Freedom Trail Pre-Kindergarten

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. One (1) staff listed on the staff and training worksheet was not linked to the facility roster in the ABCMS portal. Staff member DH is a bus driver that serves preschool children.”

Rule A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Oct 14, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“One (1) container of Clorox wipes accessible to children near where the preschool children sit in the cafeteria.”

Rule 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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.

“The facility has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 2/6/2025 with two (2) demerits for a superior classification.”

Rule Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 20, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“One (1) electrical outlet uncovered. In the hallway near the cafeteria and restroom, two (2) electrical outlets were uncovered, one (1) beside the water fountain near the exterior doors, and one (1) underneath the bulletin board near the girl’s restroom.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 20, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.

“One (1) adult screwdriver in an unlocked drawer near the classroom sink.”

Rule A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.. Corrected during the inspection.

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“While monitoring outdoors, one (1) green wagon was observed with a broken seat with sharp edges.”

Rule All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.. Corrected during the inspection.

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 (1) staff member hired 1/1/2000 emergency information was not updated annually. The emergency information form on file was dated 8/7/2024.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Oct 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.

“The last emergency drill was practiced on 4/16/2025. This was prior to school closure for the summer. The facility has not conducted an emergency drill since re-opening for the new school year August 20, 2025.”

Rule Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Oct 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“While monitoring the indoor space, I observed one (1) aerosol can of secret deodorant in the unlocked storage cabinet behind the door. One (1) gallon of Lite ‘n Foamy hand soap was stored unlocked on a shelf in the restroom.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 15, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“Along the route to the cafeteria downstairs, I observed two (2) electrical outlets uncovered near the office, one (1) electrical outlet on the wall where the girls lined up to use the restroom, one (1) electrical outlet uncovered between the two (2) gym doors, and one (1) electrical outlet uncovered behind the TV outside of the cafeteria door.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 15, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 15, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.

“While outside, I measured the mulch in the fall zones, slide exits, entrances to the climber, and near the exterior barrier. The mulch measured four (4) inches in the fall zones, and three (3) to four (4) at the slide exits.”

Rule The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 16, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“Staff member hired 3/20/2024 did not have a completed Emergency Information form on file on or before the first day of work. The document in the staff members file was blank. REPEAT VIOLATION.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center’s EPR Plan and its location.

“Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Staff member hired 3/20/2024 did not review the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) plan and have completed documentation on file for review. The on-site documentation was blank.”

Rule Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised.

“Staff member hired 3/20/2024 did not review the Emergency Medical Care plan and have completed documentation on file for review. The on-site document was blank.”

Rule The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“Staff member hired 3/20/2024 did not review the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. The on-site documentation was blank.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.

“Staff member R. Gordon and R. Sharpe hired 4/25/2024 did not have a criminal background check on file or in the ABCMS system”

Rule A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review.

“Two (2) staff members hired on 4/25/2024 staff file was not on-site for review during the visit.”

Rule All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement.

“Staff members hired 1/1/2000 and 8/1/2005 health questionnaire form was not updated annually. Staff members were hired 1/1/2000 and 8/1/2005 health questionnaire form on file was dated 1/1/2023.”

Rule All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.

“The facilities last sanitation inspection was conducted on 1/12/2023. A current inspection has not been completed and is not on file for review.”

Rule Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“Staff members hired 1/1/2000 and 8/1/2005 emergency information form was not updated annually. Staff members were hired 1/1/2000 and 8/1/2005 emergency information form on file was dated 1/1/2023.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed.

“Staff member R. Gordon and R. Sharpe hired 4/25/2024 did not have a criminal background check on file or in the ABCMS system.”

Rule Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.

“Shelter in place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three (3) months. The documented drills were dated 9/12/23, 1/25/2024 (4-month span), and 4/11/2024.”

Rule Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“In the cafeteria, there were two (2) uncovered outlets to the left of the window and to the right of the double doors near where the group ate lunch.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 4, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Potentially hazardous items such as archery equipment, hand and power tools, nails, chemicals, or propane stoves, were not stored in locked areas or with other safeguards, or removed from the premises.

“Outside an adult rake was observed stored unlocked by the storage cabinet.”

Rule Potentially hazardous items such as archery equipment, hand and power tools, nails, chemicals, or propane stoves, were not stored in locked areas or with other safeguards, or removed from the premises.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 4, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.