10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: Steps & Stages Too Facility ID: 92004052 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/15/2026 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 6/15/2026 Age: From 6 To 10 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 01:35 PM Time Out: 04:50 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 monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last visit was a temporary time period visit on 12-16-25. The center currently operates with a 5-star license issued on 1-11-26 using pathway 2 (classroom & instructional Quality), & ratios in rule .3209 (b) & 25 sq. ft. inside and 75 sq. ft. outside. The center is licensed for children ages 5-12, with a capacity of (30) thirty. Children younger than 5 years old are not allowed on the premises or to be cared for at this location. This is indicated on the license and on your former visit summaries. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Program Coordinator/Director. LeAnne Simpkins, Lead Child Care Consultant, was present. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Mrs. Cole stayed with the children as LeAnne and I conducted our walk-through. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival a total of six (6) children were present. Some of the children were observed playing with art and others were dancing to music. I monitor required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, and furnishings. Mrs. Samone stated no medications were at the center and the mini-bus was at the center in Wendell. Samone stated transportation is not provided at either center. If you decide to transport, send me proof of your current registration, insurance and make sure the vehicle is in compliance with the transportation rule in section .1002-.1003. *************ADMINISTRATOR’S HOURS: ****************** Since Mrs. Cole is also listed as the Administrator at a center in Wendell, she’s required to be on site performing administrative duties for 20 hours. Mrs. Cole stated her hours at the center in Wendell are from 6:30am to 2:50pm, Monday through Friday. She is required to be on site at the Zebulon center for 25 hours per week. Her hours at Steps & Stages Too are 2:50pm to 6pm daily. This was discussed with Ms. Samone on 11-7-25 during a Technical Assistance visit and on 12-16-25 during her 3rd Temp. time visit. Now that school’s out for the summer. Mrs. Cole hours are as follows at the Zebulon location: 6:30 am to 2:15 and 2:20 to 6pm at the Wendell location. Tenaja’s hours at the Zebulon center are: 2pm to 6pm. Mrs. Cole stated Tenaja doesn’t work at the Wendell location during the summer. *Today, we arrived at 1:35 and Samone was the only adult with the children. Tenaja called around 2:30 and was supposed to be coming to the Zebulon center to work for the rest of the day so Samone could go to the Wendell location. Tenaja had an unexpected emergency and was not available to come or bring the afternoon snack, therefore Samone had to serve the children apples, pretzels and water for snack. ****CHANGING THE AGE RANGE ON YOUR CURRENT LICENSE*** On March 5, 2026, you contacted LeAnne Simpkins, your consultant, at the time and me on June 4, 2026, asking about the changing the ages of children on your license. The following was explained: -A visit must be made to verify the classroom has age-appropriate/sized materials & the proper amount of equipment. -The proper posting posted. -You will need to supply the names and positions (Lead Teachers, Teachers, Program Coordinator & Group Leader) of the staff during the day & afternoon, they will need to be added to your QRIS Education form. And if you list staff from your Wendell center, the proper amount of staff is at both centers. -QRIS application will need to be reassessed. This may affect the star rating depending on the results of the education for the lead teachers/teachers/group leader/program coordinator. *Today, this classroom (space 2) was not set up for childcare and did not have any required postings. The classroom had 3 books, 1 rug, a few blocks and a few manipulatives, setting primarily in the middle of the room. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=6-9-26 (send me your 2027 inspection within 5 days of completion). *Sanitation inspection=4-27-26 (send me all your 2027 inspections within 5 days of completion) *Remember to complete an outdoor safety inspection for June. *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 6-8-26. This must be printed and the ready to go file should be created. *The last lead water test was due in 4-15-25 & will be due in 4/2028. The asbestos & lead paint test has been completed. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) SOSIS# 1487289 listed as current-active. *Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 6-29-26 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The attendance did not show arrival and departure times. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. There is no shade provided in the afternoon on the playground for the children. Technical assistance was given on June 18, 2026. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. No allergy list was in the kitchen, the food preparation area. .0901(g) 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. Unused outlets were observed in the unlocked kitchen and in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The following items were observed in the unlocked kitchen on the counter tops: 1.Two bottles of Water Works chlorine test strips that had "keep out of reach of children" were observed on the kitchen counter top. 2. One bottle of clorox disinfectant spray was on the counter top. 3. A pack of two aerosol cans of Homeline-Hawaiian bloom room spray was also accessible to children. .2820(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The center attendance was not current. The posted attendance listed twenty children and six were actually enrolled. And upon arrival after lunch, the attendance had not been completed. GS 110-91(9) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The Director has not completed the ABCMS portal for the Zebulon location. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *Nails were observed on the outside of the gate, these need to be nailed back in. *There are several small unused rooms located in the hallway. One has a note on the door that says "restricted area" this room has the electrical panel for the building in it and must be locked. Also, the other doors in the hallway should be locked if the unused outlets are not covered. *ABCMS PORTAL: Technical assistance was given to you on your visit summary dated 4-10-25 from L. Simpkins and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me since 10-11-24 at the center in Wendell. Each time you hire, fire or someone leaves, the portal must be updated. If you need assistance, please call the criminal record unit, the contact information is on your previous visit summary. *CHILDREN’S FILES: The application must be updated annually. *TRAINING HOURS & HEALTH & SAFETY TRAININGS: *Health and Safety Trainings are due by July 10, 2026 for Tenaja. Remember to attach staff training certificates to the on-going training log that’s on DCDEE’s website. There’s also a checklist for health and safety training, and on-going annual training hours, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. This was discussed at your last visit at the Wendell location. If you need assistance for the health and safety medication training, contact Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov *During my last visit at the Wendell location, we discussed the importance of record keeping. *If staff will work at both centers, records must be accessible at both centers and accessible to DCDEE staff. Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. *******NEW STAFF & TRAINING WORKSHEETS: ************** *As of June 2026, new staff & training worksheets are on DCDEE’s website. Please start using these immediately. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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 .1402 · Violation

Name of Operation: Steps & Stages Too Facility ID: 92004052 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/15/2026 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 6/15/2026 Age: From 6 To 10 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 01:35 PM Time Out: 04:50 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 monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last visit was a temporary time period visit on 12-16-25. The center currently operates with a 5-star license issued on 1-11-26 using pathway 2 (classroom & instructional Quality), & ratios in rule .3209 (b) & 25 sq. ft. inside and 75 sq. ft. outside. The center is licensed for children ages 5-12, with a capacity of (30) thirty. Children younger than 5 years old are not allowed on the premises or to be cared for at this location. This is indicated on the license and on your former visit summaries. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Program Coordinator/Director. LeAnne Simpkins, Lead Child Care Consultant, was present. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Mrs. Cole stayed with the children as LeAnne and I conducted our walk-through. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival a total of six (6) children were present. Some of the children were observed playing with art and others were dancing to music. I monitor required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, and furnishings. Mrs. Samone stated no medications were at the center and the mini-bus was at the center in Wendell. Samone stated transportation is not provided at either center. If you decide to transport, send me proof of your current registration, insurance and make sure the vehicle is in compliance with the transportation rule in section .1002-.1003. *************ADMINISTRATOR’S HOURS: ****************** Since Mrs. Cole is also listed as the Administrator at a center in Wendell, she’s required to be on site performing administrative duties for 20 hours. Mrs. Cole stated her hours at the center in Wendell are from 6:30am to 2:50pm, Monday through Friday. She is required to be on site at the Zebulon center for 25 hours per week. Her hours at Steps & Stages Too are 2:50pm to 6pm daily. This was discussed with Ms. Samone on 11-7-25 during a Technical Assistance visit and on 12-16-25 during her 3rd Temp. time visit. Now that school’s out for the summer. Mrs. Cole hours are as follows at the Zebulon location: 6:30 am to 2:15 and 2:20 to 6pm at the Wendell location. Tenaja’s hours at the Zebulon center are: 2pm to 6pm. Mrs. Cole stated Tenaja doesn’t work at the Wendell location during the summer. *Today, we arrived at 1:35 and Samone was the only adult with the children. Tenaja called around 2:30 and was supposed to be coming to the Zebulon center to work for the rest of the day so Samone could go to the Wendell location. Tenaja had an unexpected emergency and was not available to come or bring the afternoon snack, therefore Samone had to serve the children apples, pretzels and water for snack. ****CHANGING THE AGE RANGE ON YOUR CURRENT LICENSE*** On March 5, 2026, you contacted LeAnne Simpkins, your consultant, at the time and me on June 4, 2026, asking about the changing the ages of children on your license. The following was explained: -A visit must be made to verify the classroom has age-appropriate/sized materials & the proper amount of equipment. -The proper posting posted. -You will need to supply the names and positions (Lead Teachers, Teachers, Program Coordinator & Group Leader) of the staff during the day & afternoon, they will need to be added to your QRIS Education form. And if you list staff from your Wendell center, the proper amount of staff is at both centers. -QRIS application will need to be reassessed. This may affect the star rating depending on the results of the education for the lead teachers/teachers/group leader/program coordinator. *Today, this classroom (space 2) was not set up for childcare and did not have any required postings. The classroom had 3 books, 1 rug, a few blocks and a few manipulatives, setting primarily in the middle of the room. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=6-9-26 (send me your 2027 inspection within 5 days of completion). *Sanitation inspection=4-27-26 (send me all your 2027 inspections within 5 days of completion) *Remember to complete an outdoor safety inspection for June. *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 6-8-26. This must be printed and the ready to go file should be created. *The last lead water test was due in 4-15-25 & will be due in 4/2028. The asbestos & lead paint test has been completed. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) SOSIS# 1487289 listed as current-active. *Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 6-29-26 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The attendance did not show arrival and departure times. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. There is no shade provided in the afternoon on the playground for the children. Technical assistance was given on June 18, 2026. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. No allergy list was in the kitchen, the food preparation area. .0901(g) 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. Unused outlets were observed in the unlocked kitchen and in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The following items were observed in the unlocked kitchen on the counter tops: 1.Two bottles of Water Works chlorine test strips that had "keep out of reach of children" were observed on the kitchen counter top. 2. One bottle of clorox disinfectant spray was on the counter top. 3. A pack of two aerosol cans of Homeline-Hawaiian bloom room spray was also accessible to children. .2820(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The center attendance was not current. The posted attendance listed twenty children and six were actually enrolled. And upon arrival after lunch, the attendance had not been completed. GS 110-91(9) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The Director has not completed the ABCMS portal for the Zebulon location. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *Nails were observed on the outside of the gate, these need to be nailed back in. *There are several small unused rooms located in the hallway. One has a note on the door that says "restricted area" this room has the electrical panel for the building in it and must be locked. Also, the other doors in the hallway should be locked if the unused outlets are not covered. *ABCMS PORTAL: Technical assistance was given to you on your visit summary dated 4-10-25 from L. Simpkins and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me since 10-11-24 at the center in Wendell. Each time you hire, fire or someone leaves, the portal must be updated. If you need assistance, please call the criminal record unit, the contact information is on your previous visit summary. *CHILDREN’S FILES: The application must be updated annually. *TRAINING HOURS & HEALTH & SAFETY TRAININGS: *Health and Safety Trainings are due by July 10, 2026 for Tenaja. Remember to attach staff training certificates to the on-going training log that’s on DCDEE’s website. There’s also a checklist for health and safety training, and on-going annual training hours, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. This was discussed at your last visit at the Wendell location. If you need assistance for the health and safety medication training, contact Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov *During my last visit at the Wendell location, we discussed the importance of record keeping. *If staff will work at both centers, records must be accessible at both centers and accessible to DCDEE staff. Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. *******NEW STAFF & TRAINING WORKSHEETS: ************** *As of June 2026, new staff & training worksheets are on DCDEE’s website. Please start using these immediately. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Steps & Stages Too Facility ID: 92004052 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/15/2026 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 6/15/2026 Age: From 6 To 10 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 01:35 PM Time Out: 04:50 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 monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last visit was a temporary time period visit on 12-16-25. The center currently operates with a 5-star license issued on 1-11-26 using pathway 2 (classroom & instructional Quality), & ratios in rule .3209 (b) & 25 sq. ft. inside and 75 sq. ft. outside. The center is licensed for children ages 5-12, with a capacity of (30) thirty. Children younger than 5 years old are not allowed on the premises or to be cared for at this location. This is indicated on the license and on your former visit summaries. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Program Coordinator/Director. LeAnne Simpkins, Lead Child Care Consultant, was present. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Mrs. Cole stayed with the children as LeAnne and I conducted our walk-through. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival a total of six (6) children were present. Some of the children were observed playing with art and others were dancing to music. I monitor required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, and furnishings. Mrs. Samone stated no medications were at the center and the mini-bus was at the center in Wendell. Samone stated transportation is not provided at either center. If you decide to transport, send me proof of your current registration, insurance and make sure the vehicle is in compliance with the transportation rule in section .1002-.1003. *************ADMINISTRATOR’S HOURS: ****************** Since Mrs. Cole is also listed as the Administrator at a center in Wendell, she’s required to be on site performing administrative duties for 20 hours. Mrs. Cole stated her hours at the center in Wendell are from 6:30am to 2:50pm, Monday through Friday. She is required to be on site at the Zebulon center for 25 hours per week. Her hours at Steps & Stages Too are 2:50pm to 6pm daily. This was discussed with Ms. Samone on 11-7-25 during a Technical Assistance visit and on 12-16-25 during her 3rd Temp. time visit. Now that school’s out for the summer. Mrs. Cole hours are as follows at the Zebulon location: 6:30 am to 2:15 and 2:20 to 6pm at the Wendell location. Tenaja’s hours at the Zebulon center are: 2pm to 6pm. Mrs. Cole stated Tenaja doesn’t work at the Wendell location during the summer. *Today, we arrived at 1:35 and Samone was the only adult with the children. Tenaja called around 2:30 and was supposed to be coming to the Zebulon center to work for the rest of the day so Samone could go to the Wendell location. Tenaja had an unexpected emergency and was not available to come or bring the afternoon snack, therefore Samone had to serve the children apples, pretzels and water for snack. ****CHANGING THE AGE RANGE ON YOUR CURRENT LICENSE*** On March 5, 2026, you contacted LeAnne Simpkins, your consultant, at the time and me on June 4, 2026, asking about the changing the ages of children on your license. The following was explained: -A visit must be made to verify the classroom has age-appropriate/sized materials & the proper amount of equipment. -The proper posting posted. -You will need to supply the names and positions (Lead Teachers, Teachers, Program Coordinator & Group Leader) of the staff during the day & afternoon, they will need to be added to your QRIS Education form. And if you list staff from your Wendell center, the proper amount of staff is at both centers. -QRIS application will need to be reassessed. This may affect the star rating depending on the results of the education for the lead teachers/teachers/group leader/program coordinator. *Today, this classroom (space 2) was not set up for childcare and did not have any required postings. The classroom had 3 books, 1 rug, a few blocks and a few manipulatives, setting primarily in the middle of the room. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=6-9-26 (send me your 2027 inspection within 5 days of completion). *Sanitation inspection=4-27-26 (send me all your 2027 inspections within 5 days of completion) *Remember to complete an outdoor safety inspection for June. *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 6-8-26. This must be printed and the ready to go file should be created. *The last lead water test was due in 4-15-25 & will be due in 4/2028. The asbestos & lead paint test has been completed. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) SOSIS# 1487289 listed as current-active. *Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 6-29-26 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The attendance did not show arrival and departure times. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. There is no shade provided in the afternoon on the playground for the children. Technical assistance was given on June 18, 2026. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. No allergy list was in the kitchen, the food preparation area. .0901(g) 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. Unused outlets were observed in the unlocked kitchen and in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The following items were observed in the unlocked kitchen on the counter tops: 1.Two bottles of Water Works chlorine test strips that had "keep out of reach of children" were observed on the kitchen counter top. 2. One bottle of clorox disinfectant spray was on the counter top. 3. A pack of two aerosol cans of Homeline-Hawaiian bloom room spray was also accessible to children. .2820(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The center attendance was not current. The posted attendance listed twenty children and six were actually enrolled. And upon arrival after lunch, the attendance had not been completed. GS 110-91(9) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The Director has not completed the ABCMS portal for the Zebulon location. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *Nails were observed on the outside of the gate, these need to be nailed back in. *There are several small unused rooms located in the hallway. One has a note on the door that says "restricted area" this room has the electrical panel for the building in it and must be locked. Also, the other doors in the hallway should be locked if the unused outlets are not covered. *ABCMS PORTAL: Technical assistance was given to you on your visit summary dated 4-10-25 from L. Simpkins and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me since 10-11-24 at the center in Wendell. Each time you hire, fire or someone leaves, the portal must be updated. If you need assistance, please call the criminal record unit, the contact information is on your previous visit summary. *CHILDREN’S FILES: The application must be updated annually. *TRAINING HOURS & HEALTH & SAFETY TRAININGS: *Health and Safety Trainings are due by July 10, 2026 for Tenaja. Remember to attach staff training certificates to the on-going training log that’s on DCDEE’s website. There’s also a checklist for health and safety training, and on-going annual training hours, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. This was discussed at your last visit at the Wendell location. If you need assistance for the health and safety medication training, contact Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov *During my last visit at the Wendell location, we discussed the importance of record keeping. *If staff will work at both centers, records must be accessible at both centers and accessible to DCDEE staff. Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. *******NEW STAFF & TRAINING WORKSHEETS: ************** *As of June 2026, new staff & training worksheets are on DCDEE’s website. Please start using these immediately. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Steps & Stages Too Facility ID: 92004052 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/15/2026 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 6/15/2026 Age: From 6 To 10 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 01:35 PM Time Out: 04:50 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 monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. Your last visit was a temporary time period visit on 12-16-25. The center currently operates with a 5-star license issued on 1-11-26 using pathway 2 (classroom & instructional Quality), & ratios in rule .3209 (b) & 25 sq. ft. inside and 75 sq. ft. outside. The center is licensed for children ages 5-12, with a capacity of (30) thirty. Children younger than 5 years old are not allowed on the premises or to be cared for at this location. This is indicated on the license and on your former visit summaries. My visit was conducted with Samone Cole, Program Coordinator/Director. LeAnne Simpkins, Lead Child Care Consultant, was present. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Mrs. Cole stayed with the children as LeAnne and I conducted our walk-through. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Upon arrival a total of six (6) children were present. Some of the children were observed playing with art and others were dancing to music. I monitor required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program records, equipment, and furnishings. Mrs. Samone stated no medications were at the center and the mini-bus was at the center in Wendell. Samone stated transportation is not provided at either center. If you decide to transport, send me proof of your current registration, insurance and make sure the vehicle is in compliance with the transportation rule in section .1002-.1003. *************ADMINISTRATOR’S HOURS: ****************** Since Mrs. Cole is also listed as the Administrator at a center in Wendell, she’s required to be on site performing administrative duties for 20 hours. Mrs. Cole stated her hours at the center in Wendell are from 6:30am to 2:50pm, Monday through Friday. She is required to be on site at the Zebulon center for 25 hours per week. Her hours at Steps & Stages Too are 2:50pm to 6pm daily. This was discussed with Ms. Samone on 11-7-25 during a Technical Assistance visit and on 12-16-25 during her 3rd Temp. time visit. Now that school’s out for the summer. Mrs. Cole hours are as follows at the Zebulon location: 6:30 am to 2:15 and 2:20 to 6pm at the Wendell location. Tenaja’s hours at the Zebulon center are: 2pm to 6pm. Mrs. Cole stated Tenaja doesn’t work at the Wendell location during the summer. *Today, we arrived at 1:35 and Samone was the only adult with the children. Tenaja called around 2:30 and was supposed to be coming to the Zebulon center to work for the rest of the day so Samone could go to the Wendell location. Tenaja had an unexpected emergency and was not available to come or bring the afternoon snack, therefore Samone had to serve the children apples, pretzels and water for snack. ****CHANGING THE AGE RANGE ON YOUR CURRENT LICENSE*** On March 5, 2026, you contacted LeAnne Simpkins, your consultant, at the time and me on June 4, 2026, asking about the changing the ages of children on your license. The following was explained: -A visit must be made to verify the classroom has age-appropriate/sized materials & the proper amount of equipment. -The proper posting posted. -You will need to supply the names and positions (Lead Teachers, Teachers, Program Coordinator & Group Leader) of the staff during the day & afternoon, they will need to be added to your QRIS Education form. And if you list staff from your Wendell center, the proper amount of staff is at both centers. -QRIS application will need to be reassessed. This may affect the star rating depending on the results of the education for the lead teachers/teachers/group leader/program coordinator. *Today, this classroom (space 2) was not set up for childcare and did not have any required postings. The classroom had 3 books, 1 rug, a few blocks and a few manipulatives, setting primarily in the middle of the room. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=6-9-26 (send me your 2027 inspection within 5 days of completion). *Sanitation inspection=4-27-26 (send me all your 2027 inspections within 5 days of completion) *Remember to complete an outdoor safety inspection for June. *EPR training was completed by Samone on 9-29-16. *The EPR plan was last updated on 6-8-26. This must be printed and the ready to go file should be created. *The last lead water test was due in 4-15-25 & will be due in 4/2028. The asbestos & lead paint test has been completed. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Steps & Stages Children’s Center, LLC) SOSIS# 1487289 listed as current-active. *Technical Assistance was offered on how to correct the violations cited and how to maintain compliance. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violations must be corrected immediately. Email a corrective action letter BY 6-29-26 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov A corrective action letter means you have corrected all the items of non-compliance and is a legal document. If I do not receive your letter within the established time, a return visit will be made & additional violations may be documented. The Division of Child Development & Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The attendance did not show arrival and departure times. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. There is no shade provided in the afternoon on the playground for the children. Technical assistance was given on June 18, 2026. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. No allergy list was in the kitchen, the food preparation area. .0901(g) 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. Unused outlets were observed in the unlocked kitchen and in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The following items were observed in the unlocked kitchen on the counter tops: 1.Two bottles of Water Works chlorine test strips that had "keep out of reach of children" were observed on the kitchen counter top. 2. One bottle of clorox disinfectant spray was on the counter top. 3. A pack of two aerosol cans of Homeline-Hawaiian bloom room spray was also accessible to children. .2820(b) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. The center attendance was not current. The posted attendance listed twenty children and six were actually enrolled. And upon arrival after lunch, the attendance had not been completed. GS 110-91(9) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The Director has not completed the ABCMS portal for the Zebulon location. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *Nails were observed on the outside of the gate, these need to be nailed back in. *There are several small unused rooms located in the hallway. One has a note on the door that says "restricted area" this room has the electrical panel for the building in it and must be locked. Also, the other doors in the hallway should be locked if the unused outlets are not covered. *ABCMS PORTAL: Technical assistance was given to you on your visit summary dated 4-10-25 from L. Simpkins and emails have been sent to you from DCDEE and from me since 10-11-24 at the center in Wendell. Each time you hire, fire or someone leaves, the portal must be updated. If you need assistance, please call the criminal record unit, the contact information is on your previous visit summary. *CHILDREN’S FILES: The application must be updated annually. *TRAINING HOURS & HEALTH & SAFETY TRAININGS: *Health and Safety Trainings are due by July 10, 2026 for Tenaja. Remember to attach staff training certificates to the on-going training log that’s on DCDEE’s website. There’s also a checklist for health and safety training, and on-going annual training hours, remember to attach proof of certificates to this log. This was discussed at your last visit at the Wendell location. If you need assistance for the health and safety medication training, contact Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov *During my last visit at the Wendell location, we discussed the importance of record keeping. *If staff will work at both centers, records must be accessible at both centers and accessible to DCDEE staff. Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children’s files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff to ensure accuracy. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to review all employment documentation and verify that required documents are received within the specified time frame. Using a checklist to check and date receipt of documents will help you track employment documents. A children’s file checklist is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and provider documents links. *******NEW STAFF & TRAINING WORKSHEETS: ************** *As of June 2026, new staff & training worksheets are on DCDEE’s website. Please start using these immediately. Contact me with any questions. Michelle Ezzell 919-819-9304 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.