Great Thinkers Learning Academy

10A NCAC 09 .1719 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2026 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 6/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:21 AM Time In: 12:16 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Ms. Pearson stated she does not currently use an additional caregiver. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Five children were present during the visit; they were observed playing with toys, playing outdoors, participating in general routines, engaging in conversations and activities with Ms. Pearson, eating lunch, and napping during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 6/27/2025. A Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed for the Operator during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The most recent fire drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The most recent shelter-in-place drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 6/01/2026. There are no pets reported at the home. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed, nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not transport children or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 709 Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. 10 A NCAC 09.1720(a)(7) 908 Health questionnaire was not completed annually. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. .1703(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1720 Operator did not give written notice of the written plan of care amendment to parents of all children enrolled, at least 30 days before the change was implemented. Each parent did not sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The operator did not retain the acknowledgment in the child's record for as long as the child was enrolled in the home and a copy was not maintained on file for review by Division representatives. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. .1712(f) 1806 Signed safe sleep statement did not include the infant's name. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it. 10A NCAC 09 .1724(c)(1) 1818 Operator did not implement and follow the written safe sleep policy adopted to maintain a safe sleep environment. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. G.S. 110-91(15);.1724(a)(1-12) 1837 An infant was served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. .1706(q) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. .1714(d)(10) 2025 Operator and/or staff members did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment. The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. .1703(i) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/08/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 4948 Martin View Lane Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it; the child's name was recorded on the policy during the visit. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. It is critical for all records, especially health and safety records, to be current and on file at all times for children enrolled to ensure the health, safety, and quality of children in care. Ms. Pearson stated she is currently working on updating her Professional Development Plan with the NAFCC through the accreditation process; we discussed she will update a version of this plan and place it on file as soon as possible as she is working on the more formal accreditation plan. Ms. Pearson also stated she noticed these Written Plans of Care needed to be updated, and she will complete this following my visit. She additionally contacted the parent of the child who did not have an immunization record on file, and the parent emailed her a copy of this record to print during my visit; you may consider printing electronic records as soon as possible when they are received if it is difficult to locate these records in your email for review once time passes. Further, Ms. Pearson shared the parent of the child whose name was not recorded on the safe sleep policy must have overlooked writing the correct child’s name on the policy. Ms. Pearson also stated she does have a record of visual safe sleep checks for the infant, but could not locate it during the visit; she shared this child is teething, but rarely naps and only sleeps in her arms when he does. She shared if she lays him down in a play pen, he immediately wakes up and cries. We discussed Ms. Pearson will keep a safe sleep record for all infants in care and record on the chart whether or not he sleeps or does not nap, as well as if she holds him during the nap or if he is asleep in the play pen or other approved sleeping device. Ms. Pearson printed a new safe sleep record during the visit and began to record the infant’s sleep position while he napped in the play pen. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children; these wipes were removed from the designated child care spaces during the visit. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children; this bottle was placed at least five feet from the ground during the visit. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. It is important for the indoor environment to be free of potentially hazardous items required to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children at all times. You may consider inspecting these spaces daily prior to children arriving in care to ensure all items accessible are safe for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated she did not realize these wipes had to be in locked storage; we discussed this reasoning and the warning labels during the visit. As it relates to the stationary train with peeling paint, Ms. Pearson stated this train had been scheduled and paid for to be sanded, repainted, and sealed almost two months ago; she contacted the vendor during the visit, and he stated he was sorry he had not been in contact, but had “been going through a lot and was waiting for the weather to break”. Ms. Pearson stated she shared with the vendor this work must be completed within the next week, or she would need to hire someone else to complete the work. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. Ms. Pearson made the bottle of juice inaccessible to the child and stated the child will not drink anything throughout the day unless it is from a bottle. We discussed during the visit Ms. Pearson will share with the parent that the child may not be served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. We also discussed water, formula, or lactose-free milk (due to a documented lactose intolerance) can be served in the bottle or that the child can begin to transition to a sippy cup with CACFP approved amounts of juice served daily. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was discussed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (e) (7) regarding information which must be accessible to be reviewed related to lockdown and shelter-in-place drills during monitoring visits • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed with you, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of the visit. You were given the opportunity to ask questions. Contact me at (Cara McKeown-Stewart, (336) 408-4849, cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov ) or (Pam Hauser, Supervisor, (336) 317-5003, pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. Thank you for your time and assistance with this visit. For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.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 .1721 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2026 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 6/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:21 AM Time In: 12:16 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Ms. Pearson stated she does not currently use an additional caregiver. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Five children were present during the visit; they were observed playing with toys, playing outdoors, participating in general routines, engaging in conversations and activities with Ms. Pearson, eating lunch, and napping during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 6/27/2025. A Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed for the Operator during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The most recent fire drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The most recent shelter-in-place drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 6/01/2026. There are no pets reported at the home. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed, nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not transport children or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 709 Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. 10 A NCAC 09.1720(a)(7) 908 Health questionnaire was not completed annually. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. .1703(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1720 Operator did not give written notice of the written plan of care amendment to parents of all children enrolled, at least 30 days before the change was implemented. Each parent did not sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The operator did not retain the acknowledgment in the child's record for as long as the child was enrolled in the home and a copy was not maintained on file for review by Division representatives. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. .1712(f) 1806 Signed safe sleep statement did not include the infant's name. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it. 10A NCAC 09 .1724(c)(1) 1818 Operator did not implement and follow the written safe sleep policy adopted to maintain a safe sleep environment. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. G.S. 110-91(15);.1724(a)(1-12) 1837 An infant was served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. .1706(q) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. .1714(d)(10) 2025 Operator and/or staff members did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment. The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. .1703(i) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/08/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 4948 Martin View Lane Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it; the child's name was recorded on the policy during the visit. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. It is critical for all records, especially health and safety records, to be current and on file at all times for children enrolled to ensure the health, safety, and quality of children in care. Ms. Pearson stated she is currently working on updating her Professional Development Plan with the NAFCC through the accreditation process; we discussed she will update a version of this plan and place it on file as soon as possible as she is working on the more formal accreditation plan. Ms. Pearson also stated she noticed these Written Plans of Care needed to be updated, and she will complete this following my visit. She additionally contacted the parent of the child who did not have an immunization record on file, and the parent emailed her a copy of this record to print during my visit; you may consider printing electronic records as soon as possible when they are received if it is difficult to locate these records in your email for review once time passes. Further, Ms. Pearson shared the parent of the child whose name was not recorded on the safe sleep policy must have overlooked writing the correct child’s name on the policy. Ms. Pearson also stated she does have a record of visual safe sleep checks for the infant, but could not locate it during the visit; she shared this child is teething, but rarely naps and only sleeps in her arms when he does. She shared if she lays him down in a play pen, he immediately wakes up and cries. We discussed Ms. Pearson will keep a safe sleep record for all infants in care and record on the chart whether or not he sleeps or does not nap, as well as if she holds him during the nap or if he is asleep in the play pen or other approved sleeping device. Ms. Pearson printed a new safe sleep record during the visit and began to record the infant’s sleep position while he napped in the play pen. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children; these wipes were removed from the designated child care spaces during the visit. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children; this bottle was placed at least five feet from the ground during the visit. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. It is important for the indoor environment to be free of potentially hazardous items required to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children at all times. You may consider inspecting these spaces daily prior to children arriving in care to ensure all items accessible are safe for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated she did not realize these wipes had to be in locked storage; we discussed this reasoning and the warning labels during the visit. As it relates to the stationary train with peeling paint, Ms. Pearson stated this train had been scheduled and paid for to be sanded, repainted, and sealed almost two months ago; she contacted the vendor during the visit, and he stated he was sorry he had not been in contact, but had “been going through a lot and was waiting for the weather to break”. Ms. Pearson stated she shared with the vendor this work must be completed within the next week, or she would need to hire someone else to complete the work. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. Ms. Pearson made the bottle of juice inaccessible to the child and stated the child will not drink anything throughout the day unless it is from a bottle. We discussed during the visit Ms. Pearson will share with the parent that the child may not be served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. We also discussed water, formula, or lactose-free milk (due to a documented lactose intolerance) can be served in the bottle or that the child can begin to transition to a sippy cup with CACFP approved amounts of juice served daily. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was discussed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (e) (7) regarding information which must be accessible to be reviewed related to lockdown and shelter-in-place drills during monitoring visits • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed with you, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of the visit. You were given the opportunity to ask questions. Contact me at (Cara McKeown-Stewart, (336) 408-4849, cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov ) or (Pam Hauser, Supervisor, (336) 317-5003, pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. Thank you for your time and assistance with this visit. For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.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 .1724 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2026 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 6/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:21 AM Time In: 12:16 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Ms. Pearson stated she does not currently use an additional caregiver. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Five children were present during the visit; they were observed playing with toys, playing outdoors, participating in general routines, engaging in conversations and activities with Ms. Pearson, eating lunch, and napping during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 6/27/2025. A Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed for the Operator during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The most recent fire drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The most recent shelter-in-place drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 6/01/2026. There are no pets reported at the home. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed, nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not transport children or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 709 Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. 10 A NCAC 09.1720(a)(7) 908 Health questionnaire was not completed annually. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. .1703(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1720 Operator did not give written notice of the written plan of care amendment to parents of all children enrolled, at least 30 days before the change was implemented. Each parent did not sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The operator did not retain the acknowledgment in the child's record for as long as the child was enrolled in the home and a copy was not maintained on file for review by Division representatives. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. .1712(f) 1806 Signed safe sleep statement did not include the infant's name. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it. 10A NCAC 09 .1724(c)(1) 1818 Operator did not implement and follow the written safe sleep policy adopted to maintain a safe sleep environment. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. G.S. 110-91(15);.1724(a)(1-12) 1837 An infant was served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. .1706(q) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. .1714(d)(10) 2025 Operator and/or staff members did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment. The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. .1703(i) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/08/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 4948 Martin View Lane Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it; the child's name was recorded on the policy during the visit. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. It is critical for all records, especially health and safety records, to be current and on file at all times for children enrolled to ensure the health, safety, and quality of children in care. Ms. Pearson stated she is currently working on updating her Professional Development Plan with the NAFCC through the accreditation process; we discussed she will update a version of this plan and place it on file as soon as possible as she is working on the more formal accreditation plan. Ms. Pearson also stated she noticed these Written Plans of Care needed to be updated, and she will complete this following my visit. She additionally contacted the parent of the child who did not have an immunization record on file, and the parent emailed her a copy of this record to print during my visit; you may consider printing electronic records as soon as possible when they are received if it is difficult to locate these records in your email for review once time passes. Further, Ms. Pearson shared the parent of the child whose name was not recorded on the safe sleep policy must have overlooked writing the correct child’s name on the policy. Ms. Pearson also stated she does have a record of visual safe sleep checks for the infant, but could not locate it during the visit; she shared this child is teething, but rarely naps and only sleeps in her arms when he does. She shared if she lays him down in a play pen, he immediately wakes up and cries. We discussed Ms. Pearson will keep a safe sleep record for all infants in care and record on the chart whether or not he sleeps or does not nap, as well as if she holds him during the nap or if he is asleep in the play pen or other approved sleeping device. Ms. Pearson printed a new safe sleep record during the visit and began to record the infant’s sleep position while he napped in the play pen. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children; these wipes were removed from the designated child care spaces during the visit. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children; this bottle was placed at least five feet from the ground during the visit. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. It is important for the indoor environment to be free of potentially hazardous items required to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children at all times. You may consider inspecting these spaces daily prior to children arriving in care to ensure all items accessible are safe for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated she did not realize these wipes had to be in locked storage; we discussed this reasoning and the warning labels during the visit. As it relates to the stationary train with peeling paint, Ms. Pearson stated this train had been scheduled and paid for to be sanded, repainted, and sealed almost two months ago; she contacted the vendor during the visit, and he stated he was sorry he had not been in contact, but had “been going through a lot and was waiting for the weather to break”. Ms. Pearson stated she shared with the vendor this work must be completed within the next week, or she would need to hire someone else to complete the work. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. Ms. Pearson made the bottle of juice inaccessible to the child and stated the child will not drink anything throughout the day unless it is from a bottle. We discussed during the visit Ms. Pearson will share with the parent that the child may not be served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. We also discussed water, formula, or lactose-free milk (due to a documented lactose intolerance) can be served in the bottle or that the child can begin to transition to a sippy cup with CACFP approved amounts of juice served daily. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was discussed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (e) (7) regarding information which must be accessible to be reviewed related to lockdown and shelter-in-place drills during monitoring visits • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed with you, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of the visit. You were given the opportunity to ask questions. Contact me at (Cara McKeown-Stewart, (336) 408-4849, cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov ) or (Pam Hauser, Supervisor, (336) 317-5003, pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. Thank you for your time and assistance with this visit. For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2026 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 6/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:21 AM Time In: 12:16 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Ms. Pearson stated she does not currently use an additional caregiver. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Five children were present during the visit; they were observed playing with toys, playing outdoors, participating in general routines, engaging in conversations and activities with Ms. Pearson, eating lunch, and napping during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 6/27/2025. A Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed for the Operator during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The most recent fire drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The most recent shelter-in-place drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 6/01/2026. There are no pets reported at the home. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed, nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not transport children or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 709 Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. 10 A NCAC 09.1720(a)(7) 908 Health questionnaire was not completed annually. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. .1703(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1720 Operator did not give written notice of the written plan of care amendment to parents of all children enrolled, at least 30 days before the change was implemented. Each parent did not sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The operator did not retain the acknowledgment in the child's record for as long as the child was enrolled in the home and a copy was not maintained on file for review by Division representatives. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. .1712(f) 1806 Signed safe sleep statement did not include the infant's name. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it. 10A NCAC 09 .1724(c)(1) 1818 Operator did not implement and follow the written safe sleep policy adopted to maintain a safe sleep environment. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. G.S. 110-91(15);.1724(a)(1-12) 1837 An infant was served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. .1706(q) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. .1714(d)(10) 2025 Operator and/or staff members did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment. The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. .1703(i) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/08/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 4948 Martin View Lane Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it; the child's name was recorded on the policy during the visit. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. It is critical for all records, especially health and safety records, to be current and on file at all times for children enrolled to ensure the health, safety, and quality of children in care. Ms. Pearson stated she is currently working on updating her Professional Development Plan with the NAFCC through the accreditation process; we discussed she will update a version of this plan and place it on file as soon as possible as she is working on the more formal accreditation plan. Ms. Pearson also stated she noticed these Written Plans of Care needed to be updated, and she will complete this following my visit. She additionally contacted the parent of the child who did not have an immunization record on file, and the parent emailed her a copy of this record to print during my visit; you may consider printing electronic records as soon as possible when they are received if it is difficult to locate these records in your email for review once time passes. Further, Ms. Pearson shared the parent of the child whose name was not recorded on the safe sleep policy must have overlooked writing the correct child’s name on the policy. Ms. Pearson also stated she does have a record of visual safe sleep checks for the infant, but could not locate it during the visit; she shared this child is teething, but rarely naps and only sleeps in her arms when he does. She shared if she lays him down in a play pen, he immediately wakes up and cries. We discussed Ms. Pearson will keep a safe sleep record for all infants in care and record on the chart whether or not he sleeps or does not nap, as well as if she holds him during the nap or if he is asleep in the play pen or other approved sleeping device. Ms. Pearson printed a new safe sleep record during the visit and began to record the infant’s sleep position while he napped in the play pen. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children; these wipes were removed from the designated child care spaces during the visit. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children; this bottle was placed at least five feet from the ground during the visit. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. It is important for the indoor environment to be free of potentially hazardous items required to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children at all times. You may consider inspecting these spaces daily prior to children arriving in care to ensure all items accessible are safe for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated she did not realize these wipes had to be in locked storage; we discussed this reasoning and the warning labels during the visit. As it relates to the stationary train with peeling paint, Ms. Pearson stated this train had been scheduled and paid for to be sanded, repainted, and sealed almost two months ago; she contacted the vendor during the visit, and he stated he was sorry he had not been in contact, but had “been going through a lot and was waiting for the weather to break”. Ms. Pearson stated she shared with the vendor this work must be completed within the next week, or she would need to hire someone else to complete the work. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. Ms. Pearson made the bottle of juice inaccessible to the child and stated the child will not drink anything throughout the day unless it is from a bottle. We discussed during the visit Ms. Pearson will share with the parent that the child may not be served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. We also discussed water, formula, or lactose-free milk (due to a documented lactose intolerance) can be served in the bottle or that the child can begin to transition to a sippy cup with CACFP approved amounts of juice served daily. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was discussed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (e) (7) regarding information which must be accessible to be reviewed related to lockdown and shelter-in-place drills during monitoring visits • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed with you, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of the visit. You were given the opportunity to ask questions. Contact me at (Cara McKeown-Stewart, (336) 408-4849, cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov ) or (Pam Hauser, Supervisor, (336) 317-5003, pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. Thank you for your time and assistance with this visit. For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.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: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2026 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 6/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:21 AM Time In: 12:16 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Ms. Pearson stated she does not currently use an additional caregiver. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Five children were present during the visit; they were observed playing with toys, playing outdoors, participating in general routines, engaging in conversations and activities with Ms. Pearson, eating lunch, and napping during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 6/27/2025. A Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed for the Operator during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The most recent fire drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The most recent shelter-in-place drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 6/01/2026. There are no pets reported at the home. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed, nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not transport children or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 709 Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. 10 A NCAC 09.1720(a)(7) 908 Health questionnaire was not completed annually. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. .1703(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1720 Operator did not give written notice of the written plan of care amendment to parents of all children enrolled, at least 30 days before the change was implemented. Each parent did not sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The operator did not retain the acknowledgment in the child's record for as long as the child was enrolled in the home and a copy was not maintained on file for review by Division representatives. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. .1712(f) 1806 Signed safe sleep statement did not include the infant's name. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it. 10A NCAC 09 .1724(c)(1) 1818 Operator did not implement and follow the written safe sleep policy adopted to maintain a safe sleep environment. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. G.S. 110-91(15);.1724(a)(1-12) 1837 An infant was served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. .1706(q) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. .1714(d)(10) 2025 Operator and/or staff members did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment. The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. .1703(i) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/08/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 4948 Martin View Lane Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it; the child's name was recorded on the policy during the visit. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. It is critical for all records, especially health and safety records, to be current and on file at all times for children enrolled to ensure the health, safety, and quality of children in care. Ms. Pearson stated she is currently working on updating her Professional Development Plan with the NAFCC through the accreditation process; we discussed she will update a version of this plan and place it on file as soon as possible as she is working on the more formal accreditation plan. Ms. Pearson also stated she noticed these Written Plans of Care needed to be updated, and she will complete this following my visit. She additionally contacted the parent of the child who did not have an immunization record on file, and the parent emailed her a copy of this record to print during my visit; you may consider printing electronic records as soon as possible when they are received if it is difficult to locate these records in your email for review once time passes. Further, Ms. Pearson shared the parent of the child whose name was not recorded on the safe sleep policy must have overlooked writing the correct child’s name on the policy. Ms. Pearson also stated she does have a record of visual safe sleep checks for the infant, but could not locate it during the visit; she shared this child is teething, but rarely naps and only sleeps in her arms when he does. She shared if she lays him down in a play pen, he immediately wakes up and cries. We discussed Ms. Pearson will keep a safe sleep record for all infants in care and record on the chart whether or not he sleeps or does not nap, as well as if she holds him during the nap or if he is asleep in the play pen or other approved sleeping device. Ms. Pearson printed a new safe sleep record during the visit and began to record the infant’s sleep position while he napped in the play pen. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children; these wipes were removed from the designated child care spaces during the visit. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children; this bottle was placed at least five feet from the ground during the visit. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. It is important for the indoor environment to be free of potentially hazardous items required to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children at all times. You may consider inspecting these spaces daily prior to children arriving in care to ensure all items accessible are safe for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated she did not realize these wipes had to be in locked storage; we discussed this reasoning and the warning labels during the visit. As it relates to the stationary train with peeling paint, Ms. Pearson stated this train had been scheduled and paid for to be sanded, repainted, and sealed almost two months ago; she contacted the vendor during the visit, and he stated he was sorry he had not been in contact, but had “been going through a lot and was waiting for the weather to break”. Ms. Pearson stated she shared with the vendor this work must be completed within the next week, or she would need to hire someone else to complete the work. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. Ms. Pearson made the bottle of juice inaccessible to the child and stated the child will not drink anything throughout the day unless it is from a bottle. We discussed during the visit Ms. Pearson will share with the parent that the child may not be served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. We also discussed water, formula, or lactose-free milk (due to a documented lactose intolerance) can be served in the bottle or that the child can begin to transition to a sippy cup with CACFP approved amounts of juice served daily. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was discussed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (e) (7) regarding information which must be accessible to be reviewed related to lockdown and shelter-in-place drills during monitoring visits • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed with you, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of the visit. You were given the opportunity to ask questions. Contact me at (Cara McKeown-Stewart, (336) 408-4849, cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov ) or (Pam Hauser, Supervisor, (336) 317-5003, pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. Thank you for your time and assistance with this visit. For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2026 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 6/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 11:21 AM Time In: 12:16 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Ms. Pearson stated she does not currently use an additional caregiver. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Five children were present during the visit; they were observed playing with toys, playing outdoors, participating in general routines, engaging in conversations and activities with Ms. Pearson, eating lunch, and napping during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 6/27/2025. A Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed for the Operator during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The most recent fire drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The most recent shelter-in-place drill was documented on 6/01/2026. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 6/01/2026. There are no pets reported at the home. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed, nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not transport children or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 709 Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. 10 A NCAC 09.1720(a)(7) 908 Health questionnaire was not completed annually. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. .1703(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1720 Operator did not give written notice of the written plan of care amendment to parents of all children enrolled, at least 30 days before the change was implemented. Each parent did not sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the amendment. The operator did not retain the acknowledgment in the child's record for as long as the child was enrolled in the home and a copy was not maintained on file for review by Division representatives. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. .1712(f) 1806 Signed safe sleep statement did not include the infant's name. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it. 10A NCAC 09 .1724(c)(1) 1818 Operator did not implement and follow the written safe sleep policy adopted to maintain a safe sleep environment. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. G.S. 110-91(15);.1724(a)(1-12) 1837 An infant was served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. .1706(q) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. .1714(d)(10) 2025 Operator and/or staff members did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment. The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. .1703(i) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/08/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 4948 Martin View Lane Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: The most recent professional development plan observed on file for the operator was dated 2024. The Written Plan of Care for two children enrolled had not been updated since changes occurred greater than 30 days ago. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed on file in the Ready to Go file for two children currently enrolled. The immunization record for one child enrolled was not observed on file for review. The most recent Health Questionnaire for the operator was updated on 6/01/2026; the health questionnaire prior to the current one was completed on 5/27/2025. A safe sleep policy for one child enrolled was not observed on file with the child’s name on it; the child's name was recorded on the policy during the visit. A record of visual safe sleep checks was not observed on file for one infant enrolled. It is critical for all records, especially health and safety records, to be current and on file at all times for children enrolled to ensure the health, safety, and quality of children in care. Ms. Pearson stated she is currently working on updating her Professional Development Plan with the NAFCC through the accreditation process; we discussed she will update a version of this plan and place it on file as soon as possible as she is working on the more formal accreditation plan. Ms. Pearson also stated she noticed these Written Plans of Care needed to be updated, and she will complete this following my visit. She additionally contacted the parent of the child who did not have an immunization record on file, and the parent emailed her a copy of this record to print during my visit; you may consider printing electronic records as soon as possible when they are received if it is difficult to locate these records in your email for review once time passes. Further, Ms. Pearson shared the parent of the child whose name was not recorded on the safe sleep policy must have overlooked writing the correct child’s name on the policy. Ms. Pearson also stated she does have a record of visual safe sleep checks for the infant, but could not locate it during the visit; she shared this child is teething, but rarely naps and only sleeps in her arms when he does. She shared if she lays him down in a play pen, he immediately wakes up and cries. We discussed Ms. Pearson will keep a safe sleep record for all infants in care and record on the chart whether or not he sleeps or does not nap, as well as if she holds him during the nap or if he is asleep in the play pen or other approved sleeping device. Ms. Pearson printed a new safe sleep record during the visit and began to record the infant’s sleep position while he napped in the play pen. Greater than six Lens Wipes labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings were observed in an unlocked desk drawer, accessible to children; these wipes were removed from the designated child care spaces during the visit. One individual pump bottle of hand sanitizer was observed stored less than five feet from the ground on a porch table accessible to children; this bottle was placed at least five feet from the ground during the visit. On the playground used by children, at least four pieces of red paint were observed to have flaked off a stationary toy train and were observed laying on the ground, accessible to children playing outside. It is important for the indoor environment to be free of potentially hazardous items required to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children at all times. You may consider inspecting these spaces daily prior to children arriving in care to ensure all items accessible are safe for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated she did not realize these wipes had to be in locked storage; we discussed this reasoning and the warning labels during the visit. As it relates to the stationary train with peeling paint, Ms. Pearson stated this train had been scheduled and paid for to be sanded, repainted, and sealed almost two months ago; she contacted the vendor during the visit, and he stated he was sorry he had not been in contact, but had “been going through a lot and was waiting for the weather to break”. Ms. Pearson stated she shared with the vendor this work must be completed within the next week, or she would need to hire someone else to complete the work. A child less than twelve months of age was observed drinking juice from a bottle. Ms. Pearson made the bottle of juice inaccessible to the child and stated the child will not drink anything throughout the day unless it is from a bottle. We discussed during the visit Ms. Pearson will share with the parent that the child may not be served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist. We also discussed water, formula, or lactose-free milk (due to a documented lactose intolerance) can be served in the bottle or that the child can begin to transition to a sippy cup with CACFP approved amounts of juice served daily. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was discussed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (e) (7) regarding information which must be accessible to be reviewed related to lockdown and shelter-in-place drills during monitoring visits • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed with you, and a copy was left with you at the conclusion of the visit. You were given the opportunity to ask questions. Contact me at (Cara McKeown-Stewart, (336) 408-4849, cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov ) or (Pam Hauser, Supervisor, (336) 317-5003, pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. Thank you for your time and assistance with this visit. For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/27/2025 Number Present: 2 Completed Date: 6/27/2025 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Deja Speas, Additional Caregiver, was not present during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care; a maximum of five preschoolers at any time; serves no more than three children under age one. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Two children were present during the visit; they were observed participating in general routines, playing outdoors, eating lunch, engaging in conversations and activities with Ms. Pearson, and napping during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/02/2024. A Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed for the Operator and Additional Caregiver during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The last fire drill was conducted on 6/02/25. The most recent shelter-in-place drill and lockdown drill were documented on 3/13/2025. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 6/06/2025. There are no pets currently reported in the home. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and found to be in compliance. No medications were observed nor reported. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities or in aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 938 Individuals who provide care for 5 hours or more a week, during planned absences of the operator, had not completed a health questionnaire. The health questionnaire for the additional caregiver expired on 6/14/2024. .1729(a)(4) 1847 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. A facility profile for Criminal Background Checks had not been created; hence, operator and additional caregiver CBCs were also not yet linked to this profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1856 The operator did not complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within the required timeframe and/or documentation of completion of the training was not on file. The Emergency Preparedness and Response certificate on file for Ms. Pearson is for the EPR training required for Health & Safety trainings receiving one contact hour of training, not the 2.5 hour Emergency Preparedness and Response training required for completion of the EPR Plan in the Risk Management Portal. .1714(b) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed in the Ready to Go file. .1714(d)(10) 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. Small erasers and rubber pencil holders designed for children of School Age were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground. One small barrette and one small foam pineapple approximately the size of a quarter was observed on the floor of the space designated for caregiving, accessible to children under the age of three. .1719(a)(18) 1990 Infant feeding plans did not include the required information, including but not limited to the type and amount of milk, formula and food, and the frequency of feedings, and/or was not available for reference. The infant feeding plan for one child enrolled was not signed by a parent. .1706(i) 2012 Individual who provides care for 5 hours or more a week, did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. The training certification for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for Ms. Speas was not completed through the Prevent Child Abuse NC/Positive Alliance website upon hire; this training was completed on 6/18/2024 through Smart Start of Forsyth County. .1729(a)(9) C4 2023 Operator and/or staff who work with children, did not complete health and safety training as part of on-going training so that every five years, all the topic areas were covered. . The training certification for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for Ms. Pearson expired on 6/15/24. .1703(d)(2) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/11/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided following today’s visit: The Emergency Preparedness and Response certificate on file for Ms. Pearson is for the EPR training required for Health & Safety trainings receiving one contact hour of training, not the 2.5 hour Emergency Preparedness and Response training required for completion of the EPR Plan in the Risk Management Portal. The training certification for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for Ms. Pearson expired on 6/15/24. The training certification for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for Ms. Speas was not completed through the Prevent Child Abuse NC/Positive Alliance website upon hire; this training was completed on 6/18/2024 through Smart Start of Forsyth County. The health questionnaire for the additional caregiver expired on 6/14/25. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed in the Ready to Go file. The infant feeding plan for one child enrolled was not signed by a parent. It is imperative for all records and trainings on file to be current, completed, and accurate for the health and safety of children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated she was unaware these records were not on file or not complete; she stated she was also unaware Ms. Speas had to complete Recognizing and Responding training through the Positive Alliance (formerly PCAN) website the first time the training is taken. You may consider reviewing all staff, program, and children’s files quarterly to ensure all information is accurate and complete. You may also consider setting an email or phone notification reminder for those items which must be received or completed by a specific date. If you ever have any questions regarding approved/required training, please contact me for further guidance. A facility profile for Criminal Background Checks had not been created; hence, operator and additional caregivers CBCs were also not yet linked to this profile. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the FCCH’s facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. Ms. Pearson stated she has the instructions I sent via email to complete this process. If you need additional assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. Consultation provided following today’s visit: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • Please log onto the EPR Risk Management Portal at the following link by the end of the day today and review/update your EPR Plan: https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx# - Update your Written Plans of Care for two children enrolled to remove the one additional caregiver no longer providing care to children enrolled. • When you begin a new on-going training year following my Annual Compliance visit each year, please start a new on-going training record for that year. • Remember that training credit is no longer given for CPR/FA courses completed. • Be reminded to update your Professional Development Plan by 6/30/2025. - Please update the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for your additional caregiver if she begins to provide care for greater than five hours per week. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown (Office) 336-408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/27/2025 Number Present: 2 Completed Date: 6/27/2025 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 02:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Deja Speas, Additional Caregiver, was not present during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care; a maximum of five preschoolers at any time; serves no more than three children under age one. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Two children were present during the visit; they were observed participating in general routines, playing outdoors, eating lunch, engaging in conversations and activities with Ms. Pearson, and napping during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/02/2024. A Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed for the Operator and Additional Caregiver during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The last fire drill was conducted on 6/02/25. The most recent shelter-in-place drill and lockdown drill were documented on 3/13/2025. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 6/06/2025. There are no pets currently reported in the home. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and found to be in compliance. No medications were observed nor reported. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities or in aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 938 Individuals who provide care for 5 hours or more a week, during planned absences of the operator, had not completed a health questionnaire. The health questionnaire for the additional caregiver expired on 6/14/2024. .1729(a)(4) 1847 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. A facility profile for Criminal Background Checks had not been created; hence, operator and additional caregiver CBCs were also not yet linked to this profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1856 The operator did not complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within the required timeframe and/or documentation of completion of the training was not on file. The Emergency Preparedness and Response certificate on file for Ms. Pearson is for the EPR training required for Health & Safety trainings receiving one contact hour of training, not the 2.5 hour Emergency Preparedness and Response training required for completion of the EPR Plan in the Risk Management Portal. .1714(b) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed in the Ready to Go file. .1714(d)(10) 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. Small erasers and rubber pencil holders designed for children of School Age were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground. One small barrette and one small foam pineapple approximately the size of a quarter was observed on the floor of the space designated for caregiving, accessible to children under the age of three. .1719(a)(18) 1990 Infant feeding plans did not include the required information, including but not limited to the type and amount of milk, formula and food, and the frequency of feedings, and/or was not available for reference. The infant feeding plan for one child enrolled was not signed by a parent. .1706(i) 2012 Individual who provides care for 5 hours or more a week, did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. The training certification for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for Ms. Speas was not completed through the Prevent Child Abuse NC/Positive Alliance website upon hire; this training was completed on 6/18/2024 through Smart Start of Forsyth County. .1729(a)(9) C4 2023 Operator and/or staff who work with children, did not complete health and safety training as part of on-going training so that every five years, all the topic areas were covered. . The training certification for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for Ms. Pearson expired on 6/15/24. .1703(d)(2) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/11/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided following today’s visit: The Emergency Preparedness and Response certificate on file for Ms. Pearson is for the EPR training required for Health & Safety trainings receiving one contact hour of training, not the 2.5 hour Emergency Preparedness and Response training required for completion of the EPR Plan in the Risk Management Portal. The training certification for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for Ms. Pearson expired on 6/15/24. The training certification for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for Ms. Speas was not completed through the Prevent Child Abuse NC/Positive Alliance website upon hire; this training was completed on 6/18/2024 through Smart Start of Forsyth County. The health questionnaire for the additional caregiver expired on 6/14/25. The applications for two children enrolled were not observed in the Ready to Go file. The infant feeding plan for one child enrolled was not signed by a parent. It is imperative for all records and trainings on file to be current, completed, and accurate for the health and safety of children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated she was unaware these records were not on file or not complete; she stated she was also unaware Ms. Speas had to complete Recognizing and Responding training through the Positive Alliance (formerly PCAN) website the first time the training is taken. You may consider reviewing all staff, program, and children’s files quarterly to ensure all information is accurate and complete. You may also consider setting an email or phone notification reminder for those items which must be received or completed by a specific date. If you ever have any questions regarding approved/required training, please contact me for further guidance. A facility profile for Criminal Background Checks had not been created; hence, operator and additional caregivers CBCs were also not yet linked to this profile. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the FCCH’s facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. Ms. Pearson stated she has the instructions I sent via email to complete this process. If you need additional assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. Consultation provided following today’s visit: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • Please log onto the EPR Risk Management Portal at the following link by the end of the day today and review/update your EPR Plan: https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx# - Update your Written Plans of Care for two children enrolled to remove the one additional caregiver no longer providing care to children enrolled. • When you begin a new on-going training year following my Annual Compliance visit each year, please start a new on-going training record for that year. • Remember that training credit is no longer given for CPR/FA courses completed. • Be reminded to update your Professional Development Plan by 6/30/2025. - Please update the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment training for your additional caregiver if she begins to provide care for greater than five hours per week. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown (Office) 336-408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.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 .1714 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/22/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 1/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year of age. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Mrs. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed the children in care playing with toys, engaging in conversations, general routines and other activities with Ms. Pearson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and found to be in compliance. A playground inspection was recorded 12/12/2024. A fire drill was recorded 12/12/2024. A lockdown and shelter in place drill for the facility was recorded on 12/12/24. There are currently no pets in the home. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. A playground inspection was not observed on file during the visit for the month of November, 2024. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 1856 The operator did not complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within the required timeframe and/or documentation of completion of the training was not on file. The training certificate for Emergency Preparedness and Response was not observed on file for review. .1714(b) 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. Greater than two plastic wrappers were observed inside a plastic set of drawers in the space designated for child care, accessible to children under three years of age. .1719(a)(18) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 10-90(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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 2/05/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 353 Jonestown Road, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: A playground inspection was not observed on file during the visit for the month of November, 2024; Ms. Pearson believes this inspection was conducted, and the form was misplaced. The training certificate for Emergency Preparedness and Response was not observed on file for review. Ms. Pearson stated she would reach out to Keturah Oglesby, CCHC, Smart Start of Forsyth County, to request a copy of this training certificate. It is important for all records and trainings to be current and on file for review at all times to ensure the health and safety and quality of care of children enrolled. You may consider placing copies of inspections and trainings on file as soon as the inspection and/or training is completed to ensure the most current information is always on file for review. Greater than two plastic wrappers were observed inside a plastic set of drawers in the space designated for child care, accessible to children under three years of age; Ms. Pearson removed each of these wrappers from the drawer and made them inaccessible during the visit. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1718 REQUIREMENTS FOR DAILY OPERATIONS (a) (8) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (a) (6) • 10A NCAC 09 .1726 PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (d) (10) North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you. Due to technical issues, the visit and enrollment worksheet could not be printed and signed during the visit. I stated to Ms. Pearson I would email her a copy of each document with my signature to her following the visit. I asked Ms. Pearson to sign the first page of each of these documents, and scan/email them to me, once received. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1718 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/22/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 1/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year of age. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Mrs. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed the children in care playing with toys, engaging in conversations, general routines and other activities with Ms. Pearson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and found to be in compliance. A playground inspection was recorded 12/12/2024. A fire drill was recorded 12/12/2024. A lockdown and shelter in place drill for the facility was recorded on 12/12/24. There are currently no pets in the home. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. A playground inspection was not observed on file during the visit for the month of November, 2024. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 1856 The operator did not complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within the required timeframe and/or documentation of completion of the training was not on file. The training certificate for Emergency Preparedness and Response was not observed on file for review. .1714(b) 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. Greater than two plastic wrappers were observed inside a plastic set of drawers in the space designated for child care, accessible to children under three years of age. .1719(a)(18) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 10-90(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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 2/05/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 353 Jonestown Road, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: A playground inspection was not observed on file during the visit for the month of November, 2024; Ms. Pearson believes this inspection was conducted, and the form was misplaced. The training certificate for Emergency Preparedness and Response was not observed on file for review. Ms. Pearson stated she would reach out to Keturah Oglesby, CCHC, Smart Start of Forsyth County, to request a copy of this training certificate. It is important for all records and trainings to be current and on file for review at all times to ensure the health and safety and quality of care of children enrolled. You may consider placing copies of inspections and trainings on file as soon as the inspection and/or training is completed to ensure the most current information is always on file for review. Greater than two plastic wrappers were observed inside a plastic set of drawers in the space designated for child care, accessible to children under three years of age; Ms. Pearson removed each of these wrappers from the drawer and made them inaccessible during the visit. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1718 REQUIREMENTS FOR DAILY OPERATIONS (a) (8) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (a) (6) • 10A NCAC 09 .1726 PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (d) (10) North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you. Due to technical issues, the visit and enrollment worksheet could not be printed and signed during the visit. I stated to Ms. Pearson I would email her a copy of each document with my signature to her following the visit. I asked Ms. Pearson to sign the first page of each of these documents, and scan/email them to me, once received. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1721 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/22/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 1/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year of age. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Mrs. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed the children in care playing with toys, engaging in conversations, general routines and other activities with Ms. Pearson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and found to be in compliance. A playground inspection was recorded 12/12/2024. A fire drill was recorded 12/12/2024. A lockdown and shelter in place drill for the facility was recorded on 12/12/24. There are currently no pets in the home. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. A playground inspection was not observed on file during the visit for the month of November, 2024. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 1856 The operator did not complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within the required timeframe and/or documentation of completion of the training was not on file. The training certificate for Emergency Preparedness and Response was not observed on file for review. .1714(b) 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. Greater than two plastic wrappers were observed inside a plastic set of drawers in the space designated for child care, accessible to children under three years of age. .1719(a)(18) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 10-90(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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 2/05/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 353 Jonestown Road, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: A playground inspection was not observed on file during the visit for the month of November, 2024; Ms. Pearson believes this inspection was conducted, and the form was misplaced. The training certificate for Emergency Preparedness and Response was not observed on file for review. Ms. Pearson stated she would reach out to Keturah Oglesby, CCHC, Smart Start of Forsyth County, to request a copy of this training certificate. It is important for all records and trainings to be current and on file for review at all times to ensure the health and safety and quality of care of children enrolled. You may consider placing copies of inspections and trainings on file as soon as the inspection and/or training is completed to ensure the most current information is always on file for review. Greater than two plastic wrappers were observed inside a plastic set of drawers in the space designated for child care, accessible to children under three years of age; Ms. Pearson removed each of these wrappers from the drawer and made them inaccessible during the visit. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1718 REQUIREMENTS FOR DAILY OPERATIONS (a) (8) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (a) (6) • 10A NCAC 09 .1726 PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (d) (10) North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you. Due to technical issues, the visit and enrollment worksheet could not be printed and signed during the visit. I stated to Ms. Pearson I would email her a copy of each document with my signature to her following the visit. I asked Ms. Pearson to sign the first page of each of these documents, and scan/email them to me, once received. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1726 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/22/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 1/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year of age. The program’s compliance history was 93% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Mrs. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed the children in care playing with toys, engaging in conversations, general routines and other activities with Ms. Pearson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and found to be in compliance. A playground inspection was recorded 12/12/2024. A fire drill was recorded 12/12/2024. A lockdown and shelter in place drill for the facility was recorded on 12/12/24. There are currently no pets in the home. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. A playground inspection was not observed on file during the visit for the month of November, 2024. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 1856 The operator did not complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training within the required timeframe and/or documentation of completion of the training was not on file. The training certificate for Emergency Preparedness and Response was not observed on file for review. .1714(b) 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. Greater than two plastic wrappers were observed inside a plastic set of drawers in the space designated for child care, accessible to children under three years of age. .1719(a)(18) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 10-90(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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 2/05/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown-stewart@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 353 Jonestown Road, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided during today’s visit: A playground inspection was not observed on file during the visit for the month of November, 2024; Ms. Pearson believes this inspection was conducted, and the form was misplaced. The training certificate for Emergency Preparedness and Response was not observed on file for review. Ms. Pearson stated she would reach out to Keturah Oglesby, CCHC, Smart Start of Forsyth County, to request a copy of this training certificate. It is important for all records and trainings to be current and on file for review at all times to ensure the health and safety and quality of care of children enrolled. You may consider placing copies of inspections and trainings on file as soon as the inspection and/or training is completed to ensure the most current information is always on file for review. Greater than two plastic wrappers were observed inside a plastic set of drawers in the space designated for child care, accessible to children under three years of age; Ms. Pearson removed each of these wrappers from the drawer and made them inaccessible during the visit. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1718 REQUIREMENTS FOR DAILY OPERATIONS (a) (8) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (a) (6) • 10A NCAC 09 .1726 PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (d) (10) North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you. Due to technical issues, the visit and enrollment worksheet could not be printed and signed during the visit. I stated to Ms. Pearson I would email her a copy of each document with my signature to her following the visit. I asked Ms. Pearson to sign the first page of each of these documents, and scan/email them to me, once received. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1714 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 7/2/2024 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 7/2/2024 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant, with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Deja Speas, Additional Caregiver, was also present and providing care for children during the visit; today was her first day of caregiving. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschoolers at any time, and no more than three children less than one year old. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 94% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed three (3) children in care playing with toys, playing outdoors, engaging in conversations, eating lunch, napping, and participating in general routines with Ms. Pearson and Ms. Speas during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/12/2023. Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers forms were completed for the Operator and Additional Caregiver. I discussed all information on the forms with Ms. Pearson during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The last fire drill was conducted on 7/01/2024. The most recent lockdown and shelter-in-place drill was documented on 5/09/2024. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 7/01/2024. There are currently no pets at this facility. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 810 Refrigerator was not maintained at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below and/or was not monitored by a refrigerator thermometer. A thermometer was not observed in the refrigerator containing food for children enrolled. 10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)(10) 1804 Safe sleep policy and poster about safe sleep practices was not posted in a prominent place in the infant sleeping room or area where parents and caregivers are able to view daily. A safe sleep poster was not posted during the visit. .1724(b) 2023 Operator and/or staff who work with children, did not complete health and safety training as part of on-going training so that every five years, all the topic areas were covered. Health and Safety training topic #2 (Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent) was not observed on file for review during the visit for the operator. .1703(d)(2) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/16/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided following today’s visit: A thermometer was not observed in the refrigerator containing food for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated the thermometer had been removed recently to clean the refrigerator, and it was replaced during the visit. I observed the thermometer to read 44 degrees Fahrenheit once it was replaced. A safe sleep poster was not posted during the visit; Ms. Pearson reposted the poster during the visit. Health and Safety training topic #2 (Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent) was not observed on file for review during the visit for the operator. It is important for all required trainings and certifications to be maintained and current at all times to ensure each individual caring for children has been provided the most recent information given in these trainings. Ms. Pearson stated she had not realized this training was not completed and on file; she stated she intends to complete the training during nap time following the visit. You may consider conducting a quarterly training review to ensure all required dates for upcoming trainings are on your calendar and/or scheduled. Consultation provided following today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) (g) The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ On February 21, 2024, I emailed you a document regarding required Lead and Asbestos Testing. Ms. Pearson confirmed during today’s visit that the email was received and provided information that she completed the enrollment webinar on 6/20/2024. • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown (Office) 336-408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.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 .1725 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 7/2/2024 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 7/2/2024 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant, with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Deja Speas, Additional Caregiver, was also present and providing care for children during the visit; today was her first day of caregiving. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschoolers at any time, and no more than three children less than one year old. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 94% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed three (3) children in care playing with toys, playing outdoors, engaging in conversations, eating lunch, napping, and participating in general routines with Ms. Pearson and Ms. Speas during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/12/2023. Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers forms were completed for the Operator and Additional Caregiver. I discussed all information on the forms with Ms. Pearson during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The last fire drill was conducted on 7/01/2024. The most recent lockdown and shelter-in-place drill was documented on 5/09/2024. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 7/01/2024. There are currently no pets at this facility. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 810 Refrigerator was not maintained at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below and/or was not monitored by a refrigerator thermometer. A thermometer was not observed in the refrigerator containing food for children enrolled. 10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)(10) 1804 Safe sleep policy and poster about safe sleep practices was not posted in a prominent place in the infant sleeping room or area where parents and caregivers are able to view daily. A safe sleep poster was not posted during the visit. .1724(b) 2023 Operator and/or staff who work with children, did not complete health and safety training as part of on-going training so that every five years, all the topic areas were covered. Health and Safety training topic #2 (Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent) was not observed on file for review during the visit for the operator. .1703(d)(2) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/16/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided following today’s visit: A thermometer was not observed in the refrigerator containing food for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated the thermometer had been removed recently to clean the refrigerator, and it was replaced during the visit. I observed the thermometer to read 44 degrees Fahrenheit once it was replaced. A safe sleep poster was not posted during the visit; Ms. Pearson reposted the poster during the visit. Health and Safety training topic #2 (Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent) was not observed on file for review during the visit for the operator. It is important for all required trainings and certifications to be maintained and current at all times to ensure each individual caring for children has been provided the most recent information given in these trainings. Ms. Pearson stated she had not realized this training was not completed and on file; she stated she intends to complete the training during nap time following the visit. You may consider conducting a quarterly training review to ensure all required dates for upcoming trainings are on your calendar and/or scheduled. Consultation provided following today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) (g) The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ On February 21, 2024, I emailed you a document regarding required Lead and Asbestos Testing. Ms. Pearson confirmed during today’s visit that the email was received and provided information that she completed the enrollment webinar on 6/20/2024. • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown (Office) 336-408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 7/2/2024 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 7/2/2024 Age: From 2 To 2 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this family childcare home to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant, with Crystal Pearson, Operator. Deja Speas, Additional Caregiver, was also present and providing care for children during the visit; today was her first day of caregiving. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschoolers at any time, and no more than three children less than one year old. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 94% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the home was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed three (3) children in care playing with toys, playing outdoors, engaging in conversations, eating lunch, napping, and participating in general routines with Ms. Pearson and Ms. Speas during the visit. I observed developmentally appropriate materials and activities were available to the children in the licensed space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 7/12/2023. Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers forms were completed for the Operator and Additional Caregiver. I discussed all information on the forms with Ms. Pearson during the visit. A FCCH and Centers Located in a Residence Operator’s Statement of Responsibility form was reviewed and signed during the visit. We discussed the owner status of this facility. Program records and required postings were monitored. The last fire drill was conducted on 7/01/2024. The most recent lockdown and shelter-in-place drill was documented on 5/09/2024. The last outdoor inspection was documented on 7/01/2024. There are currently no pets at this facility. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed nor reported. Ms. Pearson stated the program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise or aquatic activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 810 Refrigerator was not maintained at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below and/or was not monitored by a refrigerator thermometer. A thermometer was not observed in the refrigerator containing food for children enrolled. 10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)(10) 1804 Safe sleep policy and poster about safe sleep practices was not posted in a prominent place in the infant sleeping room or area where parents and caregivers are able to view daily. A safe sleep poster was not posted during the visit. .1724(b) 2023 Operator and/or staff who work with children, did not complete health and safety training as part of on-going training so that every five years, all the topic areas were covered. Health and Safety training topic #2 (Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent) was not observed on file for review during the visit for the operator. .1703(d)(2) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 7/16/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided following today’s visit: A thermometer was not observed in the refrigerator containing food for children enrolled. Ms. Pearson stated the thermometer had been removed recently to clean the refrigerator, and it was replaced during the visit. I observed the thermometer to read 44 degrees Fahrenheit once it was replaced. A safe sleep poster was not posted during the visit; Ms. Pearson reposted the poster during the visit. Health and Safety training topic #2 (Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent) was not observed on file for review during the visit for the operator. It is important for all required trainings and certifications to be maintained and current at all times to ensure each individual caring for children has been provided the most recent information given in these trainings. Ms. Pearson stated she had not realized this training was not completed and on file; she stated she intends to complete the training during nap time following the visit. You may consider conducting a quarterly training review to ensure all required dates for upcoming trainings are on your calendar and/or scheduled. Consultation provided following today’s visit: The following Child Care Rule was reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) (g) The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ On February 21, 2024, I emailed you a document regarding required Lead and Asbestos Testing. Ms. Pearson confirmed during today’s visit that the email was received and provided information that she completed the enrollment webinar on 6/20/2024. • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown (Office) 336-408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information, please visit the DCDEE website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.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 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 09:38 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Licensing Supervisor, Pamela Hauser was also present during the visit. Additional caregiver, Cynthia Robinson, was present and providing care for the children during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year old. The program’s compliance history was 98 % prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Ms. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. I observed children playing with toys, engaging in activities, going outside, and participating in general routines with Ms. Robinson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and observed to be in compliance. The temperature for the refrigerator was observed at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Ms. Pearson lowered the temperature on the refrigerator during the visit, and the temperature was rechecked two times during the visit; the temperature was observed at 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the second and third checks. A playground inspection was recorded 12/21/2023. A fire drill was recorded 12/08/2023. A lockdown drill for the facility was recorded 11/27/2023. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. There is currently one pet at the facility. All vaccination records were observed to be current and on file. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. .1721(e)(6) 1409 Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. 10A NCAC 09 .1719 (a) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. .1714(d)(10) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 1/25/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown-Stewart 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: • The Ready to Go file was not available for review. It is important for the Ready to Go file (contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and additional caregiver, additional caregiver contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers), to be on file at the facility and available to access quickly in the event of an emergency/evacuation. I reminded Ms. Pearson to add newly enrolled children’s information to this file as they enroll. • On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. It is important to keep items that could be a safety hazard to children inaccessible to them. Ms. Pearson stated her dog will often scratch at the mulch and uncover the weed block. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider adding this item to her monthly Playground Inspection. • A record of attendance and a record of arrival/ departure were not observed on file for review. These records are extremely important to enter as children arrive and depart from a safety perspective so all caregivers are consistently aware of how many and which children are in care. Ms. Pearson stated she was in the process of organizing her paperwork for the year and that she currently has a template for attendance and arrival/departure records on file to begin using immediately. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider pre-filling attendance forms for the week/month and place them in an area she will remember to complete them as children arrive and depart each day. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rules were thoroughly reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (8), (15) • 10A NCAC 09 .1724 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1712 WRITTEN PLAN OF CARE (e ) • 10A NCAC 09 .1703 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OPERATORS (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (f) (4) • 10A NCAC 09 .1729 ADDITIONAL CAREGIVER AND SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS The types of visits conducted by child care consultants, as well as the specific items monitored during those visits can be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/M/Monitoring_ReguirementsforFcch.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105805-443 The Family Child Care Home Item Listing may be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/ITEM_NUMBER_LISTING_CENTER.pdf?ver=tSMnU42s7ze58GN6X8bp_g%3d%3d The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1712 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 09:38 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Licensing Supervisor, Pamela Hauser was also present during the visit. Additional caregiver, Cynthia Robinson, was present and providing care for the children during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year old. The program’s compliance history was 98 % prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Ms. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. I observed children playing with toys, engaging in activities, going outside, and participating in general routines with Ms. Robinson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and observed to be in compliance. The temperature for the refrigerator was observed at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Ms. Pearson lowered the temperature on the refrigerator during the visit, and the temperature was rechecked two times during the visit; the temperature was observed at 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the second and third checks. A playground inspection was recorded 12/21/2023. A fire drill was recorded 12/08/2023. A lockdown drill for the facility was recorded 11/27/2023. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. There is currently one pet at the facility. All vaccination records were observed to be current and on file. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. .1721(e)(6) 1409 Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. 10A NCAC 09 .1719 (a) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. .1714(d)(10) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 1/25/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown-Stewart 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: • The Ready to Go file was not available for review. It is important for the Ready to Go file (contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and additional caregiver, additional caregiver contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers), to be on file at the facility and available to access quickly in the event of an emergency/evacuation. I reminded Ms. Pearson to add newly enrolled children’s information to this file as they enroll. • On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. It is important to keep items that could be a safety hazard to children inaccessible to them. Ms. Pearson stated her dog will often scratch at the mulch and uncover the weed block. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider adding this item to her monthly Playground Inspection. • A record of attendance and a record of arrival/ departure were not observed on file for review. These records are extremely important to enter as children arrive and depart from a safety perspective so all caregivers are consistently aware of how many and which children are in care. Ms. Pearson stated she was in the process of organizing her paperwork for the year and that she currently has a template for attendance and arrival/departure records on file to begin using immediately. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider pre-filling attendance forms for the week/month and place them in an area she will remember to complete them as children arrive and depart each day. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rules were thoroughly reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (8), (15) • 10A NCAC 09 .1724 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1712 WRITTEN PLAN OF CARE (e ) • 10A NCAC 09 .1703 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OPERATORS (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (f) (4) • 10A NCAC 09 .1729 ADDITIONAL CAREGIVER AND SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS The types of visits conducted by child care consultants, as well as the specific items monitored during those visits can be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/M/Monitoring_ReguirementsforFcch.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105805-443 The Family Child Care Home Item Listing may be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/ITEM_NUMBER_LISTING_CENTER.pdf?ver=tSMnU42s7ze58GN6X8bp_g%3d%3d The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1714 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 09:38 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Licensing Supervisor, Pamela Hauser was also present during the visit. Additional caregiver, Cynthia Robinson, was present and providing care for the children during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year old. The program’s compliance history was 98 % prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Ms. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. I observed children playing with toys, engaging in activities, going outside, and participating in general routines with Ms. Robinson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and observed to be in compliance. The temperature for the refrigerator was observed at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Ms. Pearson lowered the temperature on the refrigerator during the visit, and the temperature was rechecked two times during the visit; the temperature was observed at 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the second and third checks. A playground inspection was recorded 12/21/2023. A fire drill was recorded 12/08/2023. A lockdown drill for the facility was recorded 11/27/2023. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. There is currently one pet at the facility. All vaccination records were observed to be current and on file. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. .1721(e)(6) 1409 Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. 10A NCAC 09 .1719 (a) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. .1714(d)(10) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 1/25/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown-Stewart 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: • The Ready to Go file was not available for review. It is important for the Ready to Go file (contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and additional caregiver, additional caregiver contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers), to be on file at the facility and available to access quickly in the event of an emergency/evacuation. I reminded Ms. Pearson to add newly enrolled children’s information to this file as they enroll. • On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. It is important to keep items that could be a safety hazard to children inaccessible to them. Ms. Pearson stated her dog will often scratch at the mulch and uncover the weed block. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider adding this item to her monthly Playground Inspection. • A record of attendance and a record of arrival/ departure were not observed on file for review. These records are extremely important to enter as children arrive and depart from a safety perspective so all caregivers are consistently aware of how many and which children are in care. Ms. Pearson stated she was in the process of organizing her paperwork for the year and that she currently has a template for attendance and arrival/departure records on file to begin using immediately. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider pre-filling attendance forms for the week/month and place them in an area she will remember to complete them as children arrive and depart each day. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rules were thoroughly reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (8), (15) • 10A NCAC 09 .1724 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1712 WRITTEN PLAN OF CARE (e ) • 10A NCAC 09 .1703 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OPERATORS (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (f) (4) • 10A NCAC 09 .1729 ADDITIONAL CAREGIVER AND SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS The types of visits conducted by child care consultants, as well as the specific items monitored during those visits can be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/M/Monitoring_ReguirementsforFcch.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105805-443 The Family Child Care Home Item Listing may be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/ITEM_NUMBER_LISTING_CENTER.pdf?ver=tSMnU42s7ze58GN6X8bp_g%3d%3d The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1719 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 09:38 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Licensing Supervisor, Pamela Hauser was also present during the visit. Additional caregiver, Cynthia Robinson, was present and providing care for the children during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year old. The program’s compliance history was 98 % prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Ms. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. I observed children playing with toys, engaging in activities, going outside, and participating in general routines with Ms. Robinson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and observed to be in compliance. The temperature for the refrigerator was observed at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Ms. Pearson lowered the temperature on the refrigerator during the visit, and the temperature was rechecked two times during the visit; the temperature was observed at 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the second and third checks. A playground inspection was recorded 12/21/2023. A fire drill was recorded 12/08/2023. A lockdown drill for the facility was recorded 11/27/2023. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. There is currently one pet at the facility. All vaccination records were observed to be current and on file. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. .1721(e)(6) 1409 Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. 10A NCAC 09 .1719 (a) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. .1714(d)(10) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 1/25/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown-Stewart 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: • The Ready to Go file was not available for review. It is important for the Ready to Go file (contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and additional caregiver, additional caregiver contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers), to be on file at the facility and available to access quickly in the event of an emergency/evacuation. I reminded Ms. Pearson to add newly enrolled children’s information to this file as they enroll. • On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. It is important to keep items that could be a safety hazard to children inaccessible to them. Ms. Pearson stated her dog will often scratch at the mulch and uncover the weed block. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider adding this item to her monthly Playground Inspection. • A record of attendance and a record of arrival/ departure were not observed on file for review. These records are extremely important to enter as children arrive and depart from a safety perspective so all caregivers are consistently aware of how many and which children are in care. Ms. Pearson stated she was in the process of organizing her paperwork for the year and that she currently has a template for attendance and arrival/departure records on file to begin using immediately. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider pre-filling attendance forms for the week/month and place them in an area she will remember to complete them as children arrive and depart each day. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rules were thoroughly reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (8), (15) • 10A NCAC 09 .1724 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1712 WRITTEN PLAN OF CARE (e ) • 10A NCAC 09 .1703 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OPERATORS (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (f) (4) • 10A NCAC 09 .1729 ADDITIONAL CAREGIVER AND SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS The types of visits conducted by child care consultants, as well as the specific items monitored during those visits can be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/M/Monitoring_ReguirementsforFcch.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105805-443 The Family Child Care Home Item Listing may be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/ITEM_NUMBER_LISTING_CENTER.pdf?ver=tSMnU42s7ze58GN6X8bp_g%3d%3d The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1721 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 09:38 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Licensing Supervisor, Pamela Hauser was also present during the visit. Additional caregiver, Cynthia Robinson, was present and providing care for the children during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year old. The program’s compliance history was 98 % prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Ms. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. I observed children playing with toys, engaging in activities, going outside, and participating in general routines with Ms. Robinson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and observed to be in compliance. The temperature for the refrigerator was observed at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Ms. Pearson lowered the temperature on the refrigerator during the visit, and the temperature was rechecked two times during the visit; the temperature was observed at 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the second and third checks. A playground inspection was recorded 12/21/2023. A fire drill was recorded 12/08/2023. A lockdown drill for the facility was recorded 11/27/2023. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. There is currently one pet at the facility. All vaccination records were observed to be current and on file. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. .1721(e)(6) 1409 Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. 10A NCAC 09 .1719 (a) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. .1714(d)(10) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 1/25/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown-Stewart 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: • The Ready to Go file was not available for review. It is important for the Ready to Go file (contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and additional caregiver, additional caregiver contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers), to be on file at the facility and available to access quickly in the event of an emergency/evacuation. I reminded Ms. Pearson to add newly enrolled children’s information to this file as they enroll. • On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. It is important to keep items that could be a safety hazard to children inaccessible to them. Ms. Pearson stated her dog will often scratch at the mulch and uncover the weed block. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider adding this item to her monthly Playground Inspection. • A record of attendance and a record of arrival/ departure were not observed on file for review. These records are extremely important to enter as children arrive and depart from a safety perspective so all caregivers are consistently aware of how many and which children are in care. Ms. Pearson stated she was in the process of organizing her paperwork for the year and that she currently has a template for attendance and arrival/departure records on file to begin using immediately. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider pre-filling attendance forms for the week/month and place them in an area she will remember to complete them as children arrive and depart each day. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rules were thoroughly reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (8), (15) • 10A NCAC 09 .1724 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1712 WRITTEN PLAN OF CARE (e ) • 10A NCAC 09 .1703 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OPERATORS (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (f) (4) • 10A NCAC 09 .1729 ADDITIONAL CAREGIVER AND SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS The types of visits conducted by child care consultants, as well as the specific items monitored during those visits can be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/M/Monitoring_ReguirementsforFcch.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105805-443 The Family Child Care Home Item Listing may be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/ITEM_NUMBER_LISTING_CENTER.pdf?ver=tSMnU42s7ze58GN6X8bp_g%3d%3d The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1724 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 09:38 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Licensing Supervisor, Pamela Hauser was also present during the visit. Additional caregiver, Cynthia Robinson, was present and providing care for the children during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year old. The program’s compliance history was 98 % prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Ms. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. I observed children playing with toys, engaging in activities, going outside, and participating in general routines with Ms. Robinson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and observed to be in compliance. The temperature for the refrigerator was observed at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Ms. Pearson lowered the temperature on the refrigerator during the visit, and the temperature was rechecked two times during the visit; the temperature was observed at 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the second and third checks. A playground inspection was recorded 12/21/2023. A fire drill was recorded 12/08/2023. A lockdown drill for the facility was recorded 11/27/2023. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. There is currently one pet at the facility. All vaccination records were observed to be current and on file. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. .1721(e)(6) 1409 Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. 10A NCAC 09 .1719 (a) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. .1714(d)(10) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 1/25/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown-Stewart 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: • The Ready to Go file was not available for review. It is important for the Ready to Go file (contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and additional caregiver, additional caregiver contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers), to be on file at the facility and available to access quickly in the event of an emergency/evacuation. I reminded Ms. Pearson to add newly enrolled children’s information to this file as they enroll. • On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. It is important to keep items that could be a safety hazard to children inaccessible to them. Ms. Pearson stated her dog will often scratch at the mulch and uncover the weed block. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider adding this item to her monthly Playground Inspection. • A record of attendance and a record of arrival/ departure were not observed on file for review. These records are extremely important to enter as children arrive and depart from a safety perspective so all caregivers are consistently aware of how many and which children are in care. Ms. Pearson stated she was in the process of organizing her paperwork for the year and that she currently has a template for attendance and arrival/departure records on file to begin using immediately. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider pre-filling attendance forms for the week/month and place them in an area she will remember to complete them as children arrive and depart each day. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rules were thoroughly reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (8), (15) • 10A NCAC 09 .1724 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1712 WRITTEN PLAN OF CARE (e ) • 10A NCAC 09 .1703 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OPERATORS (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (f) (4) • 10A NCAC 09 .1729 ADDITIONAL CAREGIVER AND SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS The types of visits conducted by child care consultants, as well as the specific items monitored during those visits can be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/M/Monitoring_ReguirementsforFcch.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105805-443 The Family Child Care Home Item Listing may be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/ITEM_NUMBER_LISTING_CENTER.pdf?ver=tSMnU42s7ze58GN6X8bp_g%3d%3d The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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 .1729 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 09:38 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Licensing Supervisor, Pamela Hauser was also present during the visit. Additional caregiver, Cynthia Robinson, was present and providing care for the children during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year old. The program’s compliance history was 98 % prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Ms. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. I observed children playing with toys, engaging in activities, going outside, and participating in general routines with Ms. Robinson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and observed to be in compliance. The temperature for the refrigerator was observed at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Ms. Pearson lowered the temperature on the refrigerator during the visit, and the temperature was rechecked two times during the visit; the temperature was observed at 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the second and third checks. A playground inspection was recorded 12/21/2023. A fire drill was recorded 12/08/2023. A lockdown drill for the facility was recorded 11/27/2023. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. There is currently one pet at the facility. All vaccination records were observed to be current and on file. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. .1721(e)(6) 1409 Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. 10A NCAC 09 .1719 (a) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. .1714(d)(10) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 1/25/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown-Stewart 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: • The Ready to Go file was not available for review. It is important for the Ready to Go file (contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and additional caregiver, additional caregiver contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers), to be on file at the facility and available to access quickly in the event of an emergency/evacuation. I reminded Ms. Pearson to add newly enrolled children’s information to this file as they enroll. • On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. It is important to keep items that could be a safety hazard to children inaccessible to them. Ms. Pearson stated her dog will often scratch at the mulch and uncover the weed block. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider adding this item to her monthly Playground Inspection. • A record of attendance and a record of arrival/ departure were not observed on file for review. These records are extremely important to enter as children arrive and depart from a safety perspective so all caregivers are consistently aware of how many and which children are in care. Ms. Pearson stated she was in the process of organizing her paperwork for the year and that she currently has a template for attendance and arrival/departure records on file to begin using immediately. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider pre-filling attendance forms for the week/month and place them in an area she will remember to complete them as children arrive and depart each day. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rules were thoroughly reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (8), (15) • 10A NCAC 09 .1724 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1712 WRITTEN PLAN OF CARE (e ) • 10A NCAC 09 .1703 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OPERATORS (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (f) (4) • 10A NCAC 09 .1729 ADDITIONAL CAREGIVER AND SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS The types of visits conducted by child care consultants, as well as the specific items monitored during those visits can be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/M/Monitoring_ReguirementsforFcch.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105805-443 The Family Child Care Home Item Listing may be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/ITEM_NUMBER_LISTING_CENTER.pdf?ver=tSMnU42s7ze58GN6X8bp_g%3d%3d The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GREAT THINKERS LEARNING ACADEMY Facility ID: 34001398 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/11/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 1/11/2024 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 09:38 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Crystal Pearson, Operator, assisted me with the visit. Licensing Supervisor, Pamela Hauser was also present during the visit. Additional caregiver, Cynthia Robinson, was present and providing care for the children during the visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 8/09/2023. Restrictions include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift care, a maximum of five preschool children at any time, and serves no more than three children less than one year old. The program’s compliance history was 98 % prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • ITS-SIDS • CBC Qualification • General Health • Administering of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • General License Requirements • Program Records • License Posted • Fire Safety • Sanitation The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Ms. Pearson stated she is the only person living in the home. Be reminded that you must have a criminal record check conducted every five (5) years. You may go to the Division of Child Development & Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and complete this process six (6) months prior to the expiration date on your qualifying letter. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. Upon arrival, capacity was monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. I observed children playing with toys, engaging in activities, going outside, and participating in general routines with Ms. Robinson during the visit. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, ITS-SIDS, and Criminal Background Checks. No medications were observed nor reported. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today and observed to be in compliance. The temperature for the refrigerator was observed at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Ms. Pearson lowered the temperature on the refrigerator during the visit, and the temperature was rechecked two times during the visit; the temperature was observed at 52 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the second and third checks. A playground inspection was recorded 12/21/2023. A fire drill was recorded 12/08/2023. A lockdown drill for the facility was recorded 11/27/2023. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. There is currently one pet at the facility. All vaccination records were observed to be current and on file. The program does not provide transportation or participate in off-premise activities at this time. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A record of attendance and recorded times of arrival and departure were not available for review during the visit. .1721(e)(6) 1409 Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care. In the primary space designated for child care, a plastic food wrapper was observed in the top drawer of a plastic set of storage drawers accessible to children under the age of three years old. Ms. Pearson disposed of this wrapper during the visit. The purse of an additional caregiver was observed stored less than five feet from the ground; this purse was made inaccessible to children during the visit. On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. 10A NCAC 09 .1719 (a) 1875 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information. The Ready to Go file was not available for review. .1714(d)(10) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 1/25/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown-Stewart 353 Jonestown Road Unit 146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: • The Ready to Go file was not available for review. It is important for the Ready to Go file (contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and additional caregiver, additional caregiver contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers), to be on file at the facility and available to access quickly in the event of an emergency/evacuation. I reminded Ms. Pearson to add newly enrolled children’s information to this file as they enroll. • On the playground, just inside the gate entrance, weed block was observed emerging from the mulch surfacing. It is important to keep items that could be a safety hazard to children inaccessible to them. Ms. Pearson stated her dog will often scratch at the mulch and uncover the weed block. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider adding this item to her monthly Playground Inspection. • A record of attendance and a record of arrival/ departure were not observed on file for review. These records are extremely important to enter as children arrive and depart from a safety perspective so all caregivers are consistently aware of how many and which children are in care. Ms. Pearson stated she was in the process of organizing her paperwork for the year and that she currently has a template for attendance and arrival/departure records on file to begin using immediately. I recommended Ms. Pearson consider pre-filling attendance forms for the week/month and place them in an area she will remember to complete them as children arrive and depart each day. Consultation provided during today’s visit: The following Child Care Rules were thoroughly reviewed with Ms. Pearson during the visit: • 10A NCAC 09 .1714 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT (8), (15) • 10A NCAC 09 .1724 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1712 WRITTEN PLAN OF CARE (e ) • 10A NCAC 09 .1703 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME OPERATORS (b) • 10A NCAC 09 .1721 REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS (f) (4) • 10A NCAC 09 .1729 ADDITIONAL CAREGIVER AND SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER QUALIFICATIONS The types of visits conducted by child care consultants, as well as the specific items monitored during those visits can be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/M/Monitoring_ReguirementsforFcch.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105805-443 The Family Child Care Home Item Listing may be accessed at the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/ITEM_NUMBER_LISTING_CENTER.pdf?ver=tSMnU42s7ze58GN6X8bp_g%3d%3d The training for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Abuse and Maltreatment can be accessed at the following link: https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Cara McKeown-Stewart, Child Care Consultant (336) 408-4849 cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@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