10A NCAC 09 .1705 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE SCHOLARS QUALITY FAMILY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 90000393 Consultant: ABIGAIL AVALOS Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 4/16/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by you, Ms. LaShaunda Simpson, the owner. I shared the reason for the visit, and you were able to assist me. Permit Information: The program currently operates with a Three-Star Family Child Care Home License effective 5/14/21. The license was posted with the following restrictions: - 1st shift - 2nd shift - Maximum of 5 preschool children at any time - Serves no more than two children under 1 year of age I monitored the following items: supervision, capacity, staff qualifications and training, transportation, health, safety, program records, children’s records, indoor and outdoor learning environments. The following spaces are used by the children: childcare room, bathroom, and outdoor learning environment. Ownership: This family child care center is owned by you, Ms. LaShaunda Simpson, the individual owner, and you reside in the home. Inspections: The last playground inspection was completed on 4/1/25. Indoor Learning Environment: I observed the indoor learning environment, supervision and ratios were in compliance. There was a new setup in the childcare space, one (1) side of the space was designated for the younger children and the other side for the older children. The children were engaged in free play and fine motor activities, language between you and the children was developmentally appropriate and at their eye level. Outdoor Learning Environment: The outdoor learning environment was monitored, I observed a broken wood panel on the play structure, the wooden panel had exposed nails, we reviewed this requirement. Program Records: The last fire drill was conducted on 4/1/25 and the last emergency drill was conducted on 4/1/25. I suggest to conduct drills on different days in order for children to be able to distinguish the difference between the drills, in addition not anticipating both being in one (1) day. The EPR plan was last updated on 9/5/24, please ensure that you update this annually and as changes occur. Staff Records: I reviewed your file, the FCCH and CLIAR Verification form and the statements of responsibility were completed during the visit. Eight (8) on-going training hours are required each compliance year, two and half (2.5) ongoing training hours were carried over from last annual compliance year. I observed seven (7) ongoing training hours completed, one (1) training needs verification of being an approved training by DCDEE. I will follow up with you via email. The training hours were not recorded on the training log. During the visit, I gave you two (2) copies of the ongoing training log, and I shared how to complete it for each annual compliance year. Children’s Records: All files were in compliance. Nutrition: The facility was in compliance with child care meal pattern requirements. Medication: Medication is not administered. Transportation: Transportation is not provided. I reviewed that prior to providing transportation you must contact your consultant to have a review of transportation requirements and to monitor the vehicle you wish to use. Weapons: You reported that the facility was in compliance with child care requirements regarding firearms. Violation Number Comment Rule 701 All indoor and outdoor areas used by the children were not kept clean, orderly, and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children including removal of items a child can swallow; the removal of loose nails or screws and splinters on inside; and use of outdoor equipment that is too hot to touch. I observed a broken wood panel on the play structure, the wooden panel had exposed nails. .1719(a)(1)&(17) 916 Operator did not maintain a record of on-going training in which he/she has participated. I observed seven (7) ongoing training hours completed. The training hours were not recorded on the training log. 10A NCAC 09 .1705(b)(4)(C) Corrective Action Plan: The violations not corrected during the visit must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/29/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. A compliance letter template was shared with you please ensure that all these components are completed: • Name of your facility • Your facility ID number • Date the visit made • Date that you are submitting the compliance letter • Provide each cited violation number • Describe when and how each violation was corrected • Describe how you will prevent the reoccurrence of each violation (you need to specify how you will prevent the violation from re-occurring) • Sign with your signature Please email the information to: abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov Compliance History: The program’s compliance history was ninety-four percent (94%) prior to today’s visit. Lead in Water, Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos: As of today, your facility has not completed the section for lead in water, please complete this section in order to be in compliance with requirements. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website indicates the sample kit was lost in shipment. The other two (2) sections: Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos, are completed. The phone number to request more bottles is: 1-888-997-9290 when leaving a message, please include your: Name, Facility Name and Email Address. Rated License Information: Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) is implemented, this is also known as SB 425 (Senate Bill 425). Providers in Cohort #1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless requested, and providers in Cohort #2 do not need to start their preparation year unless a rated license assessment is requested. Technical Assistance: I reviewed that in Ch. 9: 10A NCAC 09 .2703 CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECK REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS (q) Any individual over the age of 15 who resides, as defined in 10A NCAC 09 .0102(40), in a child care facility on either a temporary or permanent basis shall comply with the requirements of Paragraph (a) of this Rule within 5 days of either moving into the facility or within 5 days after their 16th birthday. Exit Conference: At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We jointly reviewed the visit summary and documentation of my findings and violations with you, Ms. Simpson. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 704-249-6440 or via email at abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your assistance! Abigail Avalos, M.Ed. Child Care Consultant Division of Child Development and Early Education 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE SCHOLARS QUALITY FAMILY CHILDCARE Facility ID: 90000393 Consultant: ABIGAIL AVALOS Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 4/16/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by you, Ms. LaShaunda Simpson, the owner. I shared the reason for the visit, and you were able to assist me. Permit Information: The program currently operates with a Three-Star Family Child Care Home License effective 5/14/21. The license was posted with the following restrictions: - 1st shift - 2nd shift - Maximum of 5 preschool children at any time - Serves no more than two children under 1 year of age I monitored the following items: supervision, capacity, staff qualifications and training, transportation, health, safety, program records, children’s records, indoor and outdoor learning environments. The following spaces are used by the children: childcare room, bathroom, and outdoor learning environment. Ownership: This family child care center is owned by you, Ms. LaShaunda Simpson, the individual owner, and you reside in the home. Inspections: The last playground inspection was completed on 4/1/25. Indoor Learning Environment: I observed the indoor learning environment, supervision and ratios were in compliance. There was a new setup in the childcare space, one (1) side of the space was designated for the younger children and the other side for the older children. The children were engaged in free play and fine motor activities, language between you and the children was developmentally appropriate and at their eye level. Outdoor Learning Environment: The outdoor learning environment was monitored, I observed a broken wood panel on the play structure, the wooden panel had exposed nails, we reviewed this requirement. Program Records: The last fire drill was conducted on 4/1/25 and the last emergency drill was conducted on 4/1/25. I suggest to conduct drills on different days in order for children to be able to distinguish the difference between the drills, in addition not anticipating both being in one (1) day. The EPR plan was last updated on 9/5/24, please ensure that you update this annually and as changes occur. Staff Records: I reviewed your file, the FCCH and CLIAR Verification form and the statements of responsibility were completed during the visit. Eight (8) on-going training hours are required each compliance year, two and half (2.5) ongoing training hours were carried over from last annual compliance year. I observed seven (7) ongoing training hours completed, one (1) training needs verification of being an approved training by DCDEE. I will follow up with you via email. The training hours were not recorded on the training log. During the visit, I gave you two (2) copies of the ongoing training log, and I shared how to complete it for each annual compliance year. Children’s Records: All files were in compliance. Nutrition: The facility was in compliance with child care meal pattern requirements. Medication: Medication is not administered. Transportation: Transportation is not provided. I reviewed that prior to providing transportation you must contact your consultant to have a review of transportation requirements and to monitor the vehicle you wish to use. Weapons: You reported that the facility was in compliance with child care requirements regarding firearms. Violation Number Comment Rule 701 All indoor and outdoor areas used by the children were not kept clean, orderly, and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children including removal of items a child can swallow; the removal of loose nails or screws and splinters on inside; and use of outdoor equipment that is too hot to touch. I observed a broken wood panel on the play structure, the wooden panel had exposed nails. .1719(a)(1)&(17) 916 Operator did not maintain a record of on-going training in which he/she has participated. I observed seven (7) ongoing training hours completed. The training hours were not recorded on the training log. 10A NCAC 09 .1705(b)(4)(C) Corrective Action Plan: The violations not corrected during the visit must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/29/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. A compliance letter template was shared with you please ensure that all these components are completed: • Name of your facility • Your facility ID number • Date the visit made • Date that you are submitting the compliance letter • Provide each cited violation number • Describe when and how each violation was corrected • Describe how you will prevent the reoccurrence of each violation (you need to specify how you will prevent the violation from re-occurring) • Sign with your signature Please email the information to: abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov Compliance History: The program’s compliance history was ninety-four percent (94%) prior to today’s visit. Lead in Water, Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos: As of today, your facility has not completed the section for lead in water, please complete this section in order to be in compliance with requirements. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website indicates the sample kit was lost in shipment. The other two (2) sections: Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos, are completed. The phone number to request more bottles is: 1-888-997-9290 when leaving a message, please include your: Name, Facility Name and Email Address. Rated License Information: Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) is implemented, this is also known as SB 425 (Senate Bill 425). Providers in Cohort #1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless requested, and providers in Cohort #2 do not need to start their preparation year unless a rated license assessment is requested. Technical Assistance: I reviewed that in Ch. 9: 10A NCAC 09 .2703 CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECK REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS (q) Any individual over the age of 15 who resides, as defined in 10A NCAC 09 .0102(40), in a child care facility on either a temporary or permanent basis shall comply with the requirements of Paragraph (a) of this Rule within 5 days of either moving into the facility or within 5 days after their 16th birthday. Exit Conference: At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We jointly reviewed the visit summary and documentation of my findings and violations with you, Ms. Simpson. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 704-249-6440 or via email at abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your assistance! Abigail Avalos, M.Ed. Child Care Consultant Division of Child Development and Early Education 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.