS HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 72000037 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/7/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 9/7/2023 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:40 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. A Drew, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/20/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: 755 of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 3 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/26-6/30/27. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 10/11/22. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/22/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 10/26/23 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of 9/5/23. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Breakfast was observed and consisted of pancakes, cantaloupe, and milk. After breakfast, the children washed hands and transitioned to circle time. The teacher assistant was observed to clean and sanitize the tables. In space 1, a child held the book while the provider told the story of “Little Red Riding Hood”. The children were encouraged to predict what would happen next and asked open ended questions about what was happening in the story. Later the children went outside to the fenced playground. There continues to be a stationary climbing structure and swings. There were also magnetic blocks and dramatic play materials available. Tricycles and balls were also available. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Chowan Perquimans Smart Start / Child Care Resource & Referral can provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 482-3035 or check out their website at www.cp-smartstart.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 1, there were 2 containers of Swiffer Wet Jet solution located on the changing table in the bathroom used by the children and less than 5 feet above the floor. In space 2, there was an aerosol can of Glade air freshener and a package of Clorox wipes in an unlocked cabinet 5 feet above the floor in the bathroom used by the children. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space 2, one provider’s purse was sitting in the chair behind the desk. The purse was open and a plastic bottle with pills was observed inside. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. The medical statement on file for a provider, hired on 8/24/23, was a copy that did not show the response boxes on the side of the form; therefore, verification of the medical status was not available for review. In addition, the form was dated 7/28/22 and the provider was hired on 8/24/23 therefore the information was more than 12 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A substitute was working in space 1 and documentation of a TB test was not on file and available for review. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. An Emergency Information form was not on file for one provider who was hired on 8/24/23. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A substitute, who has been working in the center since April 2023, did not have documentation of completion of the required orientation hours. .1101(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A qualifying letter for C. Lawrence was on not file and available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. 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 9/21/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Criminal Records Check- Ensuring caregivers complete the required criminal record check process helps to protect children in the facility. Qualification letters must be on file and available for review on site. A qualifying letter for Carolyn Lawence was on not file and available for review. A copy of the letter was received via email during the visit and placed in the file. Storage of Medications – Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to a child. All medication must be stored in locked storage. This includes medications in staff member’s purses. In space 2, one provider’s purse was sitting in the chair behind the desk. The purse was open and a plastic bottle with pills was observed inside. Children are curious and love to pull things out of containers. Many medications look like candy and children do not understand the dangers. All staff purses must be stored 5 feet above the floor or in locked storage. In the First Aid Kit located on the bus, there were containers of medication for insect bites, treatment of burns, and ammonia inhalants. The purse and the medications were placed in locked storage during the visit. TB Test -To ensure the safety and health of children in care, all staff must provide proof that they are free of tuberculosis before day one of employment. The TB test must have been completed within the past 12 months to be current. S. Forehand was working as a substitute in space 1 and documentation of a TB test was not on file and available for review. Staff Medical Reports- Staff need to be physically and emotionally healthy to perform the tasks of providing care to children. A medical statement should be on file upon hire. The medical statement on file for C. Lawence was a copy that did not show the response boxes on the side of the form; therefore, verification of the medical status was not available for review. In addition, the form was dated 7/28/22 and the provider was hired on 8/24/23 therefore the information was more than 12 months old. Forms available must be current and clearly legible to verify compliance. Emergency Information - The Emergency Information form must be completed for all staff by day one of hire and updated as changes occur or at least annually. An Emergency Information form was not on file for C. Lawrence who was hired on 8/24/23. Staff Orientation Training - All substitute providers must receive 16 hours of orientation in the first six weeks of employment. S. Forehand, who has been working in the center since April 2023, did not have documentation of completion of the required orientation hours. The provider typically works in the main office, however, due to staff shortages, has been placed in the classroom until additional staff can be hired. It is important that all providers, who work in a classroom, are well trained and ready to be responsible for the children in their care. Storage of Hazardous Products - There are over two million human poison exposures reported to poison centers every year. Children under six years of age account for over half of those potential poisonings. Any product under pressure and any product that includes more than one warning must be in locked storage. In space 1, there were 2 containers of Swiffer Wet Jet solution located on the changing table in the bathroom used by the children and less than 5 feet above the floor. These items are required to be kept in locked storage. In space 2, there was a can of Glade air freshener and Clorox wipe in an unlocked cabinet 5 feet above the floor in the bathroom used by the children. Locked storage rooms and cabinets include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices must be kept out of the reach of a child and must not be stored in the lock. The bathroom cabinet locks in space 2 were broken and the doors could not be locked. Additional Technical Assistance: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with managing a child care business. Maintaining complete and accurate records for the program, staff and children is a vital part of being a licensed child care provider. Setting aside regularly scheduled times each week to review records can assist you in maintaining accurate licensing records. A tracking and reminder system is also essential to keep track of tasks, due dates and expiration dates for maintaining compliance with child care requirements. Being proactive with an organized approach for record-keeping helps you ensure easy access to information when needed, especially in emergency situations. Because you rely on the main office to provide you with many of your records, consider working with them to establish procedures for how this process will be handled to ensure that you always have complete files for both children and staff in your building. This could include a checklist for the main office to use when they send the forms and a checklist for you when you receive them to ensure all required information is on file. Additional Information: New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. • Staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. • They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. • A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: JOYCE G. FELTON PERQUIMANS HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 72000037 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/7/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 9/7/2023 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:40 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. A Drew, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/20/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: 755 of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 3 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/26-6/30/27. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 10/11/22. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/22/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 10/26/23 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of 9/5/23. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Breakfast was observed and consisted of pancakes, cantaloupe, and milk. After breakfast, the children washed hands and transitioned to circle time. The teacher assistant was observed to clean and sanitize the tables. In space 1, a child held the book while the provider told the story of “Little Red Riding Hood”. The children were encouraged to predict what would happen next and asked open ended questions about what was happening in the story. Later the children went outside to the fenced playground. There continues to be a stationary climbing structure and swings. There were also magnetic blocks and dramatic play materials available. Tricycles and balls were also available. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Chowan Perquimans Smart Start / Child Care Resource & Referral can provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 482-3035 or check out their website at www.cp-smartstart.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 1, there were 2 containers of Swiffer Wet Jet solution located on the changing table in the bathroom used by the children and less than 5 feet above the floor. In space 2, there was an aerosol can of Glade air freshener and a package of Clorox wipes in an unlocked cabinet 5 feet above the floor in the bathroom used by the children. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space 2, one provider’s purse was sitting in the chair behind the desk. The purse was open and a plastic bottle with pills was observed inside. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. The medical statement on file for a provider, hired on 8/24/23, was a copy that did not show the response boxes on the side of the form; therefore, verification of the medical status was not available for review. In addition, the form was dated 7/28/22 and the provider was hired on 8/24/23 therefore the information was more than 12 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A substitute was working in space 1 and documentation of a TB test was not on file and available for review. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. An Emergency Information form was not on file for one provider who was hired on 8/24/23. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A substitute, who has been working in the center since April 2023, did not have documentation of completion of the required orientation hours. .1101(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A qualifying letter for C. Lawrence was on not file and available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. 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 9/21/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Criminal Records Check- Ensuring caregivers complete the required criminal record check process helps to protect children in the facility. Qualification letters must be on file and available for review on site. A qualifying letter for Carolyn Lawence was on not file and available for review. A copy of the letter was received via email during the visit and placed in the file. Storage of Medications – Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to a child. All medication must be stored in locked storage. This includes medications in staff member’s purses. In space 2, one provider’s purse was sitting in the chair behind the desk. The purse was open and a plastic bottle with pills was observed inside. Children are curious and love to pull things out of containers. Many medications look like candy and children do not understand the dangers. All staff purses must be stored 5 feet above the floor or in locked storage. In the First Aid Kit located on the bus, there were containers of medication for insect bites, treatment of burns, and ammonia inhalants. The purse and the medications were placed in locked storage during the visit. TB Test -To ensure the safety and health of children in care, all staff must provide proof that they are free of tuberculosis before day one of employment. The TB test must have been completed within the past 12 months to be current. S. Forehand was working as a substitute in space 1 and documentation of a TB test was not on file and available for review. Staff Medical Reports- Staff need to be physically and emotionally healthy to perform the tasks of providing care to children. A medical statement should be on file upon hire. The medical statement on file for C. Lawence was a copy that did not show the response boxes on the side of the form; therefore, verification of the medical status was not available for review. In addition, the form was dated 7/28/22 and the provider was hired on 8/24/23 therefore the information was more than 12 months old. Forms available must be current and clearly legible to verify compliance. Emergency Information - The Emergency Information form must be completed for all staff by day one of hire and updated as changes occur or at least annually. An Emergency Information form was not on file for C. Lawrence who was hired on 8/24/23. Staff Orientation Training - All substitute providers must receive 16 hours of orientation in the first six weeks of employment. S. Forehand, who has been working in the center since April 2023, did not have documentation of completion of the required orientation hours. The provider typically works in the main office, however, due to staff shortages, has been placed in the classroom until additional staff can be hired. It is important that all providers, who work in a classroom, are well trained and ready to be responsible for the children in their care. Storage of Hazardous Products - There are over two million human poison exposures reported to poison centers every year. Children under six years of age account for over half of those potential poisonings. Any product under pressure and any product that includes more than one warning must be in locked storage. In space 1, there were 2 containers of Swiffer Wet Jet solution located on the changing table in the bathroom used by the children and less than 5 feet above the floor. These items are required to be kept in locked storage. In space 2, there was a can of Glade air freshener and Clorox wipe in an unlocked cabinet 5 feet above the floor in the bathroom used by the children. Locked storage rooms and cabinets include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices must be kept out of the reach of a child and must not be stored in the lock. The bathroom cabinet locks in space 2 were broken and the doors could not be locked. Additional Technical Assistance: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with managing a child care business. Maintaining complete and accurate records for the program, staff and children is a vital part of being a licensed child care provider. Setting aside regularly scheduled times each week to review records can assist you in maintaining accurate licensing records. A tracking and reminder system is also essential to keep track of tasks, due dates and expiration dates for maintaining compliance with child care requirements. Being proactive with an organized approach for record-keeping helps you ensure easy access to information when needed, especially in emergency situations. Because you rely on the main office to provide you with many of your records, consider working with them to establish procedures for how this process will be handled to ensure that you always have complete files for both children and staff in your building. This could include a checklist for the main office to use when they send the forms and a checklist for you when you receive them to ensure all required information is on file. Additional Information: New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. • Staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. • They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. • A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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: JOYCE G. FELTON PERQUIMANS HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 72000037 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/7/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 9/7/2023 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:40 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. A Drew, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/20/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: 755 of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 3 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/26-6/30/27. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 10/11/22. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/22/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 10/26/23 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 97% as of 9/5/23. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Breakfast was observed and consisted of pancakes, cantaloupe, and milk. After breakfast, the children washed hands and transitioned to circle time. The teacher assistant was observed to clean and sanitize the tables. In space 1, a child held the book while the provider told the story of “Little Red Riding Hood”. The children were encouraged to predict what would happen next and asked open ended questions about what was happening in the story. Later the children went outside to the fenced playground. There continues to be a stationary climbing structure and swings. There were also magnetic blocks and dramatic play materials available. Tricycles and balls were also available. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Chowan Perquimans Smart Start / Child Care Resource & Referral can provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 482-3035 or check out their website at www.cp-smartstart.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 1, there were 2 containers of Swiffer Wet Jet solution located on the changing table in the bathroom used by the children and less than 5 feet above the floor. In space 2, there was an aerosol can of Glade air freshener and a package of Clorox wipes in an unlocked cabinet 5 feet above the floor in the bathroom used by the children. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In space 2, one provider’s purse was sitting in the chair behind the desk. The purse was open and a plastic bottle with pills was observed inside. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. The medical statement on file for a provider, hired on 8/24/23, was a copy that did not show the response boxes on the side of the form; therefore, verification of the medical status was not available for review. In addition, the form was dated 7/28/22 and the provider was hired on 8/24/23 therefore the information was more than 12 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A substitute was working in space 1 and documentation of a TB test was not on file and available for review. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. An Emergency Information form was not on file for one provider who was hired on 8/24/23. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A substitute, who has been working in the center since April 2023, did not have documentation of completion of the required orientation hours. .1101(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A qualifying letter for C. Lawrence was on not file and available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. 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 9/21/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Criminal Records Check- Ensuring caregivers complete the required criminal record check process helps to protect children in the facility. Qualification letters must be on file and available for review on site. A qualifying letter for Carolyn Lawence was on not file and available for review. A copy of the letter was received via email during the visit and placed in the file. Storage of Medications – Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to a child. All medication must be stored in locked storage. This includes medications in staff member’s purses. In space 2, one provider’s purse was sitting in the chair behind the desk. The purse was open and a plastic bottle with pills was observed inside. Children are curious and love to pull things out of containers. Many medications look like candy and children do not understand the dangers. All staff purses must be stored 5 feet above the floor or in locked storage. In the First Aid Kit located on the bus, there were containers of medication for insect bites, treatment of burns, and ammonia inhalants. The purse and the medications were placed in locked storage during the visit. TB Test -To ensure the safety and health of children in care, all staff must provide proof that they are free of tuberculosis before day one of employment. The TB test must have been completed within the past 12 months to be current. S. Forehand was working as a substitute in space 1 and documentation of a TB test was not on file and available for review. Staff Medical Reports- Staff need to be physically and emotionally healthy to perform the tasks of providing care to children. A medical statement should be on file upon hire. The medical statement on file for C. Lawence was a copy that did not show the response boxes on the side of the form; therefore, verification of the medical status was not available for review. In addition, the form was dated 7/28/22 and the provider was hired on 8/24/23 therefore the information was more than 12 months old. Forms available must be current and clearly legible to verify compliance. Emergency Information - The Emergency Information form must be completed for all staff by day one of hire and updated as changes occur or at least annually. An Emergency Information form was not on file for C. Lawrence who was hired on 8/24/23. Staff Orientation Training - All substitute providers must receive 16 hours of orientation in the first six weeks of employment. S. Forehand, who has been working in the center since April 2023, did not have documentation of completion of the required orientation hours. The provider typically works in the main office, however, due to staff shortages, has been placed in the classroom until additional staff can be hired. It is important that all providers, who work in a classroom, are well trained and ready to be responsible for the children in their care. Storage of Hazardous Products - There are over two million human poison exposures reported to poison centers every year. Children under six years of age account for over half of those potential poisonings. Any product under pressure and any product that includes more than one warning must be in locked storage. In space 1, there were 2 containers of Swiffer Wet Jet solution located on the changing table in the bathroom used by the children and less than 5 feet above the floor. These items are required to be kept in locked storage. In space 2, there was a can of Glade air freshener and Clorox wipe in an unlocked cabinet 5 feet above the floor in the bathroom used by the children. Locked storage rooms and cabinets include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices must be kept out of the reach of a child and must not be stored in the lock. The bathroom cabinet locks in space 2 were broken and the doors could not be locked. Additional Technical Assistance: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with managing a child care business. Maintaining complete and accurate records for the program, staff and children is a vital part of being a licensed child care provider. Setting aside regularly scheduled times each week to review records can assist you in maintaining accurate licensing records. A tracking and reminder system is also essential to keep track of tasks, due dates and expiration dates for maintaining compliance with child care requirements. Being proactive with an organized approach for record-keeping helps you ensure easy access to information when needed, especially in emergency situations. Because you rely on the main office to provide you with many of your records, consider working with them to establish procedures for how this process will be handled to ensure that you always have complete files for both children and staff in your building. This could include a checklist for the main office to use when they send the forms and a checklist for you when you receive them to ensure all required information is on file. Additional Information: New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. • Staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. • They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. • A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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