GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/22/2025 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 7/22/2025 Age: From 1 To 9 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 11:25 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable NC Child Care Licensing Requirements and the status of the Corrective Action Plan issued to your child care center along with a Provisional License that was issued for the timeframe of 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. Today’s visit was conducted with Shania Sanders, Lead Teacher in the absence of Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 7-22-25. During this Administrative Action Follow-up visit, a partial monitoring of minimum Child Care Requirements was conducted, monitoring all classrooms. The monitoring included the center’s license and permit restrictions, staff/child ratios, supervision, sanitation requirements, discipline and general caregiving activities. I observed that the Administrative Action was posted along with the Provisional License at the entrance to the center. The preschool age children were observed transitioning to nap time. The school age children were observed cleaning up after lunch and then transitioned outside to play. We discussed today that I did not observe a current Activity Plan posted in the School Age classroom. The Activity Plan which was posted was dated 7-14-25 to 7-18-25. Current activity plans are required to be posted. Ms. Sanders stated that there is a substitute assisting with coverage of the classroom and it was overlooked. It is important for the current activity plans to be posted so supplies can be obtained and prepared for activities with the children. This assists with organized classroom management. I also monitored two staff files who were present today but not documented on the most recent Staff & Training worksheets dated 7-14-25. One staff member did not have an updated Emergency Information form on file. This same staff member also did not have current CPR/First Aid certification on file. The most recent CPR/First Aid card on file for the staff member expired 5-21-25. As we discussed, please have the staff member finish sending all completed Health & Safety training certificates from the sister site that they also work at. Files should mirror each other for staff that work at sister sites. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Discipline policy was approved by me on 2-21-25. During today’s visit, I monitored twenty children’s files and nine of the twenty files contained proof of review of the revised Discipline Policy with the parents/guardians. Of these nine files, seven files had parent electronic signature and review date of 3-7-25 and seven files had electronic parent signatures with review date of 3-24-25. Eleven of the twenty children’s files which were monitored today did not contain proof of review with each child’s parent/guardian of the revised Discipline Policy. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Training certificates were observed in the staff training notebook which is housed in the Director’s Office during visit on 3-12-25. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each member should occur two (2) times per month. There are a total of ten (10) caregiving staff so there should be a total of twenty (20) observations each month and of those twenty, two observations at a minimum should be required for each staff. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. For the timeframe 2-21-25 to 3-12-25, there were a total of seven (7) observations. One observation occurred in the Toddler classroom, three observations were conducted for the 2/3 year old classroom, two observations were conducted for the preschool94/5 year old) classroom, one observation was conducted for the PreK (4/5) year old classroom and no observations occurred for the school age classroom. Additionally, All requirements of the observations were not documented. The following information was not documented: who completed the observation, name and signature of observer and name/signature of staff being observed. For the timeframe 3-17-25 to 4-11-25, a total of seven observations occurred. The documentation in the observation notebook did not indicate the following information: signature and name of observer and signature and name of person being observed. For the timeframe of 4-11-25 to 5-7-25, a total of four observations occurred. Five of the ten staff had documented observations. It was observed that Ms. Stancil developed and began implementing a form for use during observations on 4-23-25. For the timeframe 5-8-25 to 7-22-25, there were a total of eleven observations. Two of the ten staff had two observations. One staff of ten had three observations and three staff had only one observation. Consistency of observations continues to not be maintained. There is one staff member who works as a substitute and was present during the visit today who did not have any documented observations during the timeframe 2-14-25 to 7-22-25. There is one new staff member with a hire date of 7-15-25 who has not had any observations as of today’s date. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Four violations of child care requirements pertaining to staff records with regards to CPR/First Aid & medical and Daily Schedules/Activity Plans were observed out of compliance today. A corrective action letter stating what was done to correct each violation is due to me no later than August 5, 2025 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted in the school age classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff member did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center had a 85% Compliance History Score. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d) all child care centers must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your center may have an impact on the total compliance history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Should this occur, your center may be at risk of further administrative action. Technical Assistance: *I continue to encourage you to continue to work with Jesse Norris with Early Years to expand upon the training which was received. *I left you with a copy of North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning & Development for you to use as a resource. This book contains useful information on approaches to play and learning, emotional and social development, health and physical development, language development, cognitive development and supporting dial language learners. *As part of the current Administrative Action issued to your facility, maintaining all required stipulations includes routine, well-documented staff observations. These observations ensure accountability, support, professional growth and help uphold a safe, nurturing environment for every child. As of today's date, consistent observations for each staff member including substitutes and floaters is not being maintained. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919)819-9387. All mail correspondence should be sent to Post Office Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/14/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/14/2025 Age: From 1 To 9 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during a full monitoring visit in conjunction with an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit. A Provisional license to operate was issues to the center for the timeframe 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. The center is approved for 69 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 7-14-25. Test results are on file for lead water testing. Ms. Stancil is waiting on a contractor with Clean Classrooms/RTI to come out for Lead Paint and Asbestos testing. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed doing various morning activities. Some were having circle time, playing in centers and some were outside playing. Daily arrival and departure times are documented on an electronic program at the entrance to the center as well as a bar code at the entrance to each classroom. The license and all required information was observed posted. The Administrative Action as well as the Provisional license was observed posted at both entrances to the center. I did observe that current menus were not posted in the center. The menus which were posted were dated June 2025. This was corrected during the visit. Classroom Observations: Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance and space capacity did not exceed that which was allowed. Supervision was observed being maintained. There are no infants enrolled at the center as of today’s visit. I observed that due to low attendance, the infant/toddler classrooms were combined for today. In the infant classroom, I observed minimal toys for the children to play with. I observed one shelf present in the classroom which contained a small variety of soft toys including soft animals and four colored soft blocks. I observed a shelf in the classroom which did have additional books for the classroom but these books were not accessible to the children. Please refer to Child Care Rule .0510 ( e ) for guidance on what is required for children under age three. In the three/four year old classroom: *I observed that there is an unusual smelling odor in the bathroom. I suggest that you have a plumber come and evaluate the odor to make sure there are no issues which need to be addressed. *There is an electrical outlet on one of the walls that is missing a face plate. This is a safety concern as wires are still exposed. *I observed peeling paint beside the handwashing sink. This needs to be sanded down and repainted to avoid children having access to the peeling paint. *There is dried food and grime on the side of the sink which needs to be cleaned. In the two/three/four year old classroom: *The bathroom door was observed to have heavy grime and needs to be deep cleaned. *There is an area of peeling paint on the wall under the pink bunny board. This area must be sanded down, re-painted and repaired. For outside time, the children play in a fenced areas. I observed numerous items for the children to play with which promote imaginative and creative play as well as gross motor activities. We discussed that the following items were observed out of compliance on the outdoor playground. *The toys and furnishings did have large amounts of mildew and dirt and we discussed today that they are in dire need of a deep cleaning. *I also observed that there is a gutter on the corner of the house that is closest to Arendell Avenue which has separated and there is a sharp edge exposed which is a safety hazard to the children. The bottom piece of the gutter must be re-connected and repaired. A child could be running on the playground and accidentally hit the broken gutter and cut themselves. *There is a small amount of vegetation hanging over the fence which needs to be cut back. *There is a section on the corner of the playground near the ramp which has grass which is very high and needs to be mowed. Tall grass encourages vermin and other creatures. *I observed two exersaucers on the playground. The exersaucers were observed soggy and wet from being left outside during the recent heavy rains as well as debris which had accumulated on the base of them. This is an issue of sanitation for children young enough to use these. *Additionally, I observed two separate children exhibit behavioral issues. The staff member was observed calling the Director on the phone to ask for assistance with the children and the Director came outside to assist my taking the two children for a walk to talk with them removing them from the outdoor playground. *While I was monitoring the van, I overheard this same staff member state to a child who appeared upset and acting out. The staff member stated to the child “I am not calling Ms. Sieaira and you are not getting your way.” While the staff member did not use a harsh tone while speaking to the child, there are others ways that the staff member could have interacted with the child. I strongly encourage you to reach out to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist for assistance and resources. Your staff took a training with Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavior Quality Enhancement Coach with Early Years, NC (formerly Child Care Services Association) on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25. Please reach back out to Ms. Norris for follow up assistance for staff. There is also a Challenging Behaviors helpline. The telephone number for the helpline is 1-888-600-1685 and choose option #1. There were other behavioral issues observed today in other classrooms and I urge you to reach out to Ms. Norris for assistance. There are also other options you can consider to assist you. You could develop a Behavior Incident Report for the purposes of ongoing tracking of behaviors for the purpose of focusing on the frequency, duration and context of behaviors. These reports could record who was involved, what happened and when are where the incident occurred. Identifying patterns and support communication for families may also assist with consistency when the children are not at the center. Staff and training worksheets were reviewed for accuracy during the visit today. Criminal background check qualification letters were current and on file for all staff. I did review the ABCMS portal to assure that all staff have been linked and all staff have not been linked to the facility as of today’s visit. There are also staff linked who are no longer employed at the center and need to be unlinked. Six staff did not have documentation proving the Staff Development Plans were reviewed and updated. Two staff did not have current emergency contact information on file. Two staff did not have current annual health questionnaires on file. Two staff did not complete the required Health & Safety trainings and one staff member was missing one module in the Health & Safety trainings. A spot check was conducted on seven children’s files and all were observed to be in compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were monitored and observed in compliance. The last fire drill was conducted on 6-13-25 and the last documented EPR drill was also conducted on 6-13-25. The last outdoor playground inspection was conducted on 6-13-25. Fire and sanitation inspections were current and on file. The most recent fire inspection was conducted on 11-21-24 and the most recent sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-19-24. Ms. Stancil and I discussed as a reminder that as of today, I have not received approval from Building, Fire and Sanitation that the recently renovated space which is connected to the school age classroom as an extension and therefore this space cannot be used by the children and is not approved space. There is an approval document on file dated 4-17-25 from Patricia Sabby with Wake County Environmental Health that states that the Kitchen renovation complies with rules. There is also documentation stating that you need to call two weeks in advance to schedule a Rough Health Construction Inspection. Please follow up with Environmental Health on any final approval needed for the Kitchen as well as the extended school-age classroom space. Additionally as we have discussed before, you will also need building and fire approval prior to use of this space and all documentation must be submitted to me prior to use of this space. The center is approved for transportation and the transportation van was onsite today and observed to be in compliance. The program uses a Ford 350 Transit XLT van with license plate VCK 7218. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each staff member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. During a Administrative Action Follow Up visit conducted on 5-7-25, I reminded you and we discussed again that observations must occur two times per month for each staff member. During my visit today, I observed for the month of May 2025, only six of the seven staff had documented observations. For the month of June 2025, four of the seven staff had documented observations. So far for July 2025, only one staff member has one documented observation. I discussed with Ms. Stancil today that there are concerns that this piece of the CAP is continuing to not be met. Ms. Stancil has developed a template form which contains all the required information which must be captured to meet the stipulation but the observations are not being completed consistently and as required. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. *****Violations: Ten (10) violations of child care requirements regarding safety/health, outdoor play areas, developmentally appropriate activities, nutrition, sanitation and staff records were observed today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than July 27, 2025 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Based on history of failure to complete all of the required steps of your Corrective Action Plan and continued non compliance, your facility may be considered for a more stringent administrative action. Training equips caregivers with the skills leading to more responsive and effective care of children. It is critical that staff utilize the tools which were given to them during their trainings to assist with any potential behavior issues that may arise. As of today, I have not observed a consistency of these skills being used by all staff at this facility. Violation Number Comment Rule 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. The required amount of materials were not present in the infant classroom. During the visit today, I observed one wooden shelf with about 10-12 soft toys and no other items for the children which were accessible. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 488 For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. The toys present were not sufficient in quantity to allow for a range of activities. .0510(e)(3) 525 Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated. The menus which were posted were dated June 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom door in the classroom for the two/three/four year old children was observed to have a lot of dirt and grime. Additionally in this classroom, there was a spot of peeling paint on a wall underneath a pink bunny bulletin board. In the classroom with three/four year old children, I observed dried food and grime on the side of the sink as well as a spot on the wall beside the sink that has paint peeling. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The toys on the outside playground were observed heavily covered in mildew. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The faceplate was missing to an electrical outlet in the classroom with three and four year old children. I also observed the bottom piece of a gutter on the outside of the center located on the playground missing leaving sharp ends exposed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have updated emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Two staff did not complete the required Health and safety training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. Six staff did not have documentation on file that a professional development plan was reviewed and updated. .1104 Technical Assistance: *In child care centers, a clean and safe outdoor environment is essential for nurturing little explorers. Outdoor play areas are more than just spaces for fun – they are vital zones for learning, socializing and physical development. Keeping toys and furnishings clean and free from mildew not only protects children from health risks like allergies and infections, but it also ensures that surfaces remain safe and inviting for active play. *Whether you are indoors or outdoors, every moment with children is an opportunity for learning. I encourage your staff to be intentional in creating experiences that spark curiosity and exploration. Instead of simply observing and watching, staff should take time to kneel down, ask questions, join in play and model discovery. An example which I observed today was one group of children were outside playing and three children were digging in the ground with their hands pretending to cook. This experience could be expanded by inviting the children to the table which is under the tent and dragging the pretend Kitchen to this area and invite the children to cook pretend meals. I observed the children become bored with digging in the sand and one child threw dirt on another child. Please feel free to call me with questions. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/14/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/14/2025 Age: From 1 To 9 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during a full monitoring visit in conjunction with an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit. A Provisional license to operate was issues to the center for the timeframe 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. The center is approved for 69 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 7-14-25. Test results are on file for lead water testing. Ms. Stancil is waiting on a contractor with Clean Classrooms/RTI to come out for Lead Paint and Asbestos testing. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed doing various morning activities. Some were having circle time, playing in centers and some were outside playing. Daily arrival and departure times are documented on an electronic program at the entrance to the center as well as a bar code at the entrance to each classroom. The license and all required information was observed posted. The Administrative Action as well as the Provisional license was observed posted at both entrances to the center. I did observe that current menus were not posted in the center. The menus which were posted were dated June 2025. This was corrected during the visit. Classroom Observations: Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance and space capacity did not exceed that which was allowed. Supervision was observed being maintained. There are no infants enrolled at the center as of today’s visit. I observed that due to low attendance, the infant/toddler classrooms were combined for today. In the infant classroom, I observed minimal toys for the children to play with. I observed one shelf present in the classroom which contained a small variety of soft toys including soft animals and four colored soft blocks. I observed a shelf in the classroom which did have additional books for the classroom but these books were not accessible to the children. Please refer to Child Care Rule .0510 ( e ) for guidance on what is required for children under age three. In the three/four year old classroom: *I observed that there is an unusual smelling odor in the bathroom. I suggest that you have a plumber come and evaluate the odor to make sure there are no issues which need to be addressed. *There is an electrical outlet on one of the walls that is missing a face plate. This is a safety concern as wires are still exposed. *I observed peeling paint beside the handwashing sink. This needs to be sanded down and repainted to avoid children having access to the peeling paint. *There is dried food and grime on the side of the sink which needs to be cleaned. In the two/three/four year old classroom: *The bathroom door was observed to have heavy grime and needs to be deep cleaned. *There is an area of peeling paint on the wall under the pink bunny board. This area must be sanded down, re-painted and repaired. For outside time, the children play in a fenced areas. I observed numerous items for the children to play with which promote imaginative and creative play as well as gross motor activities. We discussed that the following items were observed out of compliance on the outdoor playground. *The toys and furnishings did have large amounts of mildew and dirt and we discussed today that they are in dire need of a deep cleaning. *I also observed that there is a gutter on the corner of the house that is closest to Arendell Avenue which has separated and there is a sharp edge exposed which is a safety hazard to the children. The bottom piece of the gutter must be re-connected and repaired. A child could be running on the playground and accidentally hit the broken gutter and cut themselves. *There is a small amount of vegetation hanging over the fence which needs to be cut back. *There is a section on the corner of the playground near the ramp which has grass which is very high and needs to be mowed. Tall grass encourages vermin and other creatures. *I observed two exersaucers on the playground. The exersaucers were observed soggy and wet from being left outside during the recent heavy rains as well as debris which had accumulated on the base of them. This is an issue of sanitation for children young enough to use these. *Additionally, I observed two separate children exhibit behavioral issues. The staff member was observed calling the Director on the phone to ask for assistance with the children and the Director came outside to assist my taking the two children for a walk to talk with them removing them from the outdoor playground. *While I was monitoring the van, I overheard this same staff member state to a child who appeared upset and acting out. The staff member stated to the child “I am not calling Ms. Sieaira and you are not getting your way.” While the staff member did not use a harsh tone while speaking to the child, there are others ways that the staff member could have interacted with the child. I strongly encourage you to reach out to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist for assistance and resources. Your staff took a training with Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavior Quality Enhancement Coach with Early Years, NC (formerly Child Care Services Association) on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25. Please reach back out to Ms. Norris for follow up assistance for staff. There is also a Challenging Behaviors helpline. The telephone number for the helpline is 1-888-600-1685 and choose option #1. There were other behavioral issues observed today in other classrooms and I urge you to reach out to Ms. Norris for assistance. There are also other options you can consider to assist you. You could develop a Behavior Incident Report for the purposes of ongoing tracking of behaviors for the purpose of focusing on the frequency, duration and context of behaviors. These reports could record who was involved, what happened and when are where the incident occurred. Identifying patterns and support communication for families may also assist with consistency when the children are not at the center. Staff and training worksheets were reviewed for accuracy during the visit today. Criminal background check qualification letters were current and on file for all staff. I did review the ABCMS portal to assure that all staff have been linked and all staff have not been linked to the facility as of today’s visit. There are also staff linked who are no longer employed at the center and need to be unlinked. Six staff did not have documentation proving the Staff Development Plans were reviewed and updated. Two staff did not have current emergency contact information on file. Two staff did not have current annual health questionnaires on file. Two staff did not complete the required Health & Safety trainings and one staff member was missing one module in the Health & Safety trainings. A spot check was conducted on seven children’s files and all were observed to be in compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were monitored and observed in compliance. The last fire drill was conducted on 6-13-25 and the last documented EPR drill was also conducted on 6-13-25. The last outdoor playground inspection was conducted on 6-13-25. Fire and sanitation inspections were current and on file. The most recent fire inspection was conducted on 11-21-24 and the most recent sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-19-24. Ms. Stancil and I discussed as a reminder that as of today, I have not received approval from Building, Fire and Sanitation that the recently renovated space which is connected to the school age classroom as an extension and therefore this space cannot be used by the children and is not approved space. There is an approval document on file dated 4-17-25 from Patricia Sabby with Wake County Environmental Health that states that the Kitchen renovation complies with rules. There is also documentation stating that you need to call two weeks in advance to schedule a Rough Health Construction Inspection. Please follow up with Environmental Health on any final approval needed for the Kitchen as well as the extended school-age classroom space. Additionally as we have discussed before, you will also need building and fire approval prior to use of this space and all documentation must be submitted to me prior to use of this space. The center is approved for transportation and the transportation van was onsite today and observed to be in compliance. The program uses a Ford 350 Transit XLT van with license plate VCK 7218. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each staff member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. During a Administrative Action Follow Up visit conducted on 5-7-25, I reminded you and we discussed again that observations must occur two times per month for each staff member. During my visit today, I observed for the month of May 2025, only six of the seven staff had documented observations. For the month of June 2025, four of the seven staff had documented observations. So far for July 2025, only one staff member has one documented observation. I discussed with Ms. Stancil today that there are concerns that this piece of the CAP is continuing to not be met. Ms. Stancil has developed a template form which contains all the required information which must be captured to meet the stipulation but the observations are not being completed consistently and as required. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. *****Violations: Ten (10) violations of child care requirements regarding safety/health, outdoor play areas, developmentally appropriate activities, nutrition, sanitation and staff records were observed today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than July 27, 2025 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Based on history of failure to complete all of the required steps of your Corrective Action Plan and continued non compliance, your facility may be considered for a more stringent administrative action. Training equips caregivers with the skills leading to more responsive and effective care of children. It is critical that staff utilize the tools which were given to them during their trainings to assist with any potential behavior issues that may arise. As of today, I have not observed a consistency of these skills being used by all staff at this facility. Violation Number Comment Rule 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. The required amount of materials were not present in the infant classroom. During the visit today, I observed one wooden shelf with about 10-12 soft toys and no other items for the children which were accessible. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 488 For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. The toys present were not sufficient in quantity to allow for a range of activities. .0510(e)(3) 525 Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated. The menus which were posted were dated June 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom door in the classroom for the two/three/four year old children was observed to have a lot of dirt and grime. Additionally in this classroom, there was a spot of peeling paint on a wall underneath a pink bunny bulletin board. In the classroom with three/four year old children, I observed dried food and grime on the side of the sink as well as a spot on the wall beside the sink that has paint peeling. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The toys on the outside playground were observed heavily covered in mildew. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The faceplate was missing to an electrical outlet in the classroom with three and four year old children. I also observed the bottom piece of a gutter on the outside of the center located on the playground missing leaving sharp ends exposed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have updated emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Two staff did not complete the required Health and safety training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. Six staff did not have documentation on file that a professional development plan was reviewed and updated. .1104 Technical Assistance: *In child care centers, a clean and safe outdoor environment is essential for nurturing little explorers. Outdoor play areas are more than just spaces for fun – they are vital zones for learning, socializing and physical development. Keeping toys and furnishings clean and free from mildew not only protects children from health risks like allergies and infections, but it also ensures that surfaces remain safe and inviting for active play. *Whether you are indoors or outdoors, every moment with children is an opportunity for learning. I encourage your staff to be intentional in creating experiences that spark curiosity and exploration. Instead of simply observing and watching, staff should take time to kneel down, ask questions, join in play and model discovery. An example which I observed today was one group of children were outside playing and three children were digging in the ground with their hands pretending to cook. This experience could be expanded by inviting the children to the table which is under the tent and dragging the pretend Kitchen to this area and invite the children to cook pretend meals. I observed the children become bored with digging in the sand and one child threw dirt on another child. Please feel free to call me with questions. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/14/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/14/2025 Age: From 1 To 9 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during a full monitoring visit in conjunction with an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit. A Provisional license to operate was issues to the center for the timeframe 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. The center is approved for 69 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 7-14-25. Test results are on file for lead water testing. Ms. Stancil is waiting on a contractor with Clean Classrooms/RTI to come out for Lead Paint and Asbestos testing. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed doing various morning activities. Some were having circle time, playing in centers and some were outside playing. Daily arrival and departure times are documented on an electronic program at the entrance to the center as well as a bar code at the entrance to each classroom. The license and all required information was observed posted. The Administrative Action as well as the Provisional license was observed posted at both entrances to the center. I did observe that current menus were not posted in the center. The menus which were posted were dated June 2025. This was corrected during the visit. Classroom Observations: Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance and space capacity did not exceed that which was allowed. Supervision was observed being maintained. There are no infants enrolled at the center as of today’s visit. I observed that due to low attendance, the infant/toddler classrooms were combined for today. In the infant classroom, I observed minimal toys for the children to play with. I observed one shelf present in the classroom which contained a small variety of soft toys including soft animals and four colored soft blocks. I observed a shelf in the classroom which did have additional books for the classroom but these books were not accessible to the children. Please refer to Child Care Rule .0510 ( e ) for guidance on what is required for children under age three. In the three/four year old classroom: *I observed that there is an unusual smelling odor in the bathroom. I suggest that you have a plumber come and evaluate the odor to make sure there are no issues which need to be addressed. *There is an electrical outlet on one of the walls that is missing a face plate. This is a safety concern as wires are still exposed. *I observed peeling paint beside the handwashing sink. This needs to be sanded down and repainted to avoid children having access to the peeling paint. *There is dried food and grime on the side of the sink which needs to be cleaned. In the two/three/four year old classroom: *The bathroom door was observed to have heavy grime and needs to be deep cleaned. *There is an area of peeling paint on the wall under the pink bunny board. This area must be sanded down, re-painted and repaired. For outside time, the children play in a fenced areas. I observed numerous items for the children to play with which promote imaginative and creative play as well as gross motor activities. We discussed that the following items were observed out of compliance on the outdoor playground. *The toys and furnishings did have large amounts of mildew and dirt and we discussed today that they are in dire need of a deep cleaning. *I also observed that there is a gutter on the corner of the house that is closest to Arendell Avenue which has separated and there is a sharp edge exposed which is a safety hazard to the children. The bottom piece of the gutter must be re-connected and repaired. A child could be running on the playground and accidentally hit the broken gutter and cut themselves. *There is a small amount of vegetation hanging over the fence which needs to be cut back. *There is a section on the corner of the playground near the ramp which has grass which is very high and needs to be mowed. Tall grass encourages vermin and other creatures. *I observed two exersaucers on the playground. The exersaucers were observed soggy and wet from being left outside during the recent heavy rains as well as debris which had accumulated on the base of them. This is an issue of sanitation for children young enough to use these. *Additionally, I observed two separate children exhibit behavioral issues. The staff member was observed calling the Director on the phone to ask for assistance with the children and the Director came outside to assist my taking the two children for a walk to talk with them removing them from the outdoor playground. *While I was monitoring the van, I overheard this same staff member state to a child who appeared upset and acting out. The staff member stated to the child “I am not calling Ms. Sieaira and you are not getting your way.” While the staff member did not use a harsh tone while speaking to the child, there are others ways that the staff member could have interacted with the child. I strongly encourage you to reach out to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist for assistance and resources. Your staff took a training with Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavior Quality Enhancement Coach with Early Years, NC (formerly Child Care Services Association) on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25. Please reach back out to Ms. Norris for follow up assistance for staff. There is also a Challenging Behaviors helpline. The telephone number for the helpline is 1-888-600-1685 and choose option #1. There were other behavioral issues observed today in other classrooms and I urge you to reach out to Ms. Norris for assistance. There are also other options you can consider to assist you. You could develop a Behavior Incident Report for the purposes of ongoing tracking of behaviors for the purpose of focusing on the frequency, duration and context of behaviors. These reports could record who was involved, what happened and when are where the incident occurred. Identifying patterns and support communication for families may also assist with consistency when the children are not at the center. Staff and training worksheets were reviewed for accuracy during the visit today. Criminal background check qualification letters were current and on file for all staff. I did review the ABCMS portal to assure that all staff have been linked and all staff have not been linked to the facility as of today’s visit. There are also staff linked who are no longer employed at the center and need to be unlinked. Six staff did not have documentation proving the Staff Development Plans were reviewed and updated. Two staff did not have current emergency contact information on file. Two staff did not have current annual health questionnaires on file. Two staff did not complete the required Health & Safety trainings and one staff member was missing one module in the Health & Safety trainings. A spot check was conducted on seven children’s files and all were observed to be in compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were monitored and observed in compliance. The last fire drill was conducted on 6-13-25 and the last documented EPR drill was also conducted on 6-13-25. The last outdoor playground inspection was conducted on 6-13-25. Fire and sanitation inspections were current and on file. The most recent fire inspection was conducted on 11-21-24 and the most recent sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-19-24. Ms. Stancil and I discussed as a reminder that as of today, I have not received approval from Building, Fire and Sanitation that the recently renovated space which is connected to the school age classroom as an extension and therefore this space cannot be used by the children and is not approved space. There is an approval document on file dated 4-17-25 from Patricia Sabby with Wake County Environmental Health that states that the Kitchen renovation complies with rules. There is also documentation stating that you need to call two weeks in advance to schedule a Rough Health Construction Inspection. Please follow up with Environmental Health on any final approval needed for the Kitchen as well as the extended school-age classroom space. Additionally as we have discussed before, you will also need building and fire approval prior to use of this space and all documentation must be submitted to me prior to use of this space. The center is approved for transportation and the transportation van was onsite today and observed to be in compliance. The program uses a Ford 350 Transit XLT van with license plate VCK 7218. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each staff member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. During a Administrative Action Follow Up visit conducted on 5-7-25, I reminded you and we discussed again that observations must occur two times per month for each staff member. During my visit today, I observed for the month of May 2025, only six of the seven staff had documented observations. For the month of June 2025, four of the seven staff had documented observations. So far for July 2025, only one staff member has one documented observation. I discussed with Ms. Stancil today that there are concerns that this piece of the CAP is continuing to not be met. Ms. Stancil has developed a template form which contains all the required information which must be captured to meet the stipulation but the observations are not being completed consistently and as required. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. *****Violations: Ten (10) violations of child care requirements regarding safety/health, outdoor play areas, developmentally appropriate activities, nutrition, sanitation and staff records were observed today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than July 27, 2025 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Based on history of failure to complete all of the required steps of your Corrective Action Plan and continued non compliance, your facility may be considered for a more stringent administrative action. Training equips caregivers with the skills leading to more responsive and effective care of children. It is critical that staff utilize the tools which were given to them during their trainings to assist with any potential behavior issues that may arise. As of today, I have not observed a consistency of these skills being used by all staff at this facility. Violation Number Comment Rule 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. The required amount of materials were not present in the infant classroom. During the visit today, I observed one wooden shelf with about 10-12 soft toys and no other items for the children which were accessible. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 488 For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. The toys present were not sufficient in quantity to allow for a range of activities. .0510(e)(3) 525 Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated. The menus which were posted were dated June 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The bathroom door in the classroom for the two/three/four year old children was observed to have a lot of dirt and grime. Additionally in this classroom, there was a spot of peeling paint on a wall underneath a pink bunny bulletin board. In the classroom with three/four year old children, I observed dried food and grime on the side of the sink as well as a spot on the wall beside the sink that has paint peeling. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The toys on the outside playground were observed heavily covered in mildew. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The faceplate was missing to an electrical outlet in the classroom with three and four year old children. I also observed the bottom piece of a gutter on the outside of the center located on the playground missing leaving sharp ends exposed. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Two staff did not have a current annual health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two staff did not have updated emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Two staff did not complete the required Health and safety training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. Six staff did not have documentation on file that a professional development plan was reviewed and updated. .1104 Technical Assistance: *In child care centers, a clean and safe outdoor environment is essential for nurturing little explorers. Outdoor play areas are more than just spaces for fun – they are vital zones for learning, socializing and physical development. Keeping toys and furnishings clean and free from mildew not only protects children from health risks like allergies and infections, but it also ensures that surfaces remain safe and inviting for active play. *Whether you are indoors or outdoors, every moment with children is an opportunity for learning. I encourage your staff to be intentional in creating experiences that spark curiosity and exploration. Instead of simply observing and watching, staff should take time to kneel down, ask questions, join in play and model discovery. An example which I observed today was one group of children were outside playing and three children were digging in the ground with their hands pretending to cook. This experience could be expanded by inviting the children to the table which is under the tent and dragging the pretend Kitchen to this area and invite the children to cook pretend meals. I observed the children become bored with digging in the sand and one child threw dirt on another child. Please feel free to call me with questions. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/7/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 5/7/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance/Administrative Action follow-up visit. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 5-13-24. The center currently operates with a Provisional License for the timeframe 2-14-25 to 8-14-25 as the result of an Administrative Action which was issued 2-14-25. The center is approved for 69 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. I verified on the NC Secretary of State website that the owner of the program, Kidz Konnection, Inc., is listed as current-active as of 5-7-25. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed doing various morning activities. Some were having circle time and others were playing outside. The infant room was closed today due to the fact that no infants were present. Daily arrival and departure times are documented on an electronic program at the entrance to the center. There are QR codes at the entrance to each classroom that the parents scan upon entry as a way of documenting arrival and departure times of the children. The Provisional license and all required information including the Administrative Action was observed posted at the entrance to the center. Classroom Observations: Sleeping baby checks for all infants ages 0-12 months were monitored and observed to be current and on file. Feeding schedules were current and posted for all children ages 0-15 months of age. Diapering areas were observed to be clean and in good repair. All hazardous items were locked up or placed out of reach of children. Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance and space capacity did not exceed that which was allowed. Supervision was observed being maintained. We discussed today that in the Toddler classroom, I observed the teacher give the children Skittles candy. We discussed that the staff member did not wash her hands before giving each child a piece of candy. I also discussed with the teacher as well as Ms. Stancil that a healthier choice for a “treat” should be offered to the children. I gave examples of snacks such as vanilla wafers, Teddy Grahams or fresh fruit. We also discussed that I observed a strong sewage smell coming from the 2/3 year old classroom. I attempted to flush the commode in the bathroom located inside the classroom and the commode did flush but did not empty out all the way before re-filling with water. I suggest that a plumber be contacted to evaluate to make sure there is not a blockage underneath in the lines. In previous visits, I have not smelled this particular smell before so I urge you to have the toilet/sewer line evaluated by a professional. In the classroom for the children ages 3-5 years old, I observed one child who did not wash their hands after using the bathroom before returning back to circle time. The staff member was sitting facing the sink in the classroom but did not remind the child to wash their hands. For outside time, the children play in a fenced areas. I observed numerous items for the children to play with which promote imaginative and creative play as well as gross motor activities. I discussed with Ms. Stancil today that the outside toys still were observed to have heavy mildew on them as discussed during my last visit. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that the toys need to be sprayed down with a solution strong enough to remove the mildew or power washed and should not be done when the children are not present. I also observed that there are a lot of things that could be an expansion of the classroom but are not being used. There are hanging bird feeders on the fence but are empty. Adding some bird food will bring a variety of birds. You can give the children crayons and paper and they can document what types of birds they see and possibly draw them. Different varieties of food can be added to different bird feeders and the children can document which type of bird goes to each feeder. This is a great example of expanding the classroom outside and will promote spontaneous conversation. A garden can also be planted in the area which is sectioned off with white PVC pipe. A variety of vegetables can be planted and children can watch them grow and then they can have a taste test once the vegetables are harvested. Lastly, I observed an empty hummingbird feeder on the playground. Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that are known for their flying ability and they can actually fly backwards and upside down. The children would enjoy watching the hummingbirds and learn a lot in the process. Keeping the feeder full of the nectar will attract the attention of them. Staff and training worksheets were submitted to me today. All new staff files were monitored for compliance. We discussed that one staff member did not have an Emergency Information form on file and a second staff member did not have an updated form on file. We also discussed that two staff took CPR/First Aid from agencies which were not approved CPR/First Aid agencies. One of the two staff members was within their 90 day window and still has time to complete CPR/First Aid again through an approved agency by 6-12-25. The second staff member is outside of their window upon hire and will have two weeks to retake CPR/First Aid. Ms. Stancil and I discussed that they were under the impression that the agency that they took their CPR/First Aid from was an approved agency and I explained to Ms. Stancil that there was no information on the CPR/First Aid cards other than the actual training company indicating who the agency is affiliated with. I showed Ms. Stancil the list of approved CPR/First Aid approved agencies on the DCDEE website during my visit today. A spot check was conducted on seven children’s files and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were monitored and observed to be in compliance. The last fire drill was conducted on 5-2-25 and the last EPR drill was conducted on 3-5-25. Another EPR drill will need to be conducted before 6-5-25 in order to remain in compliance. The last outdoor playground inspection was conducted on 4-4-25. Fire and sanitation inspections were current and on file. The most recent fire inspection was conducted on 11-24-24 and the last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-19-24. The center is approved for transportation and transportation requirements were monitored today. The center uses a Ford Transit 350 van with license plate VCK 7218. The transportation van was on-site today and I did not observe a fire extinguisher or a first aid kit in the van. I also observed that on the front row of seats, there was a seat belt buckle which was observed not in working order. The belt appeared stuck and would not pull down far enough that it would latch around the booster seat. Ms. Stancil stated that she is aware of the issue and has discovered that if the seat belt is pushed all the way but up to the top, she can usually get it to release enough in length that it buckles around the booster seat. You will need to have this seat belt evaluated in order to continue use of that seat. The seat belt is not functioning as intended if it takes a special effort to secure the seat belt. We also discussed that on the second row of the van the cover for the buckle in the middle is missing. I tested the buckle and it did latch but over time, the stability of the buckle may be compromised due to the fact that the cover is missing. I suggest that you have both seat belts evaluated and repaired or replaced. Lastly, we discussed that the van needs a good deep cleaning. There were a large amount of crumbs in the van which need to be cleaned up as well as other trash in the van. Please also send me a copy of the liability insurance card for my files. There are strict guidelines in place to assure that the daily transportation of children meets safety standards. Routine safety checks should be done on every aspect of the transportation vehicle and every seat belt should be checked regularly. The transportation vehicle should be on a daily cleaning routine as well as a deep cleaning schedule. Child-safe disinfectants should be used on surfaces that children frequently touch such as seats and windows and all waste should be disposed of. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that Ms. Stancil has created and implemented a form that is used for every observation in an effort to assure that all required components of this stipulation are met. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. During the visit today, I observed that all required information is now being documented. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Nine violations of child care requirements regarding healthy practices & reduction of spread of germs, handwashing, transportation and staff records were observed out of compliance today. A corrective action letter stating what was done to correct each violation is due to me no later than 5-21-25 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Another unannounced visit will be made during this Provisional License period which stays into effect until 8-14-25. Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. A child did not wash their hands after using the bathroom. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. A staff member served children candy without washing their hands prior to serving the children. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. The outdoor toys were observed to have heavy mildew and are in a need of a deep cleaning. .2822(a)(1-4) 1110 Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in the child care center did not comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. One seat belt on the transportation van did not function properly during my visit. .1002(b) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. I did not observe a first aid kit or a fire extinguisher on the transportation van. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three staff did not have updated staff development plans in the files. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) Technical Assistance: *Handwashing is a critical practice in child care settings because it helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps children and staff healthy. Washing hands properly can protect children from infections like colds, flu and stomach bugs. Young children should be supervised to ensure they are remembering to wash their hands. Staff should be reminded that each time they serve a child food it is critical to remember to wash their hands so germs cannot be spread to the child. *I observed several of the Toddlers climbing on top of a table in the classroom and while the staff member used warm, nurturing tones to remind the children it was not safe to climb, alternatives and redirection was not observed. Toddlers are natural climbers and while their adventurous spirit is wonderful, it is still important to assure that their safety is not compromised. When the teacher is planning activities, special attention should be paid to incorporating activities to allow child the ability to climb but in a safe designated area. Safe climbing habits should also be taught to the children. Activities should be planned to encourage gross motor development such as crawling tunnels, balance beams and soft play area to help toddlers develop coordination and strength in a safe way. Keeping the children actively engaged with little down time also assists with climbing and other negative behaviors. *I also discussed with the Toddler Room teacher ways that the topic for the week can be expanded into different centers in the classroom. The teacher stated that the theme for the week was around the topic of science and the morning art activity was that they colored a picture of a magnifying glass. We discussed that a real magnifying glass could be brought into the classroom with various objects that the children could look at through the magnifying glass. The magnifying glass can also be taken outside to allow the children to look at objects in the outdoor environment. Books about insects and plants could be added to the book area. Things that a scientist would typically wear such as lab coats could be added to the pretend play area. With a little effort, you will find that each topic can be expanded into each area of the classroom! Please feel free to call me with questions. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/7/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 5/7/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance/Administrative Action follow-up visit. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 5-13-24. The center currently operates with a Provisional License for the timeframe 2-14-25 to 8-14-25 as the result of an Administrative Action which was issued 2-14-25. The center is approved for 69 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. I verified on the NC Secretary of State website that the owner of the program, Kidz Konnection, Inc., is listed as current-active as of 5-7-25. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed doing various morning activities. Some were having circle time and others were playing outside. The infant room was closed today due to the fact that no infants were present. Daily arrival and departure times are documented on an electronic program at the entrance to the center. There are QR codes at the entrance to each classroom that the parents scan upon entry as a way of documenting arrival and departure times of the children. The Provisional license and all required information including the Administrative Action was observed posted at the entrance to the center. Classroom Observations: Sleeping baby checks for all infants ages 0-12 months were monitored and observed to be current and on file. Feeding schedules were current and posted for all children ages 0-15 months of age. Diapering areas were observed to be clean and in good repair. All hazardous items were locked up or placed out of reach of children. Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance and space capacity did not exceed that which was allowed. Supervision was observed being maintained. We discussed today that in the Toddler classroom, I observed the teacher give the children Skittles candy. We discussed that the staff member did not wash her hands before giving each child a piece of candy. I also discussed with the teacher as well as Ms. Stancil that a healthier choice for a “treat” should be offered to the children. I gave examples of snacks such as vanilla wafers, Teddy Grahams or fresh fruit. We also discussed that I observed a strong sewage smell coming from the 2/3 year old classroom. I attempted to flush the commode in the bathroom located inside the classroom and the commode did flush but did not empty out all the way before re-filling with water. I suggest that a plumber be contacted to evaluate to make sure there is not a blockage underneath in the lines. In previous visits, I have not smelled this particular smell before so I urge you to have the toilet/sewer line evaluated by a professional. In the classroom for the children ages 3-5 years old, I observed one child who did not wash their hands after using the bathroom before returning back to circle time. The staff member was sitting facing the sink in the classroom but did not remind the child to wash their hands. For outside time, the children play in a fenced areas. I observed numerous items for the children to play with which promote imaginative and creative play as well as gross motor activities. I discussed with Ms. Stancil today that the outside toys still were observed to have heavy mildew on them as discussed during my last visit. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that the toys need to be sprayed down with a solution strong enough to remove the mildew or power washed and should not be done when the children are not present. I also observed that there are a lot of things that could be an expansion of the classroom but are not being used. There are hanging bird feeders on the fence but are empty. Adding some bird food will bring a variety of birds. You can give the children crayons and paper and they can document what types of birds they see and possibly draw them. Different varieties of food can be added to different bird feeders and the children can document which type of bird goes to each feeder. This is a great example of expanding the classroom outside and will promote spontaneous conversation. A garden can also be planted in the area which is sectioned off with white PVC pipe. A variety of vegetables can be planted and children can watch them grow and then they can have a taste test once the vegetables are harvested. Lastly, I observed an empty hummingbird feeder on the playground. Hummingbirds are amazing creatures that are known for their flying ability and they can actually fly backwards and upside down. The children would enjoy watching the hummingbirds and learn a lot in the process. Keeping the feeder full of the nectar will attract the attention of them. Staff and training worksheets were submitted to me today. All new staff files were monitored for compliance. We discussed that one staff member did not have an Emergency Information form on file and a second staff member did not have an updated form on file. We also discussed that two staff took CPR/First Aid from agencies which were not approved CPR/First Aid agencies. One of the two staff members was within their 90 day window and still has time to complete CPR/First Aid again through an approved agency by 6-12-25. The second staff member is outside of their window upon hire and will have two weeks to retake CPR/First Aid. Ms. Stancil and I discussed that they were under the impression that the agency that they took their CPR/First Aid from was an approved agency and I explained to Ms. Stancil that there was no information on the CPR/First Aid cards other than the actual training company indicating who the agency is affiliated with. I showed Ms. Stancil the list of approved CPR/First Aid approved agencies on the DCDEE website during my visit today. A spot check was conducted on seven children’s files and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were monitored and observed to be in compliance. The last fire drill was conducted on 5-2-25 and the last EPR drill was conducted on 3-5-25. Another EPR drill will need to be conducted before 6-5-25 in order to remain in compliance. The last outdoor playground inspection was conducted on 4-4-25. Fire and sanitation inspections were current and on file. The most recent fire inspection was conducted on 11-24-24 and the last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-19-24. The center is approved for transportation and transportation requirements were monitored today. The center uses a Ford Transit 350 van with license plate VCK 7218. The transportation van was on-site today and I did not observe a fire extinguisher or a first aid kit in the van. I also observed that on the front row of seats, there was a seat belt buckle which was observed not in working order. The belt appeared stuck and would not pull down far enough that it would latch around the booster seat. Ms. Stancil stated that she is aware of the issue and has discovered that if the seat belt is pushed all the way but up to the top, she can usually get it to release enough in length that it buckles around the booster seat. You will need to have this seat belt evaluated in order to continue use of that seat. The seat belt is not functioning as intended if it takes a special effort to secure the seat belt. We also discussed that on the second row of the van the cover for the buckle in the middle is missing. I tested the buckle and it did latch but over time, the stability of the buckle may be compromised due to the fact that the cover is missing. I suggest that you have both seat belts evaluated and repaired or replaced. Lastly, we discussed that the van needs a good deep cleaning. There were a large amount of crumbs in the van which need to be cleaned up as well as other trash in the van. Please also send me a copy of the liability insurance card for my files. There are strict guidelines in place to assure that the daily transportation of children meets safety standards. Routine safety checks should be done on every aspect of the transportation vehicle and every seat belt should be checked regularly. The transportation vehicle should be on a daily cleaning routine as well as a deep cleaning schedule. Child-safe disinfectants should be used on surfaces that children frequently touch such as seats and windows and all waste should be disposed of. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that Ms. Stancil has created and implemented a form that is used for every observation in an effort to assure that all required components of this stipulation are met. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. During the visit today, I observed that all required information is now being documented. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Nine violations of child care requirements regarding healthy practices & reduction of spread of germs, handwashing, transportation and staff records were observed out of compliance today. A corrective action letter stating what was done to correct each violation is due to me no later than 5-21-25 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Another unannounced visit will be made during this Provisional License period which stays into effect until 8-14-25. Violation Number Comment Rule 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. A child did not wash their hands after using the bathroom. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. A staff member served children candy without washing their hands prior to serving the children. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. The outdoor toys were observed to have heavy mildew and are in a need of a deep cleaning. .2822(a)(1-4) 1110 Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in the child care center did not comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. One seat belt on the transportation van did not function properly during my visit. .1002(b) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. I did not observe a first aid kit or a fire extinguisher on the transportation van. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Three staff did not have updated staff development plans in the files. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) Technical Assistance: *Handwashing is a critical practice in child care settings because it helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps children and staff healthy. Washing hands properly can protect children from infections like colds, flu and stomach bugs. Young children should be supervised to ensure they are remembering to wash their hands. Staff should be reminded that each time they serve a child food it is critical to remember to wash their hands so germs cannot be spread to the child. *I observed several of the Toddlers climbing on top of a table in the classroom and while the staff member used warm, nurturing tones to remind the children it was not safe to climb, alternatives and redirection was not observed. Toddlers are natural climbers and while their adventurous spirit is wonderful, it is still important to assure that their safety is not compromised. When the teacher is planning activities, special attention should be paid to incorporating activities to allow child the ability to climb but in a safe designated area. Safe climbing habits should also be taught to the children. Activities should be planned to encourage gross motor development such as crawling tunnels, balance beams and soft play area to help toddlers develop coordination and strength in a safe way. Keeping the children actively engaged with little down time also assists with climbing and other negative behaviors. *I also discussed with the Toddler Room teacher ways that the topic for the week can be expanded into different centers in the classroom. The teacher stated that the theme for the week was around the topic of science and the morning art activity was that they colored a picture of a magnifying glass. We discussed that a real magnifying glass could be brought into the classroom with various objects that the children could look at through the magnifying glass. The magnifying glass can also be taken outside to allow the children to look at objects in the outdoor environment. Books about insects and plants could be added to the book area. Things that a scientist would typically wear such as lab coats could be added to the pretend play area. With a little effort, you will find that each topic can be expanded into each area of the classroom! Please feel free to call me with questions. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable NC Child Care Licensing Requirements and the completion status of the Corrective Action Plan issued to your child care center along with a Provisional License that was issued for the timeframe of 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Michele Remington, Wake County Licensing Supervisor, was also present for the visit today. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 4-14-25. Upon arrival, the children were observed playing outside. The Infants were observed coming in from outside. Staff/child ratios, space capacity, supervision and nurture and care of children were monitored and observed to be in compliance. It was observed that evacuation plan routes for all classrooms have not been updated since the rooms were remodeled. You will need to update the evacuation route plans reflecting the new floor plans and post them in each classroom. We also observed that there was a smoke detector outside of the Infant Room was chirping. We discussed with Ms. Stancil to check the smoke detector to see if the batteries need to be replaced. Ms. Stancil stated that she would contact the owner for someone to come and look into it. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was monitored and I did observe that the alternate contact is a staff member who know longer is employed at the center. The Emergency Medical Care Plan must be updated with a new alternate contact. Medical emergencies can arise in an instant. Keeping emergency care plans updated and having it in plain sight and ready to go is a must. It is important to be well prepared for prompt, safe, specialized care in the event of a medical emergency. Families and caregivers all need to share and collaborate in this responsibility. This way, if and when an emergency occurs, family members and staff will have the information they need to effectively initiate care and possibly save a life. An emergency medical care plan is also a valuable resource for the health care provider. . There were two Infants observed present. Three of the Toddlers were moved to the Infant room for nap time. I observed one Infant was sitting in a bouncy seat with a bottle and the staff member was feeding a second Infant in another bouncy seat. We discussed that children must be fed in approved feeding apparatuses and a bouncy seat is not an approved feeding apparatus. There are two infant feeding chairs present in the classroom which must be used or the staff member can hold the infants and feed them their bottles. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the infants ages 0-12 months and observed to be in compliance. In the Toddler classroom, I observed a staff members bag sitting on a white shelf attached to the wall which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of Vaseline in a side pouch of the bag which was accessible to the children. This poses a safety hazard to the children. Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. It is extremely important that staff are taking the required time to assure that their bags/purses are placed out of reach of the children or placed in locked storage. There was a blue/green/white soccer ball which was on the carpeted area which needs to be removed and cleaned. The ball was observed to have heavy dirt and grime. The books in the Toddler classroom need some TLC and or replaced. There are three children who are less than 15 months old and I observed two feeding plans posted. All children under 15 months old must have feeding plans posted. Additionally, I observed that the two Feeding Plans which were posted need to be updated. There were a total of five outlets uncovered in the Two’s classroom and three outlets uncovered in the 3-5 year old classroom. Approximately 2,400 children are injured annually by inserting objects into the slots of electrical outlets. For this reason, all electrical outlets, including those on power strips, not in use that are in areas accessible to children must be protected with a safety plug or should be classified as a tamper-resistant electrical outlet. Consider adding a note near the outlets to serve as a reminder to re-cover the outlets. Review this with teachers during orientation as part of the observation of daily routines. Hold a staff meeting to review the different ways you all can work together to maintain compliance with childcare requirements regarding outlet covers. There were several items observed on the outdoor playground which must be corrected. The gate facing Arendall Street was not latched and the black tarp which was wrapped around the fence would not stop a child from running into the busy road due to the gate not being latched. A staff member latched the gate back however the gate door is not secure. You will need to secure the latch with extra precautions so that the gate does not come unlatched again. Several pieces of the equipment and furnishings outside were covered in pollen and mildew and in need of a good deep cleaning. There is an Infant buggy located on the preschool playground which needs to be removed. The seats of the buggy had very small piles of muddy pollen water on them and I observed a child attempt to climb on the buggy. Lastly, there was a black cord which was partially uncovered near the lattice area where the HVAC is that is not only a tripping hazard but could also be a source of electricity which poses a safety concern for the children. The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. During this Administrative Action Follow-up visit, a partial monitoring of minimum Child Care Requirements was conducted, monitoring all classrooms. The monitoring included the center’s license and permit restrictions, staff/child ratios, supervision, sanitation requirements, discipline and general caregiving activities. I observed that the Administrative Action was not posted along with the Provisional License at the entrance to the center. Ms. Stancil stated she must have moved it but did place it back up during the visit. Please remember that the Action must remain posted along with the Provisional License for the timeframe of the Administrative Action timeframe. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. For the week of 3-17-21-25 to 3-21-25, the Toddler classroom was the only classroom that was monitored. For the week of 3-24-25 to 3-28-25 only the Preschool (ages 3-5) was monitored. For the week of 3-31-25 to 4-4-25, observations occurred for the Toddler and Preschool classrooms. For the week of 4-7-25 to 4-11-25, no observations occurred during this week. All of the required information was not documented for each observation as required. Staff who were observing did not indicate who was observing and which staff member was being observed. There was no documentation proving that the observations were reviewed with staff and I did not observe any follow up to correct the non compliance. We discussed today the importance of developing a tool/form to assure that all the components of the stipulation are met. At a minimum the form should indicate a date/time of observation, which classroom was observed, the name of the observer with signature, the staff member being observed with signature, details of what was observed, indication if there was any non-compliance issues observed and corrective actions which were taken and feedback which was provided. I would also suggest to divide the notebook containing all the observations be divided into two weeks for easier access and review. It may also help to have pre-printed forms for each staff member. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Nine violations of child care requirements were observed out of compliance today. A corrective action letter stating what was done to correct each violation is due to me no later than 4-28-25 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Another unannounced visit will be made during this Provisional License period which stays into effect until 8-14-25. Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. A written feeding plan was missing for one of three children in the Toddler classroom based on the ages indicated on the Nutrition program attendance. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Written feeding plans for two children in the Toddler classroom were not updated and still reflected when the children were being bottle fed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. A green/blue/white ball in the Toddler classroom had heavy grime and dirt and needs to be cleaned or removed from the classroom. There were also numerous items on the outside playground which had heavy mildew and need to be deep cleaned. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. There were numerous toys on the outside playground which had heavy mildew on them. There was also an Infant buggy on one side of the playground which had small puddles of mildew and pollen water in the seats. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff members bag which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of vaseline was sitting on a shelf in the Toddler classroom accessible to the children. There was also a black power cord which was partially exposed which is a tripping hazard tot he children and could additionally be a safety concern if this is a source of power for the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were five outlets observed uncovered in the two year old classroom and three outlets observed uncovered in the preschool age classroom. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 826 Gates to the fenced outdoor play area did not remain closed while children occupied the area. The gate door leading to Arendell Avenue was partially open and did not not firmly latch which would allow a child to get outside of the fenced area. .0605(i) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. An updated EMC plan was not on file at the center. A staff member who is no longer employed with the center is listed on the EMC plan as the alternate contact. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. The fire evacuation routes displaying the current floor plan of the center was not posted. The smoke detector outside of the Infant room was also observed chirping and not functioning as intended in the event of a power failure. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center had a 85% Compliance History Score. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d) all child care centers must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your center may have an impact on the total compliance history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Should this occur, your center may be at risk of further administrative action. Technical Assistance: *I would encourage you to continue to work with Jesse Norris with Early Years to expand upon the training which was received. A revised copy of the April 2025 training calendar was also left with Ms. Stancil during my visit today. *We also discussed to please have the owner, Ms. Keith send me an update of what was submitted to the Town of Zebulon and Environmental Health regarding the status of approval for the new placement of the Kitchen as well as the new space added in the School Age classroom. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919)819-9387. All mail correspondence should be sent to Post Office Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable NC Child Care Licensing Requirements and the completion status of the Corrective Action Plan issued to your child care center along with a Provisional License that was issued for the timeframe of 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Michele Remington, Wake County Licensing Supervisor, was also present for the visit today. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 4-14-25. Upon arrival, the children were observed playing outside. The Infants were observed coming in from outside. Staff/child ratios, space capacity, supervision and nurture and care of children were monitored and observed to be in compliance. It was observed that evacuation plan routes for all classrooms have not been updated since the rooms were remodeled. You will need to update the evacuation route plans reflecting the new floor plans and post them in each classroom. We also observed that there was a smoke detector outside of the Infant Room was chirping. We discussed with Ms. Stancil to check the smoke detector to see if the batteries need to be replaced. Ms. Stancil stated that she would contact the owner for someone to come and look into it. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was monitored and I did observe that the alternate contact is a staff member who know longer is employed at the center. The Emergency Medical Care Plan must be updated with a new alternate contact. Medical emergencies can arise in an instant. Keeping emergency care plans updated and having it in plain sight and ready to go is a must. It is important to be well prepared for prompt, safe, specialized care in the event of a medical emergency. Families and caregivers all need to share and collaborate in this responsibility. This way, if and when an emergency occurs, family members and staff will have the information they need to effectively initiate care and possibly save a life. An emergency medical care plan is also a valuable resource for the health care provider. . There were two Infants observed present. Three of the Toddlers were moved to the Infant room for nap time. I observed one Infant was sitting in a bouncy seat with a bottle and the staff member was feeding a second Infant in another bouncy seat. We discussed that children must be fed in approved feeding apparatuses and a bouncy seat is not an approved feeding apparatus. There are two infant feeding chairs present in the classroom which must be used or the staff member can hold the infants and feed them their bottles. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the infants ages 0-12 months and observed to be in compliance. In the Toddler classroom, I observed a staff members bag sitting on a white shelf attached to the wall which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of Vaseline in a side pouch of the bag which was accessible to the children. This poses a safety hazard to the children. Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. It is extremely important that staff are taking the required time to assure that their bags/purses are placed out of reach of the children or placed in locked storage. There was a blue/green/white soccer ball which was on the carpeted area which needs to be removed and cleaned. The ball was observed to have heavy dirt and grime. The books in the Toddler classroom need some TLC and or replaced. There are three children who are less than 15 months old and I observed two feeding plans posted. All children under 15 months old must have feeding plans posted. Additionally, I observed that the two Feeding Plans which were posted need to be updated. There were a total of five outlets uncovered in the Two’s classroom and three outlets uncovered in the 3-5 year old classroom. Approximately 2,400 children are injured annually by inserting objects into the slots of electrical outlets. For this reason, all electrical outlets, including those on power strips, not in use that are in areas accessible to children must be protected with a safety plug or should be classified as a tamper-resistant electrical outlet. Consider adding a note near the outlets to serve as a reminder to re-cover the outlets. Review this with teachers during orientation as part of the observation of daily routines. Hold a staff meeting to review the different ways you all can work together to maintain compliance with childcare requirements regarding outlet covers. There were several items observed on the outdoor playground which must be corrected. The gate facing Arendall Street was not latched and the black tarp which was wrapped around the fence would not stop a child from running into the busy road due to the gate not being latched. A staff member latched the gate back however the gate door is not secure. You will need to secure the latch with extra precautions so that the gate does not come unlatched again. Several pieces of the equipment and furnishings outside were covered in pollen and mildew and in need of a good deep cleaning. There is an Infant buggy located on the preschool playground which needs to be removed. The seats of the buggy had very small piles of muddy pollen water on them and I observed a child attempt to climb on the buggy. Lastly, there was a black cord which was partially uncovered near the lattice area where the HVAC is that is not only a tripping hazard but could also be a source of electricity which poses a safety concern for the children. The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. During this Administrative Action Follow-up visit, a partial monitoring of minimum Child Care Requirements was conducted, monitoring all classrooms. The monitoring included the center’s license and permit restrictions, staff/child ratios, supervision, sanitation requirements, discipline and general caregiving activities. I observed that the Administrative Action was not posted along with the Provisional License at the entrance to the center. Ms. Stancil stated she must have moved it but did place it back up during the visit. Please remember that the Action must remain posted along with the Provisional License for the timeframe of the Administrative Action timeframe. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. For the week of 3-17-21-25 to 3-21-25, the Toddler classroom was the only classroom that was monitored. For the week of 3-24-25 to 3-28-25 only the Preschool (ages 3-5) was monitored. For the week of 3-31-25 to 4-4-25, observations occurred for the Toddler and Preschool classrooms. For the week of 4-7-25 to 4-11-25, no observations occurred during this week. All of the required information was not documented for each observation as required. Staff who were observing did not indicate who was observing and which staff member was being observed. There was no documentation proving that the observations were reviewed with staff and I did not observe any follow up to correct the non compliance. We discussed today the importance of developing a tool/form to assure that all the components of the stipulation are met. At a minimum the form should indicate a date/time of observation, which classroom was observed, the name of the observer with signature, the staff member being observed with signature, details of what was observed, indication if there was any non-compliance issues observed and corrective actions which were taken and feedback which was provided. I would also suggest to divide the notebook containing all the observations be divided into two weeks for easier access and review. It may also help to have pre-printed forms for each staff member. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Nine violations of child care requirements were observed out of compliance today. A corrective action letter stating what was done to correct each violation is due to me no later than 4-28-25 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Another unannounced visit will be made during this Provisional License period which stays into effect until 8-14-25. Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. A written feeding plan was missing for one of three children in the Toddler classroom based on the ages indicated on the Nutrition program attendance. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Written feeding plans for two children in the Toddler classroom were not updated and still reflected when the children were being bottle fed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. A green/blue/white ball in the Toddler classroom had heavy grime and dirt and needs to be cleaned or removed from the classroom. There were also numerous items on the outside playground which had heavy mildew and need to be deep cleaned. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. There were numerous toys on the outside playground which had heavy mildew on them. There was also an Infant buggy on one side of the playground which had small puddles of mildew and pollen water in the seats. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff members bag which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of vaseline was sitting on a shelf in the Toddler classroom accessible to the children. There was also a black power cord which was partially exposed which is a tripping hazard tot he children and could additionally be a safety concern if this is a source of power for the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were five outlets observed uncovered in the two year old classroom and three outlets observed uncovered in the preschool age classroom. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 826 Gates to the fenced outdoor play area did not remain closed while children occupied the area. The gate door leading to Arendell Avenue was partially open and did not not firmly latch which would allow a child to get outside of the fenced area. .0605(i) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. An updated EMC plan was not on file at the center. A staff member who is no longer employed with the center is listed on the EMC plan as the alternate contact. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. The fire evacuation routes displaying the current floor plan of the center was not posted. The smoke detector outside of the Infant room was also observed chirping and not functioning as intended in the event of a power failure. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center had a 85% Compliance History Score. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d) all child care centers must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your center may have an impact on the total compliance history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Should this occur, your center may be at risk of further administrative action. Technical Assistance: *I would encourage you to continue to work with Jesse Norris with Early Years to expand upon the training which was received. A revised copy of the April 2025 training calendar was also left with Ms. Stancil during my visit today. *We also discussed to please have the owner, Ms. Keith send me an update of what was submitted to the Town of Zebulon and Environmental Health regarding the status of approval for the new placement of the Kitchen as well as the new space added in the School Age classroom. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919)819-9387. All mail correspondence should be sent to Post Office Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545. 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 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable NC Child Care Licensing Requirements and the completion status of the Corrective Action Plan issued to your child care center along with a Provisional License that was issued for the timeframe of 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Michele Remington, Wake County Licensing Supervisor, was also present for the visit today. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 4-14-25. Upon arrival, the children were observed playing outside. The Infants were observed coming in from outside. Staff/child ratios, space capacity, supervision and nurture and care of children were monitored and observed to be in compliance. It was observed that evacuation plan routes for all classrooms have not been updated since the rooms were remodeled. You will need to update the evacuation route plans reflecting the new floor plans and post them in each classroom. We also observed that there was a smoke detector outside of the Infant Room was chirping. We discussed with Ms. Stancil to check the smoke detector to see if the batteries need to be replaced. Ms. Stancil stated that she would contact the owner for someone to come and look into it. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was monitored and I did observe that the alternate contact is a staff member who know longer is employed at the center. The Emergency Medical Care Plan must be updated with a new alternate contact. Medical emergencies can arise in an instant. Keeping emergency care plans updated and having it in plain sight and ready to go is a must. It is important to be well prepared for prompt, safe, specialized care in the event of a medical emergency. Families and caregivers all need to share and collaborate in this responsibility. This way, if and when an emergency occurs, family members and staff will have the information they need to effectively initiate care and possibly save a life. An emergency medical care plan is also a valuable resource for the health care provider. . There were two Infants observed present. Three of the Toddlers were moved to the Infant room for nap time. I observed one Infant was sitting in a bouncy seat with a bottle and the staff member was feeding a second Infant in another bouncy seat. We discussed that children must be fed in approved feeding apparatuses and a bouncy seat is not an approved feeding apparatus. There are two infant feeding chairs present in the classroom which must be used or the staff member can hold the infants and feed them their bottles. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the infants ages 0-12 months and observed to be in compliance. In the Toddler classroom, I observed a staff members bag sitting on a white shelf attached to the wall which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of Vaseline in a side pouch of the bag which was accessible to the children. This poses a safety hazard to the children. Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. It is extremely important that staff are taking the required time to assure that their bags/purses are placed out of reach of the children or placed in locked storage. There was a blue/green/white soccer ball which was on the carpeted area which needs to be removed and cleaned. The ball was observed to have heavy dirt and grime. The books in the Toddler classroom need some TLC and or replaced. There are three children who are less than 15 months old and I observed two feeding plans posted. All children under 15 months old must have feeding plans posted. Additionally, I observed that the two Feeding Plans which were posted need to be updated. There were a total of five outlets uncovered in the Two’s classroom and three outlets uncovered in the 3-5 year old classroom. Approximately 2,400 children are injured annually by inserting objects into the slots of electrical outlets. For this reason, all electrical outlets, including those on power strips, not in use that are in areas accessible to children must be protected with a safety plug or should be classified as a tamper-resistant electrical outlet. Consider adding a note near the outlets to serve as a reminder to re-cover the outlets. Review this with teachers during orientation as part of the observation of daily routines. Hold a staff meeting to review the different ways you all can work together to maintain compliance with childcare requirements regarding outlet covers. There were several items observed on the outdoor playground which must be corrected. The gate facing Arendall Street was not latched and the black tarp which was wrapped around the fence would not stop a child from running into the busy road due to the gate not being latched. A staff member latched the gate back however the gate door is not secure. You will need to secure the latch with extra precautions so that the gate does not come unlatched again. Several pieces of the equipment and furnishings outside were covered in pollen and mildew and in need of a good deep cleaning. There is an Infant buggy located on the preschool playground which needs to be removed. The seats of the buggy had very small piles of muddy pollen water on them and I observed a child attempt to climb on the buggy. Lastly, there was a black cord which was partially uncovered near the lattice area where the HVAC is that is not only a tripping hazard but could also be a source of electricity which poses a safety concern for the children. The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. During this Administrative Action Follow-up visit, a partial monitoring of minimum Child Care Requirements was conducted, monitoring all classrooms. The monitoring included the center’s license and permit restrictions, staff/child ratios, supervision, sanitation requirements, discipline and general caregiving activities. I observed that the Administrative Action was not posted along with the Provisional License at the entrance to the center. Ms. Stancil stated she must have moved it but did place it back up during the visit. Please remember that the Action must remain posted along with the Provisional License for the timeframe of the Administrative Action timeframe. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. For the week of 3-17-21-25 to 3-21-25, the Toddler classroom was the only classroom that was monitored. For the week of 3-24-25 to 3-28-25 only the Preschool (ages 3-5) was monitored. For the week of 3-31-25 to 4-4-25, observations occurred for the Toddler and Preschool classrooms. For the week of 4-7-25 to 4-11-25, no observations occurred during this week. All of the required information was not documented for each observation as required. Staff who were observing did not indicate who was observing and which staff member was being observed. There was no documentation proving that the observations were reviewed with staff and I did not observe any follow up to correct the non compliance. We discussed today the importance of developing a tool/form to assure that all the components of the stipulation are met. At a minimum the form should indicate a date/time of observation, which classroom was observed, the name of the observer with signature, the staff member being observed with signature, details of what was observed, indication if there was any non-compliance issues observed and corrective actions which were taken and feedback which was provided. I would also suggest to divide the notebook containing all the observations be divided into two weeks for easier access and review. It may also help to have pre-printed forms for each staff member. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Nine violations of child care requirements were observed out of compliance today. A corrective action letter stating what was done to correct each violation is due to me no later than 4-28-25 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Another unannounced visit will be made during this Provisional License period which stays into effect until 8-14-25. Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. A written feeding plan was missing for one of three children in the Toddler classroom based on the ages indicated on the Nutrition program attendance. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Written feeding plans for two children in the Toddler classroom were not updated and still reflected when the children were being bottle fed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. A green/blue/white ball in the Toddler classroom had heavy grime and dirt and needs to be cleaned or removed from the classroom. There were also numerous items on the outside playground which had heavy mildew and need to be deep cleaned. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. There were numerous toys on the outside playground which had heavy mildew on them. There was also an Infant buggy on one side of the playground which had small puddles of mildew and pollen water in the seats. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff members bag which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of vaseline was sitting on a shelf in the Toddler classroom accessible to the children. There was also a black power cord which was partially exposed which is a tripping hazard tot he children and could additionally be a safety concern if this is a source of power for the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were five outlets observed uncovered in the two year old classroom and three outlets observed uncovered in the preschool age classroom. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 826 Gates to the fenced outdoor play area did not remain closed while children occupied the area. The gate door leading to Arendell Avenue was partially open and did not not firmly latch which would allow a child to get outside of the fenced area. .0605(i) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. An updated EMC plan was not on file at the center. A staff member who is no longer employed with the center is listed on the EMC plan as the alternate contact. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. The fire evacuation routes displaying the current floor plan of the center was not posted. The smoke detector outside of the Infant room was also observed chirping and not functioning as intended in the event of a power failure. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center had a 85% Compliance History Score. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d) all child care centers must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your center may have an impact on the total compliance history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Should this occur, your center may be at risk of further administrative action. Technical Assistance: *I would encourage you to continue to work with Jesse Norris with Early Years to expand upon the training which was received. A revised copy of the April 2025 training calendar was also left with Ms. Stancil during my visit today. *We also discussed to please have the owner, Ms. Keith send me an update of what was submitted to the Town of Zebulon and Environmental Health regarding the status of approval for the new placement of the Kitchen as well as the new space added in the School Age classroom. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919)819-9387. All mail correspondence should be sent to Post Office Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545. 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 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable NC Child Care Licensing Requirements and the completion status of the Corrective Action Plan issued to your child care center along with a Provisional License that was issued for the timeframe of 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Michele Remington, Wake County Licensing Supervisor, was also present for the visit today. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 4-14-25. Upon arrival, the children were observed playing outside. The Infants were observed coming in from outside. Staff/child ratios, space capacity, supervision and nurture and care of children were monitored and observed to be in compliance. It was observed that evacuation plan routes for all classrooms have not been updated since the rooms were remodeled. You will need to update the evacuation route plans reflecting the new floor plans and post them in each classroom. We also observed that there was a smoke detector outside of the Infant Room was chirping. We discussed with Ms. Stancil to check the smoke detector to see if the batteries need to be replaced. Ms. Stancil stated that she would contact the owner for someone to come and look into it. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was monitored and I did observe that the alternate contact is a staff member who know longer is employed at the center. The Emergency Medical Care Plan must be updated with a new alternate contact. Medical emergencies can arise in an instant. Keeping emergency care plans updated and having it in plain sight and ready to go is a must. It is important to be well prepared for prompt, safe, specialized care in the event of a medical emergency. Families and caregivers all need to share and collaborate in this responsibility. This way, if and when an emergency occurs, family members and staff will have the information they need to effectively initiate care and possibly save a life. An emergency medical care plan is also a valuable resource for the health care provider. . There were two Infants observed present. Three of the Toddlers were moved to the Infant room for nap time. I observed one Infant was sitting in a bouncy seat with a bottle and the staff member was feeding a second Infant in another bouncy seat. We discussed that children must be fed in approved feeding apparatuses and a bouncy seat is not an approved feeding apparatus. There are two infant feeding chairs present in the classroom which must be used or the staff member can hold the infants and feed them their bottles. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the infants ages 0-12 months and observed to be in compliance. In the Toddler classroom, I observed a staff members bag sitting on a white shelf attached to the wall which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of Vaseline in a side pouch of the bag which was accessible to the children. This poses a safety hazard to the children. Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. It is extremely important that staff are taking the required time to assure that their bags/purses are placed out of reach of the children or placed in locked storage. There was a blue/green/white soccer ball which was on the carpeted area which needs to be removed and cleaned. The ball was observed to have heavy dirt and grime. The books in the Toddler classroom need some TLC and or replaced. There are three children who are less than 15 months old and I observed two feeding plans posted. All children under 15 months old must have feeding plans posted. Additionally, I observed that the two Feeding Plans which were posted need to be updated. There were a total of five outlets uncovered in the Two’s classroom and three outlets uncovered in the 3-5 year old classroom. Approximately 2,400 children are injured annually by inserting objects into the slots of electrical outlets. For this reason, all electrical outlets, including those on power strips, not in use that are in areas accessible to children must be protected with a safety plug or should be classified as a tamper-resistant electrical outlet. Consider adding a note near the outlets to serve as a reminder to re-cover the outlets. Review this with teachers during orientation as part of the observation of daily routines. Hold a staff meeting to review the different ways you all can work together to maintain compliance with childcare requirements regarding outlet covers. There were several items observed on the outdoor playground which must be corrected. The gate facing Arendall Street was not latched and the black tarp which was wrapped around the fence would not stop a child from running into the busy road due to the gate not being latched. A staff member latched the gate back however the gate door is not secure. You will need to secure the latch with extra precautions so that the gate does not come unlatched again. Several pieces of the equipment and furnishings outside were covered in pollen and mildew and in need of a good deep cleaning. There is an Infant buggy located on the preschool playground which needs to be removed. The seats of the buggy had very small piles of muddy pollen water on them and I observed a child attempt to climb on the buggy. Lastly, there was a black cord which was partially uncovered near the lattice area where the HVAC is that is not only a tripping hazard but could also be a source of electricity which poses a safety concern for the children. The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. During this Administrative Action Follow-up visit, a partial monitoring of minimum Child Care Requirements was conducted, monitoring all classrooms. The monitoring included the center’s license and permit restrictions, staff/child ratios, supervision, sanitation requirements, discipline and general caregiving activities. I observed that the Administrative Action was not posted along with the Provisional License at the entrance to the center. Ms. Stancil stated she must have moved it but did place it back up during the visit. Please remember that the Action must remain posted along with the Provisional License for the timeframe of the Administrative Action timeframe. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. For the week of 3-17-21-25 to 3-21-25, the Toddler classroom was the only classroom that was monitored. For the week of 3-24-25 to 3-28-25 only the Preschool (ages 3-5) was monitored. For the week of 3-31-25 to 4-4-25, observations occurred for the Toddler and Preschool classrooms. For the week of 4-7-25 to 4-11-25, no observations occurred during this week. All of the required information was not documented for each observation as required. Staff who were observing did not indicate who was observing and which staff member was being observed. There was no documentation proving that the observations were reviewed with staff and I did not observe any follow up to correct the non compliance. We discussed today the importance of developing a tool/form to assure that all the components of the stipulation are met. At a minimum the form should indicate a date/time of observation, which classroom was observed, the name of the observer with signature, the staff member being observed with signature, details of what was observed, indication if there was any non-compliance issues observed and corrective actions which were taken and feedback which was provided. I would also suggest to divide the notebook containing all the observations be divided into two weeks for easier access and review. It may also help to have pre-printed forms for each staff member. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Nine violations of child care requirements were observed out of compliance today. A corrective action letter stating what was done to correct each violation is due to me no later than 4-28-25 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Another unannounced visit will be made during this Provisional License period which stays into effect until 8-14-25. Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. A written feeding plan was missing for one of three children in the Toddler classroom based on the ages indicated on the Nutrition program attendance. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Written feeding plans for two children in the Toddler classroom were not updated and still reflected when the children were being bottle fed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. A green/blue/white ball in the Toddler classroom had heavy grime and dirt and needs to be cleaned or removed from the classroom. There were also numerous items on the outside playground which had heavy mildew and need to be deep cleaned. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. There were numerous toys on the outside playground which had heavy mildew on them. There was also an Infant buggy on one side of the playground which had small puddles of mildew and pollen water in the seats. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff members bag which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of vaseline was sitting on a shelf in the Toddler classroom accessible to the children. There was also a black power cord which was partially exposed which is a tripping hazard tot he children and could additionally be a safety concern if this is a source of power for the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were five outlets observed uncovered in the two year old classroom and three outlets observed uncovered in the preschool age classroom. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 826 Gates to the fenced outdoor play area did not remain closed while children occupied the area. The gate door leading to Arendell Avenue was partially open and did not not firmly latch which would allow a child to get outside of the fenced area. .0605(i) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. An updated EMC plan was not on file at the center. A staff member who is no longer employed with the center is listed on the EMC plan as the alternate contact. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. The fire evacuation routes displaying the current floor plan of the center was not posted. The smoke detector outside of the Infant room was also observed chirping and not functioning as intended in the event of a power failure. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center had a 85% Compliance History Score. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d) all child care centers must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your center may have an impact on the total compliance history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Should this occur, your center may be at risk of further administrative action. Technical Assistance: *I would encourage you to continue to work with Jesse Norris with Early Years to expand upon the training which was received. A revised copy of the April 2025 training calendar was also left with Ms. Stancil during my visit today. *We also discussed to please have the owner, Ms. Keith send me an update of what was submitted to the Town of Zebulon and Environmental Health regarding the status of approval for the new placement of the Kitchen as well as the new space added in the School Age classroom. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919)819-9387. All mail correspondence should be sent to Post Office Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545. 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: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 4/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable NC Child Care Licensing Requirements and the completion status of the Corrective Action Plan issued to your child care center along with a Provisional License that was issued for the timeframe of 2-14-25 to 8-14-25. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Michele Remington, Wake County Licensing Supervisor, was also present for the visit today. The owner of the center, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is verified as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 4-14-25. Upon arrival, the children were observed playing outside. The Infants were observed coming in from outside. Staff/child ratios, space capacity, supervision and nurture and care of children were monitored and observed to be in compliance. It was observed that evacuation plan routes for all classrooms have not been updated since the rooms were remodeled. You will need to update the evacuation route plans reflecting the new floor plans and post them in each classroom. We also observed that there was a smoke detector outside of the Infant Room was chirping. We discussed with Ms. Stancil to check the smoke detector to see if the batteries need to be replaced. Ms. Stancil stated that she would contact the owner for someone to come and look into it. The Emergency Medical Care Plan was monitored and I did observe that the alternate contact is a staff member who know longer is employed at the center. The Emergency Medical Care Plan must be updated with a new alternate contact. Medical emergencies can arise in an instant. Keeping emergency care plans updated and having it in plain sight and ready to go is a must. It is important to be well prepared for prompt, safe, specialized care in the event of a medical emergency. Families and caregivers all need to share and collaborate in this responsibility. This way, if and when an emergency occurs, family members and staff will have the information they need to effectively initiate care and possibly save a life. An emergency medical care plan is also a valuable resource for the health care provider. . There were two Infants observed present. Three of the Toddlers were moved to the Infant room for nap time. I observed one Infant was sitting in a bouncy seat with a bottle and the staff member was feeding a second Infant in another bouncy seat. We discussed that children must be fed in approved feeding apparatuses and a bouncy seat is not an approved feeding apparatus. There are two infant feeding chairs present in the classroom which must be used or the staff member can hold the infants and feed them their bottles. Sleeping baby checks were monitored for the infants ages 0-12 months and observed to be in compliance. In the Toddler classroom, I observed a staff members bag sitting on a white shelf attached to the wall which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of Vaseline in a side pouch of the bag which was accessible to the children. This poses a safety hazard to the children. Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. It is extremely important that staff are taking the required time to assure that their bags/purses are placed out of reach of the children or placed in locked storage. There was a blue/green/white soccer ball which was on the carpeted area which needs to be removed and cleaned. The ball was observed to have heavy dirt and grime. The books in the Toddler classroom need some TLC and or replaced. There are three children who are less than 15 months old and I observed two feeding plans posted. All children under 15 months old must have feeding plans posted. Additionally, I observed that the two Feeding Plans which were posted need to be updated. There were a total of five outlets uncovered in the Two’s classroom and three outlets uncovered in the 3-5 year old classroom. Approximately 2,400 children are injured annually by inserting objects into the slots of electrical outlets. For this reason, all electrical outlets, including those on power strips, not in use that are in areas accessible to children must be protected with a safety plug or should be classified as a tamper-resistant electrical outlet. Consider adding a note near the outlets to serve as a reminder to re-cover the outlets. Review this with teachers during orientation as part of the observation of daily routines. Hold a staff meeting to review the different ways you all can work together to maintain compliance with childcare requirements regarding outlet covers. There were several items observed on the outdoor playground which must be corrected. The gate facing Arendall Street was not latched and the black tarp which was wrapped around the fence would not stop a child from running into the busy road due to the gate not being latched. A staff member latched the gate back however the gate door is not secure. You will need to secure the latch with extra precautions so that the gate does not come unlatched again. Several pieces of the equipment and furnishings outside were covered in pollen and mildew and in need of a good deep cleaning. There is an Infant buggy located on the preschool playground which needs to be removed. The seats of the buggy had very small piles of muddy pollen water on them and I observed a child attempt to climb on the buggy. Lastly, there was a black cord which was partially uncovered near the lattice area where the HVAC is that is not only a tripping hazard but could also be a source of electricity which poses a safety concern for the children. The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. During this Administrative Action Follow-up visit, a partial monitoring of minimum Child Care Requirements was conducted, monitoring all classrooms. The monitoring included the center’s license and permit restrictions, staff/child ratios, supervision, sanitation requirements, discipline and general caregiving activities. I observed that the Administrative Action was not posted along with the Provisional License at the entrance to the center. Ms. Stancil stated she must have moved it but did place it back up during the visit. Please remember that the Action must remain posted along with the Provisional License for the timeframe of the Administrative Action timeframe. During your visit, I monitored your progress on completion of the stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan. Stipulation #1 - Supervision was observed being maintained in all classrooms. This stipulation was observed in compliance during the visit today. Stipulation #2 – Jesse Norris, Regional Healthy Social Behavioral Quality Enhancement Coach conducted training on 2-4-25 and 2-6-25 as verified by consultant during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Documentation is on file that all staff members including administrative, full-time, part-time, substitute, auxiliary and volunteer staff attended the training. Stipulation #3 – Sieaira Stancil, Administrator, revised the center discipline policy and procedures and submitted to me on 2-18-25. Stipulation #4 – Dr. Charlene Daye with Early Years, conducted a Virtual/Real-time training on 2-6-25 covering supervision of young children. Documentation is on file for proof of attendance and topics covered. Each staff member received training certificates at the completion of the training. These trainings cannot be applied towards meeting the on-going training requirements. Stipulation #5 –The Written Plan of Observation and Evaluation of staff performance was monitored during the visit today and I observed that this stipulation is not in compliance and is not being met. During an Administrative Action Follow-Up visit which was conducted on 3-12-25, technical assistance was provided on items which were required to meet the requirements for monitoring staff. The Corrective Action Plan states that routine observations of each member should occur two (2) times per month. The observations must include: the individuals who completed the observations, dates and times of each observation, name and signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, areas of non compliance and any corrective action taken. For the week of 3-17-21-25 to 3-21-25, the Toddler classroom was the only classroom that was monitored. For the week of 3-24-25 to 3-28-25 only the Preschool (ages 3-5) was monitored. For the week of 3-31-25 to 4-4-25, observations occurred for the Toddler and Preschool classrooms. For the week of 4-7-25 to 4-11-25, no observations occurred during this week. All of the required information was not documented for each observation as required. Staff who were observing did not indicate who was observing and which staff member was being observed. There was no documentation proving that the observations were reviewed with staff and I did not observe any follow up to correct the non compliance. We discussed today the importance of developing a tool/form to assure that all the components of the stipulation are met. At a minimum the form should indicate a date/time of observation, which classroom was observed, the name of the observer with signature, the staff member being observed with signature, details of what was observed, indication if there was any non-compliance issues observed and corrective actions which were taken and feedback which was provided. I would also suggest to divide the notebook containing all the observations be divided into two weeks for easier access and review. It may also help to have pre-printed forms for each staff member. Stipulation #6 –This stipulation was observed in compliance during visit conducted on 3-12-25. Nine violations of child care requirements were observed out of compliance today. A corrective action letter stating what was done to correct each violation is due to me no later than 4-28-25 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Another unannounced visit will be made during this Provisional License period which stays into effect until 8-14-25. Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. A written feeding plan was missing for one of three children in the Toddler classroom based on the ages indicated on the Nutrition program attendance. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Written feeding plans for two children in the Toddler classroom were not updated and still reflected when the children were being bottle fed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. A green/blue/white ball in the Toddler classroom had heavy grime and dirt and needs to be cleaned or removed from the classroom. There were also numerous items on the outside playground which had heavy mildew and need to be deep cleaned. .2822(a)(1-4) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. There were numerous toys on the outside playground which had heavy mildew on them. There was also an Infant buggy on one side of the playground which had small puddles of mildew and pollen water in the seats. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A staff members bag which had a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a tube of vaseline was sitting on a shelf in the Toddler classroom accessible to the children. There was also a black power cord which was partially exposed which is a tripping hazard tot he children and could additionally be a safety concern if this is a source of power for the center. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were five outlets observed uncovered in the two year old classroom and three outlets observed uncovered in the preschool age classroom. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 826 Gates to the fenced outdoor play area did not remain closed while children occupied the area. The gate door leading to Arendell Avenue was partially open and did not not firmly latch which would allow a child to get outside of the fenced area. .0605(i) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. An updated EMC plan was not on file at the center. A staff member who is no longer employed with the center is listed on the EMC plan as the alternate contact. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. The fire evacuation routes displaying the current floor plan of the center was not posted. The smoke detector outside of the Infant room was also observed chirping and not functioning as intended in the event of a power failure. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center had a 85% Compliance History Score. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d) all child care centers must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your center may have an impact on the total compliance history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Should this occur, your center may be at risk of further administrative action. Technical Assistance: *I would encourage you to continue to work with Jesse Norris with Early Years to expand upon the training which was received. A revised copy of the April 2025 training calendar was also left with Ms. Stancil during my visit today. *We also discussed to please have the owner, Ms. Keith send me an update of what was submitted to the Town of Zebulon and Environmental Health regarding the status of approval for the new placement of the Kitchen as well as the new space added in the School Age classroom. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919)819-9387. All mail correspondence should be sent to Post Office Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545. 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 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/4/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements during an Unannounced Visit follow up. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Ms. Stancil and I discussed that as of 1-27-25, an Assistant Director has been hired to monitor the video footage of classrooms and to provide support to the classrooms. Upon arrival to the center, the children were observed napping. There is one infant enrolled at the center and the infant was observed holding a bottle in a bouncy seat. I discussed with the Infant room staff that children must be held or placed in approved feeding device and the bouncy seat is not an approved feeding chair. This violation was corrected during the visit when the staff member moved the infant to a high chair to finish their bottle. Staff/child ratios were monitored and observed to be in compliance. The toddlers from the toddler room were combined with the infants during my visit today. Supervision was also monitored and observed being maintained. I observed that Administration and the owner have been working to give the interior of the center a new look. I observed that all walls have been re-painted. I also observed that additional lighting has been added in the classrooms giving them a brighter look. I also observed that the Kitchen has been re-routed to another space in the center and a wall has been taken out to extend the classroom space of the 2/3 year old classroom. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that any time changes are made to the center which are structural as this, building, fire and sanitation should have been contacted for prior approval. Additionally I reminded Ms. Stancil that they also should have reached out to me prior to making these changes. During my visit today, I observed one child sleeping on a cot in the new space for the 2/3 year old classroom and we discussed that this is a violation of child care requirements due to the use of unapproved space. I advised Ms. Stancil that until the appropriate inspectors have given approval for this change, this extension of space cannot be used. I did measure the extended space during my visit and I will add this space and revise the space calculations for this classroom once we have heard from Building, Fire and Sanitation. Ms. Stancil stated that she would contact the owner ASAP for assistance. Three new staff files were monitored for compliance during the visit today and I observed one staff did not have a signed statement that the Shaken Baby Head Trauma policy was reviewed. Ms. Stancil stated that it was an oversight and would be corrected ASAP. During my review of staff files and other program records in a vacant classroom beside the PreK room, I heard a staff member in the Pre-K classroom use inappropriate, harsh tone with a child who was not napping and stated to the child “I said put your head down.” Forcing a child to nap is not keeping in alignment of being developmentally appropriate and using a harsh tone to speak to children is not providing a warm, nurturing environment. I went to the office to speak to Ms. Stancil about this incident and Ms. Stancil as well as the newly hired Assistant Director, went to the classroom to address this incident with the staff member. Ms. Stancil gave me a clipboard that provided documentation of Administration viewing video footage of the PreK classroom. Ms. Stancil stated that due to the office being re-located, the video surveillance is now “live” only and there is not a way to go back and view previous days. Ms. Stancil stated that they are working with the company who installed the system to load apps which will allow them to view previous days footage. While reviewing the “Camera Roll Log” for the PreK room, I observed that the Assistant Director, S. Sanders, documented on 1-27-25, 1-29-25 and 1-30-25 “teacher tone/voice” was noted for these days. Documentation was not on file for any of the other classrooms. This is an indication that Administration are aware of inappropriate tones that the PreK teacher is using with the children. I did not observe any additional documentation of what the consequences were for the staff members actions or what was being done to correct this issue. Ms. Stancil stated that there are two mandatory trainings scheduled for this week in an effort to provide training opportunities for the staff. Ms. Stancil stated that Jesse Norris with Early Years NC is conducting a supervision training, today, 2-4-25 and additionally a training on Behavior Intervention Strategies on 2-6-25. I discussed with Ms. Stancil today that based on past violations and observations pertaining to nurture and care of children in this particular classroom recently, it is very critical that a staff member with a patient nature be placed permanently in this classroom to offer the children the peaceful stability to thrive. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that Administration need to work with the current PreK teacher to make sure the staff member is the right fit for the classroom. Early Childhood Professionals should have strong communication skills, patience and a positive attitude. Children should not be forced to nap. Quiet activities such as puzzles or books could be available for children who choose not to nap. As we also have discussed in prior visits, Administration should be spending time going in and out of the classrooms to offer assistance if there are children who are presenting behavior issues to aid in keeping the stress low with staff. Four violations regarding General Caregiving Activities, Nutrition, Staff Records and Adequate and approved space were observed and must be corrected. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than February 18, 2025. The letter can be e-mailed or mailed to me at PO Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545 or Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. A child was observed napping on a cot in an unapproved space. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. An infant was observed holding a bottle eating while sitting in a bouncy seat. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. During my review of staff files and other program records in a classroom beside the PreK classroom, I heard a staff member in the Pre-K classroom use an inappropriate, harsh tone with a child who was not napping and stated to the child “I said put your head down.” G.S. 110-91(10) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have proof on file that the Shaken Baby Syndrome Trauma policy was reviewed. .0608(d)(1-4) Technical Assistance: *Mentoring can be a way to assist staff who are struggling with classroom management. Administration or other designated staff should spend some time in the classrooms being a role model for staff and assisting with any potential issues that arise. Mentoring strengthens confidence and fosters staff to aid children to feel a sense of belonging. Additional resources can be obtained from your trainer (Early Years NC) who is scheduled for training at the center this week. Please feel free to call me with questions at 919-819-9387. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/4/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements during an Unannounced Visit follow up. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Ms. Stancil and I discussed that as of 1-27-25, an Assistant Director has been hired to monitor the video footage of classrooms and to provide support to the classrooms. Upon arrival to the center, the children were observed napping. There is one infant enrolled at the center and the infant was observed holding a bottle in a bouncy seat. I discussed with the Infant room staff that children must be held or placed in approved feeding device and the bouncy seat is not an approved feeding chair. This violation was corrected during the visit when the staff member moved the infant to a high chair to finish their bottle. Staff/child ratios were monitored and observed to be in compliance. The toddlers from the toddler room were combined with the infants during my visit today. Supervision was also monitored and observed being maintained. I observed that Administration and the owner have been working to give the interior of the center a new look. I observed that all walls have been re-painted. I also observed that additional lighting has been added in the classrooms giving them a brighter look. I also observed that the Kitchen has been re-routed to another space in the center and a wall has been taken out to extend the classroom space of the 2/3 year old classroom. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that any time changes are made to the center which are structural as this, building, fire and sanitation should have been contacted for prior approval. Additionally I reminded Ms. Stancil that they also should have reached out to me prior to making these changes. During my visit today, I observed one child sleeping on a cot in the new space for the 2/3 year old classroom and we discussed that this is a violation of child care requirements due to the use of unapproved space. I advised Ms. Stancil that until the appropriate inspectors have given approval for this change, this extension of space cannot be used. I did measure the extended space during my visit and I will add this space and revise the space calculations for this classroom once we have heard from Building, Fire and Sanitation. Ms. Stancil stated that she would contact the owner ASAP for assistance. Three new staff files were monitored for compliance during the visit today and I observed one staff did not have a signed statement that the Shaken Baby Head Trauma policy was reviewed. Ms. Stancil stated that it was an oversight and would be corrected ASAP. During my review of staff files and other program records in a vacant classroom beside the PreK room, I heard a staff member in the Pre-K classroom use inappropriate, harsh tone with a child who was not napping and stated to the child “I said put your head down.” Forcing a child to nap is not keeping in alignment of being developmentally appropriate and using a harsh tone to speak to children is not providing a warm, nurturing environment. I went to the office to speak to Ms. Stancil about this incident and Ms. Stancil as well as the newly hired Assistant Director, went to the classroom to address this incident with the staff member. Ms. Stancil gave me a clipboard that provided documentation of Administration viewing video footage of the PreK classroom. Ms. Stancil stated that due to the office being re-located, the video surveillance is now “live” only and there is not a way to go back and view previous days. Ms. Stancil stated that they are working with the company who installed the system to load apps which will allow them to view previous days footage. While reviewing the “Camera Roll Log” for the PreK room, I observed that the Assistant Director, S. Sanders, documented on 1-27-25, 1-29-25 and 1-30-25 “teacher tone/voice” was noted for these days. Documentation was not on file for any of the other classrooms. This is an indication that Administration are aware of inappropriate tones that the PreK teacher is using with the children. I did not observe any additional documentation of what the consequences were for the staff members actions or what was being done to correct this issue. Ms. Stancil stated that there are two mandatory trainings scheduled for this week in an effort to provide training opportunities for the staff. Ms. Stancil stated that Jesse Norris with Early Years NC is conducting a supervision training, today, 2-4-25 and additionally a training on Behavior Intervention Strategies on 2-6-25. I discussed with Ms. Stancil today that based on past violations and observations pertaining to nurture and care of children in this particular classroom recently, it is very critical that a staff member with a patient nature be placed permanently in this classroom to offer the children the peaceful stability to thrive. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that Administration need to work with the current PreK teacher to make sure the staff member is the right fit for the classroom. Early Childhood Professionals should have strong communication skills, patience and a positive attitude. Children should not be forced to nap. Quiet activities such as puzzles or books could be available for children who choose not to nap. As we also have discussed in prior visits, Administration should be spending time going in and out of the classrooms to offer assistance if there are children who are presenting behavior issues to aid in keeping the stress low with staff. Four violations regarding General Caregiving Activities, Nutrition, Staff Records and Adequate and approved space were observed and must be corrected. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than February 18, 2025. The letter can be e-mailed or mailed to me at PO Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545 or Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. A child was observed napping on a cot in an unapproved space. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. An infant was observed holding a bottle eating while sitting in a bouncy seat. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. During my review of staff files and other program records in a classroom beside the PreK classroom, I heard a staff member in the Pre-K classroom use an inappropriate, harsh tone with a child who was not napping and stated to the child “I said put your head down.” G.S. 110-91(10) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have proof on file that the Shaken Baby Syndrome Trauma policy was reviewed. .0608(d)(1-4) Technical Assistance: *Mentoring can be a way to assist staff who are struggling with classroom management. Administration or other designated staff should spend some time in the classrooms being a role model for staff and assisting with any potential issues that arise. Mentoring strengthens confidence and fosters staff to aid children to feel a sense of belonging. Additional resources can be obtained from your trainer (Early Years NC) who is scheduled for training at the center this week. Please feel free to call me with questions at 919-819-9387. 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: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/4/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 2/4/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements during an Unannounced Visit follow up. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Ms. Stancil and I discussed that as of 1-27-25, an Assistant Director has been hired to monitor the video footage of classrooms and to provide support to the classrooms. Upon arrival to the center, the children were observed napping. There is one infant enrolled at the center and the infant was observed holding a bottle in a bouncy seat. I discussed with the Infant room staff that children must be held or placed in approved feeding device and the bouncy seat is not an approved feeding chair. This violation was corrected during the visit when the staff member moved the infant to a high chair to finish their bottle. Staff/child ratios were monitored and observed to be in compliance. The toddlers from the toddler room were combined with the infants during my visit today. Supervision was also monitored and observed being maintained. I observed that Administration and the owner have been working to give the interior of the center a new look. I observed that all walls have been re-painted. I also observed that additional lighting has been added in the classrooms giving them a brighter look. I also observed that the Kitchen has been re-routed to another space in the center and a wall has been taken out to extend the classroom space of the 2/3 year old classroom. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that any time changes are made to the center which are structural as this, building, fire and sanitation should have been contacted for prior approval. Additionally I reminded Ms. Stancil that they also should have reached out to me prior to making these changes. During my visit today, I observed one child sleeping on a cot in the new space for the 2/3 year old classroom and we discussed that this is a violation of child care requirements due to the use of unapproved space. I advised Ms. Stancil that until the appropriate inspectors have given approval for this change, this extension of space cannot be used. I did measure the extended space during my visit and I will add this space and revise the space calculations for this classroom once we have heard from Building, Fire and Sanitation. Ms. Stancil stated that she would contact the owner ASAP for assistance. Three new staff files were monitored for compliance during the visit today and I observed one staff did not have a signed statement that the Shaken Baby Head Trauma policy was reviewed. Ms. Stancil stated that it was an oversight and would be corrected ASAP. During my review of staff files and other program records in a vacant classroom beside the PreK room, I heard a staff member in the Pre-K classroom use inappropriate, harsh tone with a child who was not napping and stated to the child “I said put your head down.” Forcing a child to nap is not keeping in alignment of being developmentally appropriate and using a harsh tone to speak to children is not providing a warm, nurturing environment. I went to the office to speak to Ms. Stancil about this incident and Ms. Stancil as well as the newly hired Assistant Director, went to the classroom to address this incident with the staff member. Ms. Stancil gave me a clipboard that provided documentation of Administration viewing video footage of the PreK classroom. Ms. Stancil stated that due to the office being re-located, the video surveillance is now “live” only and there is not a way to go back and view previous days. Ms. Stancil stated that they are working with the company who installed the system to load apps which will allow them to view previous days footage. While reviewing the “Camera Roll Log” for the PreK room, I observed that the Assistant Director, S. Sanders, documented on 1-27-25, 1-29-25 and 1-30-25 “teacher tone/voice” was noted for these days. Documentation was not on file for any of the other classrooms. This is an indication that Administration are aware of inappropriate tones that the PreK teacher is using with the children. I did not observe any additional documentation of what the consequences were for the staff members actions or what was being done to correct this issue. Ms. Stancil stated that there are two mandatory trainings scheduled for this week in an effort to provide training opportunities for the staff. Ms. Stancil stated that Jesse Norris with Early Years NC is conducting a supervision training, today, 2-4-25 and additionally a training on Behavior Intervention Strategies on 2-6-25. I discussed with Ms. Stancil today that based on past violations and observations pertaining to nurture and care of children in this particular classroom recently, it is very critical that a staff member with a patient nature be placed permanently in this classroom to offer the children the peaceful stability to thrive. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that Administration need to work with the current PreK teacher to make sure the staff member is the right fit for the classroom. Early Childhood Professionals should have strong communication skills, patience and a positive attitude. Children should not be forced to nap. Quiet activities such as puzzles or books could be available for children who choose not to nap. As we also have discussed in prior visits, Administration should be spending time going in and out of the classrooms to offer assistance if there are children who are presenting behavior issues to aid in keeping the stress low with staff. Four violations regarding General Caregiving Activities, Nutrition, Staff Records and Adequate and approved space were observed and must be corrected. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than February 18, 2025. The letter can be e-mailed or mailed to me at PO Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545 or Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. A child was observed napping on a cot in an unapproved space. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. An infant was observed holding a bottle eating while sitting in a bouncy seat. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. During my review of staff files and other program records in a classroom beside the PreK classroom, I heard a staff member in the Pre-K classroom use an inappropriate, harsh tone with a child who was not napping and stated to the child “I said put your head down.” G.S. 110-91(10) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One staff member did not have proof on file that the Shaken Baby Syndrome Trauma policy was reviewed. .0608(d)(1-4) Technical Assistance: *Mentoring can be a way to assist staff who are struggling with classroom management. Administration or other designated staff should spend some time in the classrooms being a role model for staff and assisting with any potential issues that arise. Mentoring strengthens confidence and fosters staff to aid children to feel a sense of belonging. Additional resources can be obtained from your trainer (Early Years NC) who is scheduled for training at the center this week. Please feel free to call me with questions at 919-819-9387. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1124-194L Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 100 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements relating to supervision and discipline during a complaint follow-up visit. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Upon arrival to the center, I observed children arriving and doing morning activities. Ms. Stancil was not present at the center but did arrive shortly after my arrival and transported the school age children to school. Three (3) classrooms were observed open until additional staff arrived. In the Infant classroom, there was one (1) staff member present with two(2) children ages 0-12 months, four (4) children who were one year-old and one child who was two years-old. As we discussed, this is a violation of child care requirements pertaining to staff/child ratios and permit restrictions. When rooms are merged during the early morning hours, you still are required to meet the staff/child ratios for the youngest in care. When the Toddler teacher arrived later during my visit, five (5) of the seven (7) children were taken to the Toddler classroom. Ms. Stancil stated that the Toddler teacher was running late this morning but is scheduled to arrive at 8:30am. Interactions between staff and children were observed to be warm and nurturing. Staff were observed using re-direction when two children disagreed during center time. Children were also reminded to use “gentle hands with their friends.” Supervision for all classrooms were observed in compliance. Staff were circulating the classrooms interacting with the children. Ms. Stancil stated that the staff member who was placed on Administrative Leave as a result of complaint investigation conducted on 11-20-24, has now been terminated from employment at the center effective 11-25-24. Ms. Stancil stated that she gathered the personal items which belonged to the staff member and placed them on the front porch of the center for the staff member to pick up. Ms. Stancil stated that the staff member did not come into the center when the items were picked up. Two (2) violations regarding general licensing requirements and enhanced requirements were observed during my visit today and must be corrected immediately. A correction letter stating what changes have been made so that this does not occur again is due to me no later than December 10, 2024. I will also be conducting a follow up visit as well. Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center did not meet the permit restriction pertaining to enhanced staff/child ratios as observed during visit on 11-26-24. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The Infant classroom had one staff member with two infants ages 0-12 months, four-one year-old children and one- two year-old child. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: *A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Please feel free to call me with questions. Kim Wimberly PO Box 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

GS 110-106 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1124-194L Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 100 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements relating to supervision and discipline during a complaint follow-up visit. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Upon arrival to the center, I observed children arriving and doing morning activities. Ms. Stancil was not present at the center but did arrive shortly after my arrival and transported the school age children to school. Three (3) classrooms were observed open until additional staff arrived. In the Infant classroom, there was one (1) staff member present with two(2) children ages 0-12 months, four (4) children who were one year-old and one child who was two years-old. As we discussed, this is a violation of child care requirements pertaining to staff/child ratios and permit restrictions. When rooms are merged during the early morning hours, you still are required to meet the staff/child ratios for the youngest in care. When the Toddler teacher arrived later during my visit, five (5) of the seven (7) children were taken to the Toddler classroom. Ms. Stancil stated that the Toddler teacher was running late this morning but is scheduled to arrive at 8:30am. Interactions between staff and children were observed to be warm and nurturing. Staff were observed using re-direction when two children disagreed during center time. Children were also reminded to use “gentle hands with their friends.” Supervision for all classrooms were observed in compliance. Staff were circulating the classrooms interacting with the children. Ms. Stancil stated that the staff member who was placed on Administrative Leave as a result of complaint investigation conducted on 11-20-24, has now been terminated from employment at the center effective 11-25-24. Ms. Stancil stated that she gathered the personal items which belonged to the staff member and placed them on the front porch of the center for the staff member to pick up. Ms. Stancil stated that the staff member did not come into the center when the items were picked up. Two (2) violations regarding general licensing requirements and enhanced requirements were observed during my visit today and must be corrected immediately. A correction letter stating what changes have been made so that this does not occur again is due to me no later than December 10, 2024. I will also be conducting a follow up visit as well. Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center did not meet the permit restriction pertaining to enhanced staff/child ratios as observed during visit on 11-26-24. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The Infant classroom had one staff member with two infants ages 0-12 months, four-one year-old children and one- two year-old child. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: *A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Please feel free to call me with questions. Kim Wimberly PO Box 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1124-194L Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 100 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor child care requirements relating to supervision and discipline during a complaint follow-up visit. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Administrator. Upon arrival to the center, I observed children arriving and doing morning activities. Ms. Stancil was not present at the center but did arrive shortly after my arrival and transported the school age children to school. Three (3) classrooms were observed open until additional staff arrived. In the Infant classroom, there was one (1) staff member present with two(2) children ages 0-12 months, four (4) children who were one year-old and one child who was two years-old. As we discussed, this is a violation of child care requirements pertaining to staff/child ratios and permit restrictions. When rooms are merged during the early morning hours, you still are required to meet the staff/child ratios for the youngest in care. When the Toddler teacher arrived later during my visit, five (5) of the seven (7) children were taken to the Toddler classroom. Ms. Stancil stated that the Toddler teacher was running late this morning but is scheduled to arrive at 8:30am. Interactions between staff and children were observed to be warm and nurturing. Staff were observed using re-direction when two children disagreed during center time. Children were also reminded to use “gentle hands with their friends.” Supervision for all classrooms were observed in compliance. Staff were circulating the classrooms interacting with the children. Ms. Stancil stated that the staff member who was placed on Administrative Leave as a result of complaint investigation conducted on 11-20-24, has now been terminated from employment at the center effective 11-25-24. Ms. Stancil stated that she gathered the personal items which belonged to the staff member and placed them on the front porch of the center for the staff member to pick up. Ms. Stancil stated that the staff member did not come into the center when the items were picked up. Two (2) violations regarding general licensing requirements and enhanced requirements were observed during my visit today and must be corrected immediately. A correction letter stating what changes have been made so that this does not occur again is due to me no later than December 10, 2024. I will also be conducting a follow up visit as well. Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The center did not meet the permit restriction pertaining to enhanced staff/child ratios as observed during visit on 11-26-24. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The Infant classroom had one staff member with two infants ages 0-12 months, four-one year-old children and one- two year-old child. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: *A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Please feel free to call me with questions. Kim Wimberly PO Box 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1124-194L Visit Date: 11/20/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 11/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to investigate complaint allegations regarding inappropriate discipline. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During the visit today, I verified that the owner of the center, Kidz Konnection Inc. is listed as current, active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 11-20-24. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, and the indoor environment were monitored during my visit today. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Storage of hazardous products was monitored and observed to be in compliance. Upon arrival to the center, I observed the children playing in centers, having diaper changes and outside playing on the playground. I discussed the allegation with Ms. Stancil and the findings are below. Allegation – There is a concern of inappropriate discipline in the classroom of the four-year-old children. Ms. Stancil stated that on 11-18-24, in the afternoon, a parent approached her with a concern that the child’s teacher hit their child. Based on information obtained from the parent the incident occurred during the week of October 25, 2024. Ms. Stancil stated that after conversation with the parent, she did try to review footage from that week but Ms. Stancil stated she was unable to due to the length of time which had passed. Ms. Stancil stated in the interview she did not review any other footage dates after the alleged incident. Ms. Stancil stated that she was later approached by two (2) additional parents later in the evening of 11-18-24 that stated their children said that the teacher hit them. Ms. Stancil stated that the parents of three (3) children in the four(4) and five (5) year-old class submitted cell phone video of children stating they were hit by the staff member. Ms. Stancil stated that she called the staff member into the office in the morning hours of 11-19-24 to discuss the allegations and the staff member denied hitting the children. Ms. Stancil stated that the staff member was placed on administrative leave pending results of her investigation. I discussed with Ms. Stancil if she had observed any previous concerns with the staff member and Ms. Stancil stated she had noticed that there were times when she went into the classroom and observed the children were not engaged in activities. During my visit today, I did not observe the staff member on-site. There is a substitute teacher who has been placed in the four/five year-old classroom temporarily. I did request to view video footage of random days which the teacher was present. Ms. Stancil allowed me to view the footage via cell phone from the program the center uses for surveillance. I viewed footage for the dates of 11-1-24, 11-4-24 and 11-6-24. During my review of the video footage, I viewed the following observations. November 1, 2024 •During the early morning hours as children were arriving, the staff member was observed working on the computer and playing on the cell phone for a large percentage of the morning. Interactions with the children were minimal, if any. The children were observed playing with toys in the child care area but cleaned up and all children then transitioned to the book area with no activity while the staff member finished up on the computer. It is unknown if the teacher was conducting an activity as part of group time with the children due to the fact that there was no sound in the video footage. The staff member was observed having little communication with the children as they sat in the area in front of the staff member. •At 10:10am, the teacher was observed slamming a door as a child entered the bathroom. It is unknown if the door hit the child. •During lunch time, the staff member was observed sitting at the table with the children and I did observe one child was sitting at the end of a bookshelf eating their lunch alone separated from the other children. The child’s plate was sitting on the edge of the bookshelf in another area of the classroom which was not a clean, sanitized surface. There were spaces available at the tables where the other children were eating. •At 10:26am after lunch, I observed the staff member put their hand on a child’s head and push the child to their cot. •At 10:30am, the children were getting onto their cots for nap and rest time and staff member was giving children their coats/blankets to use during nap time. Staff member was observed throwing a blanket at a child who was on their cot. •Staff member cut off the lights and the room was observed very dark making it difficult to supervise the children. Staff member was observed sitting on their cell phone. Staff member remained on their phone until another staff member came into the classroom to give the staff member a break. November 4, 2024 •At 8:57am, the children were observed playing in centers. Staff member came to child #1 and grabbed them by the collar of their shirt and drug the child across the floor a few inches. Staff member also pointed to and called three (3) other children who were playing in a center to that area. Staff member was observed using their hand to jerk three (3) children by the arms down to the floor from standing position. Staff member then was observed dropping a pile of papers on the floor for what appeared to be an activity. Child #2 reached for a piece of paper and staff member with the tips of her fingers, pushed the child on the child’s forehead and child was forced back down on the floor. Staff member was observed standing over the children pointing at the children and it is unknown what staff was saying to the children. Staff member leaned over to pick up something off of the floor and child #1 flinched and held up their hands. Later during the activity, the children were picking up the papers off of the floor and staff was observed leaning over and with the tips of staff members fingers, popped child #2 on the cheek two (2) quick times consecutively. A few minutes later, staff member sent child #2 to stand facing a wall with nose touching wall outside the bathroom in between the cubbies and the bathroom door. The length of time child #2 was observed standing at the wall was a period of 18 minutes. During the eighteen (18) minute timeframe, the staff member did not acknowledge the child and was observed sitting in chair on their cell phone. At the end of the eighteen (18) minute timeframe child #2 removed themselves from the wall area and went back to playing with the other children. •At nap time, staff member was observed laying on the floor near one of the sleeping children on the cell phone. Due to the lack of lighting in the classroom and that the staff member laying down, visual supervision was unable to be maintained. •As nap time appeared to be at the end, child #3 was observed getting off of the cot when they woke up and staff member sent the child to a corner of the classroom in between the bathroom door and cubbies. The staff member was observed pointing at the child and threw some clothes from the child’s cubby at the child. Child #3 removed their clothes and changed into the extra clothes outside of the bathroom against a wall. Staff member placed the clothes in the child’s cubby. I did not observe the staff member wash their hands after handling child #3’s clothes. 11-6-24 •During the early morning hours, child #1 was at the table eating breakfast and staff member came to the child and pushed the side of their head with fingers and waved for child #1 to get up. After child #1 got up from the table, another child sat down to eat breakfast. It was observed that there were other seats available for additional children to sit in. •While the children were eating breakfast, staff member was observed sitting in a chair on cell phone. A parent arrived to the center to drop their child off and staff member remained seated and did not make any attempts to welcome the child to the classroom. •Additional children were observed being dropped off by staff member #2 and I observed staff #2 slap a child (child #2) on the top of the head. Ms. Stancil stated that child #2 was staff member #2’s own child. We discussed that even though child #2 was staff #2’s own child, behavior such as that does not fall within behavior guidelines. Staff #2 exited the classroom. •During breakfast, the children were observed eating and other children were playing with various toys in the classroom. The staff member remained on the cell phone and did not interact with the children other than to point at them. •At 8:07am, staff member walked outside of the classroom and turned to the right and went out of vision of the classroom for a period of 4-5 seconds leaving the children unsupervised. •During lunch time the children were eating lunch and staff member was observed collecting plates from the children and then sat down and ate the food on the children’s plates using the same utensils that the children used. It is unknown if the children had finished eating before the plates were taken. Based on observations of video footage for dates 11-1-24, 11-4-24 and 11-6-24, the allegation is confirmed. Four (4) violations of child care requirements regarding supervision, discipline, general caregiving activities and hand washing were observed. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than December 4, 2024. The correction letter can be e-mailed or mailed to the address at the bottom of this report. A follow up visit will also be conducted to monitor correction of the violations observed during this visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member was observed stepping outside of the four/five year-old classroom out of sight of the classroom for a period of 4-5 seconds. It was also observed that no lighting was present during naptime causing supervision to be compromised in this same classroom. .1801(a)(1-5) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Staff member was observed serving snack to the children without washing hands prior to serving snack. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 872 Appropriate discipline practices were not followed. Staff member sent a child to stand with their nose touching the wall for a period of eighteen (18) minutes. Staff member was observed slamming a door on a child who was entering the bathroom. Staff member grabbed a child by their collar of their shirt and drug child across the floor. Staff member was observed pushing a child, jerking children by their arms and hitting a child on the side of the child's head. Staff member also observed slapping a child on the side of the head. .1803 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. One child was observed eating lunch alone and using the top of a bookshelf as a table for the child's plate. Staff member threw a blanket at a child during naptime. G.S. 110-91(10) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: *Children shall be adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision shall mean that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor areas and are able to always hear and see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. The importance of supervision for children includes protecting children from hazards or harm in their daily experiences, ensuring immediate response to distress or hazardous situations, consistently monitoring children for safety and well-being, and preventing accidents, injuries, and emotional distress. *Appropriate discipline was also discussed with Ms. Stancil. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. Kidz Konnection Inc. has adopted the DCDEE Discipline Policy which addresses developmentally appropriate social-emotional and behavioral health promotion practices as well as discipline and intervention procedures that provide specific guidance on what caregivers/teachers and programs should do to prevent and respond to challenging behaviors. Programs should ensure all caregivers/teachers have access to pre- and in-service training on such practices and procedures. Practices and procedures should be clearly communicated to all staff and implemented consistently. Preventive and discipline practices should be used as learning opportunities to guide children’s appropriate behavioral development. Potential psychological effects of inappropriate discipline *Physical inappropriate discipline can result in chronic stress *Inappropriate discipline can increase a child’s risk of developing a mental health condition *Behavioral challenges can arise out of inappropriate discipline *Inappropriate discipline can lead to reduced self-esteem in children *Outbreaks of foodborne illness have occurred in many settings, including child care facilities. Some of these outbreaks have led to fatalities and severe disabilities. Young children are particularly susceptible to foodborne illness, due to their body size and immature immune systems. Each staff member who serves food to children must wash hands in an approved sink and with soap and water prior to serving the children food. When food is being served, it is critical for the staff member to take all precautions to remain sanitary and staff should not consume food while serving the children meals/snacks. It is also not best practice for staff to eat after children and additionally not use the same utensils that the children used. 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. Please feel free to call me with questions. Kim Wimberly PO Box 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1124-194L Visit Date: 11/20/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 11/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to investigate complaint allegations regarding inappropriate discipline. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During the visit today, I verified that the owner of the center, Kidz Konnection Inc. is listed as current, active on the NC Secretary of State website as of 11-20-24. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, and the indoor environment were monitored during my visit today. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Storage of hazardous products was monitored and observed to be in compliance. Upon arrival to the center, I observed the children playing in centers, having diaper changes and outside playing on the playground. I discussed the allegation with Ms. Stancil and the findings are below. Allegation – There is a concern of inappropriate discipline in the classroom of the four-year-old children. Ms. Stancil stated that on 11-18-24, in the afternoon, a parent approached her with a concern that the child’s teacher hit their child. Based on information obtained from the parent the incident occurred during the week of October 25, 2024. Ms. Stancil stated that after conversation with the parent, she did try to review footage from that week but Ms. Stancil stated she was unable to due to the length of time which had passed. Ms. Stancil stated in the interview she did not review any other footage dates after the alleged incident. Ms. Stancil stated that she was later approached by two (2) additional parents later in the evening of 11-18-24 that stated their children said that the teacher hit them. Ms. Stancil stated that the parents of three (3) children in the four(4) and five (5) year-old class submitted cell phone video of children stating they were hit by the staff member. Ms. Stancil stated that she called the staff member into the office in the morning hours of 11-19-24 to discuss the allegations and the staff member denied hitting the children. Ms. Stancil stated that the staff member was placed on administrative leave pending results of her investigation. I discussed with Ms. Stancil if she had observed any previous concerns with the staff member and Ms. Stancil stated she had noticed that there were times when she went into the classroom and observed the children were not engaged in activities. During my visit today, I did not observe the staff member on-site. There is a substitute teacher who has been placed in the four/five year-old classroom temporarily. I did request to view video footage of random days which the teacher was present. Ms. Stancil allowed me to view the footage via cell phone from the program the center uses for surveillance. I viewed footage for the dates of 11-1-24, 11-4-24 and 11-6-24. During my review of the video footage, I viewed the following observations. November 1, 2024 •During the early morning hours as children were arriving, the staff member was observed working on the computer and playing on the cell phone for a large percentage of the morning. Interactions with the children were minimal, if any. The children were observed playing with toys in the child care area but cleaned up and all children then transitioned to the book area with no activity while the staff member finished up on the computer. It is unknown if the teacher was conducting an activity as part of group time with the children due to the fact that there was no sound in the video footage. The staff member was observed having little communication with the children as they sat in the area in front of the staff member. •At 10:10am, the teacher was observed slamming a door as a child entered the bathroom. It is unknown if the door hit the child. •During lunch time, the staff member was observed sitting at the table with the children and I did observe one child was sitting at the end of a bookshelf eating their lunch alone separated from the other children. The child’s plate was sitting on the edge of the bookshelf in another area of the classroom which was not a clean, sanitized surface. There were spaces available at the tables where the other children were eating. •At 10:26am after lunch, I observed the staff member put their hand on a child’s head and push the child to their cot. •At 10:30am, the children were getting onto their cots for nap and rest time and staff member was giving children their coats/blankets to use during nap time. Staff member was observed throwing a blanket at a child who was on their cot. •Staff member cut off the lights and the room was observed very dark making it difficult to supervise the children. Staff member was observed sitting on their cell phone. Staff member remained on their phone until another staff member came into the classroom to give the staff member a break. November 4, 2024 •At 8:57am, the children were observed playing in centers. Staff member came to child #1 and grabbed them by the collar of their shirt and drug the child across the floor a few inches. Staff member also pointed to and called three (3) other children who were playing in a center to that area. Staff member was observed using their hand to jerk three (3) children by the arms down to the floor from standing position. Staff member then was observed dropping a pile of papers on the floor for what appeared to be an activity. Child #2 reached for a piece of paper and staff member with the tips of her fingers, pushed the child on the child’s forehead and child was forced back down on the floor. Staff member was observed standing over the children pointing at the children and it is unknown what staff was saying to the children. Staff member leaned over to pick up something off of the floor and child #1 flinched and held up their hands. Later during the activity, the children were picking up the papers off of the floor and staff was observed leaning over and with the tips of staff members fingers, popped child #2 on the cheek two (2) quick times consecutively. A few minutes later, staff member sent child #2 to stand facing a wall with nose touching wall outside the bathroom in between the cubbies and the bathroom door. The length of time child #2 was observed standing at the wall was a period of 18 minutes. During the eighteen (18) minute timeframe, the staff member did not acknowledge the child and was observed sitting in chair on their cell phone. At the end of the eighteen (18) minute timeframe child #2 removed themselves from the wall area and went back to playing with the other children. •At nap time, staff member was observed laying on the floor near one of the sleeping children on the cell phone. Due to the lack of lighting in the classroom and that the staff member laying down, visual supervision was unable to be maintained. •As nap time appeared to be at the end, child #3 was observed getting off of the cot when they woke up and staff member sent the child to a corner of the classroom in between the bathroom door and cubbies. The staff member was observed pointing at the child and threw some clothes from the child’s cubby at the child. Child #3 removed their clothes and changed into the extra clothes outside of the bathroom against a wall. Staff member placed the clothes in the child’s cubby. I did not observe the staff member wash their hands after handling child #3’s clothes. 11-6-24 •During the early morning hours, child #1 was at the table eating breakfast and staff member came to the child and pushed the side of their head with fingers and waved for child #1 to get up. After child #1 got up from the table, another child sat down to eat breakfast. It was observed that there were other seats available for additional children to sit in. •While the children were eating breakfast, staff member was observed sitting in a chair on cell phone. A parent arrived to the center to drop their child off and staff member remained seated and did not make any attempts to welcome the child to the classroom. •Additional children were observed being dropped off by staff member #2 and I observed staff #2 slap a child (child #2) on the top of the head. Ms. Stancil stated that child #2 was staff member #2’s own child. We discussed that even though child #2 was staff #2’s own child, behavior such as that does not fall within behavior guidelines. Staff #2 exited the classroom. •During breakfast, the children were observed eating and other children were playing with various toys in the classroom. The staff member remained on the cell phone and did not interact with the children other than to point at them. •At 8:07am, staff member walked outside of the classroom and turned to the right and went out of vision of the classroom for a period of 4-5 seconds leaving the children unsupervised. •During lunch time the children were eating lunch and staff member was observed collecting plates from the children and then sat down and ate the food on the children’s plates using the same utensils that the children used. It is unknown if the children had finished eating before the plates were taken. Based on observations of video footage for dates 11-1-24, 11-4-24 and 11-6-24, the allegation is confirmed. Four (4) violations of child care requirements regarding supervision, discipline, general caregiving activities and hand washing were observed. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than December 4, 2024. The correction letter can be e-mailed or mailed to the address at the bottom of this report. A follow up visit will also be conducted to monitor correction of the violations observed during this visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A staff member was observed stepping outside of the four/five year-old classroom out of sight of the classroom for a period of 4-5 seconds. It was also observed that no lighting was present during naptime causing supervision to be compromised in this same classroom. .1801(a)(1-5) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Staff member was observed serving snack to the children without washing hands prior to serving snack. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 872 Appropriate discipline practices were not followed. Staff member sent a child to stand with their nose touching the wall for a period of eighteen (18) minutes. Staff member was observed slamming a door on a child who was entering the bathroom. Staff member grabbed a child by their collar of their shirt and drug child across the floor. Staff member was observed pushing a child, jerking children by their arms and hitting a child on the side of the child's head. Staff member also observed slapping a child on the side of the head. .1803 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. One child was observed eating lunch alone and using the top of a bookshelf as a table for the child's plate. Staff member threw a blanket at a child during naptime. G.S. 110-91(10) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: *Children shall be adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision shall mean that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor areas and are able to always hear and see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. The importance of supervision for children includes protecting children from hazards or harm in their daily experiences, ensuring immediate response to distress or hazardous situations, consistently monitoring children for safety and well-being, and preventing accidents, injuries, and emotional distress. *Appropriate discipline was also discussed with Ms. Stancil. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. Kidz Konnection Inc. has adopted the DCDEE Discipline Policy which addresses developmentally appropriate social-emotional and behavioral health promotion practices as well as discipline and intervention procedures that provide specific guidance on what caregivers/teachers and programs should do to prevent and respond to challenging behaviors. Programs should ensure all caregivers/teachers have access to pre- and in-service training on such practices and procedures. Practices and procedures should be clearly communicated to all staff and implemented consistently. Preventive and discipline practices should be used as learning opportunities to guide children’s appropriate behavioral development. Potential psychological effects of inappropriate discipline *Physical inappropriate discipline can result in chronic stress *Inappropriate discipline can increase a child’s risk of developing a mental health condition *Behavioral challenges can arise out of inappropriate discipline *Inappropriate discipline can lead to reduced self-esteem in children *Outbreaks of foodborne illness have occurred in many settings, including child care facilities. Some of these outbreaks have led to fatalities and severe disabilities. Young children are particularly susceptible to foodborne illness, due to their body size and immature immune systems. Each staff member who serves food to children must wash hands in an approved sink and with soap and water prior to serving the children food. When food is being served, it is critical for the staff member to take all precautions to remain sanitary and staff should not consume food while serving the children meals/snacks. It is also not best practice for staff to eat after children and additionally not use the same utensils that the children used. 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. Please feel free to call me with questions. Kim Wimberly PO Box 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 Kim.Wimberly@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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/13/2024 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 5/13/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 11:35 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance was conducted on 5-24-23. The center currently operates with a 3 STAR rated license. The center is approved for 60 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. I verified on the NC Secretary of State website and the owner of this program, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is listed as current-active as of 5-13-24. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed finishing lunch and transitioning to nap/quiet time. There are no Infants enrolled at this time. I did observe that the meal served included corn dogs but cheese pizza was indicated on the menu which was posted in the classrooms as well as the Kitchen. Ms. Stancil stated that they did have to make a substitution today and a notification was sent through the Brightwheel app that the center uses but we discussed today that it must be indicated in the areas that the children eat as well as the Kitchen. We discussed that it could be something as simple as a sticky note being placed on the menus. A current allergy list was not posted in the Kitchen area as the revision date of the allergy list was 2021. There has been one in years past so I encourage you to look around the Kitchen to see if it fell behind something. Today we discussed that in the 3-5 year old classroom, there was an outlet uncovered in the Dramatic Play area. There was also a handle missing on the cabinet to the stove in the Dramatic Play area as well. I also observed there was one child in the one year old classroom who was sleeping on a cot that did not have a linen on it. Ms. Stancil stated that the child’s parents do not bring in linens for the child as they have requested and explained to parents that linens are not provided by the center. Ms. Stancil further stated that the center does have linens they keep onsite for situations like this but the linens have accidentally been sent home with the children and the linens are not returned to the center and now the center has no extra linens. We discussed that you will need to purchase more linens and it was suggested that staff be reminded not to send “borrowed” linens home with the children. Perhaps writing the name of the center on the bottom side of the sheets would remind staff they do not belong to the children. Daily attendance is documented on an electronic sign in and out at the entrance to the center. Staff/child ratios, space capacity and supervision were observed in compliance. Staffing is low in the center but staff do an excellent job working together to assure that staff/child ratios and supervision are not compromised. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12-14-23 and the last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-11-24. An addition has been added to the facility to open up new space and that new space was measured and monitored for compliance during my visit today. I did observe that there is a handwashing sink but there is not a bathroom. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that I would need to know how bathroom breaks would be handled due to the fact that the only other bathroom that can be used is located in the 3-5 year old classroom and with staffing low, the children from this space could not be sent into the 3-5 year old classroom without possibly compromising staff/child ratios for this classroom. Ms. Stancil stated that she would discuss this with the owner and get back to me. Building, Fire and Sanitation inspections for this new space have been submitted to me. Space was measured during my visit today. I will calculate the number of children allowed in this space and send you the documentation. Once you submit the plan for bathroom breaks for this new classroom, I will review for approval of this space. Until you have received approval from me, this space cannot be used for care of children. For outside time, the children play in fenced areas. I did observe that administration has been working to enhance the outdoor environment for the children. Old toys have been cleaned out and a thin layer of mulch has been added to soften the outdoor space. Tables and chairs and a large tarp shade has been added for children to color and draw and do table activities. Bins of special activities has been added and hung on the fence. All equipment on the playground is portable. We did discuss that some of the equipment has a lot of mildew on it and needs a good deep cleaning. Ms. Stancil stated that is their next project. We discussed that the portable climber slide on the playground has a large crack in the plastic at the top of the slide which could cause children to cut their legs or bottoms as they go down the slide. This will need to be repaired or removed from the playground. We also discussed that there is a section of the top of the chain link fence at the top that is missing a cover and the sharp end is exposed which is a safety concern for the children. The following items were observed out of compliance on the outdoor playground. 1. There is a small section at the bottom of the chain link fence on the side of the fence where the stability of the fence has been compromised on the large playground. There are sharp metal pieces sticking out which is a safety concern for the children. As we discussed, this section must be repaired. 2. The adequate amount of mulch did not meet the requirements of depth and the surfacing did not extend to the fall zones. 3. There is a red fire truck piece of equipment that has metal stakes sticking out which are tripping hazards for the children. The steering wheels also need to be tightened so they are not pinching hazards. Staff and training worksheets were completed by Director and submitted to me during today's visit. Three new staff files were monitored for compliance. I observed that one staff member was missing the module pertaining to Medications which would complete their Health & Safety training. Four staff were missing all of their required ongoing training hours. Please be advised that theses staff will need to complete the required training hours for the 2023-2024 year and these trainings cannot be counted for the 2024-2025 year. Ten children’s files were monitored and observed to be in compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were all current and on file. *****Violations: Six (6) violations regarding staff files, safe environment, nutrition, program standards and equipment/furnishings were observed during my visit today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than May 27, 2024 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Violation Number Comment Rule 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. Current allergy lists were not posted in the Kitchen where food is prepared. The most recent revision date which was documented on the list present was 2021. .0901(g) 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. A substitution to the posted menu was served to the children but not indicated on the menus. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 611 All beds, cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child. One child in the one year old classroom did not have any linens on their cot during nap time. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(c) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. One outlet was uncovered in the Dramatic Play area in the 3-5 yr old classroom. The slide on the ladder climber on the outside playground was cracked which is a safety concern for the children. The silver bar on the top of a section of the outside fence is missing a cover which has an exposed sharp side which is a safety concern for the children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Four staff did not have all of the required ongoing training hours. .1103(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member did not complete the module pertaining to Medications in Child Care as part of the completion of Health & Safety training. .1103(b) Reminders: As we begin to transition back to rated license reassessments, please begin to prepare for your facility now so you are better prepared. Make sure all staff have established accounts in WORKS and if there are any staff who have taken coursework, get those original transcripts submitted to DCDEE to be evaluated. Your facility is in Cohort #2 which means that your “Prep Year” is July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 and your actual “Assessment Year” is anytime during July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/13/2024 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 5/13/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 11:35 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to inspect the facility for compliance with child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. The last annual compliance was conducted on 5-24-23. The center currently operates with a 3 STAR rated license. The center is approved for 60 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, Director. During today’s visit an assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted, inspecting all space used by children. I verified on the NC Secretary of State website and the owner of this program, Kidz Konnection, Inc. is listed as current-active as of 5-13-24. Upon arrival to the program today, the children were observed finishing lunch and transitioning to nap/quiet time. There are no Infants enrolled at this time. I did observe that the meal served included corn dogs but cheese pizza was indicated on the menu which was posted in the classrooms as well as the Kitchen. Ms. Stancil stated that they did have to make a substitution today and a notification was sent through the Brightwheel app that the center uses but we discussed today that it must be indicated in the areas that the children eat as well as the Kitchen. We discussed that it could be something as simple as a sticky note being placed on the menus. A current allergy list was not posted in the Kitchen area as the revision date of the allergy list was 2021. There has been one in years past so I encourage you to look around the Kitchen to see if it fell behind something. Today we discussed that in the 3-5 year old classroom, there was an outlet uncovered in the Dramatic Play area. There was also a handle missing on the cabinet to the stove in the Dramatic Play area as well. I also observed there was one child in the one year old classroom who was sleeping on a cot that did not have a linen on it. Ms. Stancil stated that the child’s parents do not bring in linens for the child as they have requested and explained to parents that linens are not provided by the center. Ms. Stancil further stated that the center does have linens they keep onsite for situations like this but the linens have accidentally been sent home with the children and the linens are not returned to the center and now the center has no extra linens. We discussed that you will need to purchase more linens and it was suggested that staff be reminded not to send “borrowed” linens home with the children. Perhaps writing the name of the center on the bottom side of the sheets would remind staff they do not belong to the children. Daily attendance is documented on an electronic sign in and out at the entrance to the center. Staff/child ratios, space capacity and supervision were observed in compliance. Staffing is low in the center but staff do an excellent job working together to assure that staff/child ratios and supervision are not compromised. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12-14-23 and the last Sanitation inspection was conducted on 3-11-24. An addition has been added to the facility to open up new space and that new space was measured and monitored for compliance during my visit today. I did observe that there is a handwashing sink but there is not a bathroom. I discussed with Ms. Stancil that I would need to know how bathroom breaks would be handled due to the fact that the only other bathroom that can be used is located in the 3-5 year old classroom and with staffing low, the children from this space could not be sent into the 3-5 year old classroom without possibly compromising staff/child ratios for this classroom. Ms. Stancil stated that she would discuss this with the owner and get back to me. Building, Fire and Sanitation inspections for this new space have been submitted to me. Space was measured during my visit today. I will calculate the number of children allowed in this space and send you the documentation. Once you submit the plan for bathroom breaks for this new classroom, I will review for approval of this space. Until you have received approval from me, this space cannot be used for care of children. For outside time, the children play in fenced areas. I did observe that administration has been working to enhance the outdoor environment for the children. Old toys have been cleaned out and a thin layer of mulch has been added to soften the outdoor space. Tables and chairs and a large tarp shade has been added for children to color and draw and do table activities. Bins of special activities has been added and hung on the fence. All equipment on the playground is portable. We did discuss that some of the equipment has a lot of mildew on it and needs a good deep cleaning. Ms. Stancil stated that is their next project. We discussed that the portable climber slide on the playground has a large crack in the plastic at the top of the slide which could cause children to cut their legs or bottoms as they go down the slide. This will need to be repaired or removed from the playground. We also discussed that there is a section of the top of the chain link fence at the top that is missing a cover and the sharp end is exposed which is a safety concern for the children. The following items were observed out of compliance on the outdoor playground. 1. There is a small section at the bottom of the chain link fence on the side of the fence where the stability of the fence has been compromised on the large playground. There are sharp metal pieces sticking out which is a safety concern for the children. As we discussed, this section must be repaired. 2. The adequate amount of mulch did not meet the requirements of depth and the surfacing did not extend to the fall zones. 3. There is a red fire truck piece of equipment that has metal stakes sticking out which are tripping hazards for the children. The steering wheels also need to be tightened so they are not pinching hazards. Staff and training worksheets were completed by Director and submitted to me during today's visit. Three new staff files were monitored for compliance. I observed that one staff member was missing the module pertaining to Medications which would complete their Health & Safety training. Four staff were missing all of their required ongoing training hours. Please be advised that theses staff will need to complete the required training hours for the 2023-2024 year and these trainings cannot be counted for the 2024-2025 year. Ten children’s files were monitored and observed to be in compliance. I inspected the facilities posted information such as the license, EMC plan, emergency telephone numbers, staff/ratio sheets, allergy lists, etc. and all were observed to be in compliance. Fire drills, EPR drills and outdoor playground inspections were all current and on file. *****Violations: Six (6) violations regarding staff files, safe environment, nutrition, program standards and equipment/furnishings were observed during my visit today. A corrective action letter stating how each violation was corrected is due to me no later than May 27, 2024 and can be e-mailed or mailed to me at the contact information at the end of this report. Please remember to address each violation individually and indicate your center name and ID number. Violation Number Comment Rule 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. Current allergy lists were not posted in the Kitchen where food is prepared. The most recent revision date which was documented on the list present was 2021. .0901(g) 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. A substitution to the posted menu was served to the children but not indicated on the menus. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 611 All beds, cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child. One child in the one year old classroom did not have any linens on their cot during nap time. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(c) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. One outlet was uncovered in the Dramatic Play area in the 3-5 yr old classroom. The slide on the ladder climber on the outside playground was cracked which is a safety concern for the children. The silver bar on the top of a section of the outside fence is missing a cover which has an exposed sharp side which is a safety concern for the children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Four staff did not have all of the required ongoing training hours. .1103(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member did not complete the module pertaining to Medications in Child Care as part of the completion of Health & Safety training. .1103(b) Reminders: As we begin to transition back to rated license reassessments, please begin to prepare for your facility now so you are better prepared. Make sure all staff have established accounts in WORKS and if there are any staff who have taken coursework, get those original transcripts submitted to DCDEE to be evaluated. Your facility is in Cohort #2 which means that your “Prep Year” is July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 and your actual “Assessment Year” is anytime during July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Contact me with questions at: Kim.Wimberly@dhhs.nc.gov PO BOX 609 Knightdale, NC 27545 919-819-9387 http://ncchildcaresearch.dhhs.state.nc.us 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDZ KONNECTION INC. Facility ID: 92003176 Consultant: KIMBERLY WIMBERLY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/22/2023 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 8/22/2023 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 10:10 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor for compliance with applicable NC Child Care Licensing Requirements and the completion status of the Corrective Action Plan issued to your child care center along with a Written Warning issued to the center. Today’s visit was conducted with Sieaira Stancil, newly appointed Director. Upon arrival, the children were observed playing in centers while waiting on lunch to be brought to the classrooms. The Infants were being fed and playing with toys in the child care area. I did observe that 2 Infants did not have documentation of visually checking during nap times for 8-21-23. During this Administrative Action Follow-up visit, a partial monitoring of minimum Child Care Requirements was conducted, monitoring all classrooms. The monitoring included the center’s license and permit restrictions, staff/child ratios, supervision, CPR/First Aid coverage for the center, daily records of arrival and departure, interactions between staff and children, nutrition pertaining to menus, equipment and furnishings, safety, program records, and sanitation. I observed that the menu reflected hot dogs with roll, French fries, oranges and milk were to be served today but I observed that today’s lunch consisted of BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, mixed fruit and milk. I remind the cook as well as Ms. Stancil that when substitutions are made for meals and snacks, this must be indicated prior to the meals being served and on every menu where the children eat. Two violations regarding nutrition and children’s records were observed out of compliance. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. The food being served today did not reflect the meal that was documented on the menu for 8-22-23. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Two Infants ages 0-12 months did not have documentation of visually checking Infants while sleeping on 8-21-23. .0606(g) The above violations must be corrected immediately and verification submitted by September 4, 2023 to maintain compliance with the NC Child Care Law and Requirements. Please address each violation and explain how it has been corrected and how it will be maintained in the future. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today's visit, the center had a 83% Compliance History Score. The center was not in compliance with all applicable minimum licensing requirements during today's visit and violations were cited that could impact the center’s overall Compliance History Score. An updated Compliance History Score will be generated after today’s visit and you will be informed of the results on the next visit to your center. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d) all child care centers must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Any violations documented during visits to your center may have an impact on the total compliance. history score and cause your score to drop below the mandated level. Should this occur, your center may be at risk of further administrative action. CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN PROGRESS Your Corrective Action Plan contains three (3) items that must be completed prior to the closure of the Administrative Action. Some items must be completed within identified time frames. Failure to complete an item within the established time frame may result in further administrative action taken against the center, so please pay close attention to each individual deadline. The following items from your Corrective Action Plan were monitored during today’s visit and their status is as follows: Posting of License and Notice of Administrative Action A copy of the Administrative Action is posted at the entrance to the center above a bulletin board. Ms. Stancil stated to me that parents were sent notice of the Administrative Action via the Brightwheel app that the center uses. Item #1 – Compliance with all applicable child care requirements but not limited to the following: *Daily Records of Arrival and Departure – It was observed that outside of each classroom, parents/guardians documented arrival and departure times of children. *Interactions between staff and children – Staff were observed interacting with the children in a positive manner. *Menus – Menus for August 2023 were posted but did not have documentation of menu substitutions. This is a violation of your Corrective Action Plan. *Equipment and Furnishings – Equipment and furnishings were observed to be cleaned and free of mold and mildew. The ceiling has been repaired in the school age classroom. *Safety – Equipment that was a safety concern has been removed from the outdoor play area. *EMC Plan – Documentation is on file that the EMC plan has been reviewed with all staff. *CPR/First Aid – Documentation of completion of CPR/First Aid is on file for all staff. There is one new staff member who is still within the 90 day timeframe for completion of CPR and First Aid. *Sanitation – Toys and furnishings were observed to be clean. The ceiling in the school age room has been repaired. Item #2 – Written Plan A Written Plan was submitted to me for approval on 7-31-23. The Written Plan included the steps which have been taken to assure compliance with all child care requirements. Modifications for the Written Plan were requested by me on 8-1-23. The modified Written Plan was submitted to me for final approval on 8-3-23 and approved on this date. Item #3 – Staff Meeting *A mandatory staff meeting which included administrative staff, full time staff, part time staff, auxiliary staff, substitutes and volunteers was conducted on 8-10-23. Documentation of the meeting was observed being maintained in facility files and was reviewed by me during the visit today. Documentation included attendance roster with printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date/time and length of the meeting and documentation of information discussed at the meeting. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONSULTATION The following items were discussed during today' visit. You may want to consider them in order to avoid potential violations or improve the quality of your program. 1) When substitutions are made to the menu, you can use a sticky note on the menu to indicate the menu modifications. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919)819-9387. All mail correspondence should be sent to Post Office Box 609, Knightdale, NC 27545. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.