Higher Learning Child Care Academy Inc.

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. Five current staff members were not entered into the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) to notify the Division” to “One staff member employed on 10/5/12, one staff member employed on 9/23/24, one staff member 10/4/23, one staff member 1/5/25, and one staff member employed on 4/25/24 were not entered into the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS).”

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: Jan 29, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“In space #4, no sleep chart was completed for one child, eight months of age, that was present for eight hours on 1/5/26, 1/6/26, 1/8/26, 1/12/26, 1/13/26, and 1/14/26. In space #4, no sleep chart was completed for one child, eight months of age, that was present for nine hours on 1/7/26, and that was present for five hours on 1/6/26, 1/7/26, 1/12/26, and 1/14/26.”

Rule 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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 29, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.

“In space #4, one staff member was observed caring for six children: two infants, eight months of age, and four children, one year of age.”

Rule Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 22, 2026. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.

“Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The most recent approved fire inspection was completed on September 6, 2024. The fire inspection was due to be completed by September 6, 2025.”

Rule Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 13, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Food required for any special diet was not provided by parent or center.

“On May 29, 2025, one (1) child with a special diet was served water instead of a lactose-free milk.”

Rule Food required for any special diet was not provided by parent or center.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 11, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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. Eleven (11) current staff members were not entered into the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) to notify the Division.”

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: Jul 16, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A child’s file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information.

“One (1) child enrolled on September 16, 2024, did not have a statement with a parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy.”

Rule A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information.. Corrected during the inspection.

A violation was found for which there is no item number.

“The kitchen door was unlocked, propped open and accessible to children. Per Sanitation for Child Care Centers 15 A NCAC 18A .2815 (e) hot water that exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit is a burn hazard and shall not be provided in areas accessible to children.”

Rule A violation was found for which there is no item number.. Corrected during the inspection.

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 storage closet full of bottles and jugs of hazardous products including Clorox and Lysol was left unlocked and accessible to children.”

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.

All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care.

“Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three staff members did not complete required CPR training before required renewal date.”

Rule All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 13, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care.

“Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three staff members did not complete required First Aid training before required renewal date.”

Rule All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 13, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance).

“One staff member did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check prior to the expiration date.”

Rule Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance).. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 30, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“On September 3, 2024, an eleven-month-old child consumed mulch while on the playground. On that occasion, a staff member failed to ensure a safe outdoor environment.”

Rule A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 25, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older.

“On September 3, 2024, one staff member was caring for six children aged infant through age one on the playground.”

Rule Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 25, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.

Rule Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 17, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.

“Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was completed on March 1, 2023. The fire inspection needed to be completed by March 1, 2024.”

Rule Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 6, 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.

“One staff member employed on June 24, 2024, did not have a signed acknowledgement form for the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and available for review.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.

“The last recorded Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan update was on March 8, 2018. An Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan update needed to be completed by March 8, 2019, and reviewed annually or when information in the plan changes, to ensure all information is current.”

Rule The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 6, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child’s parent or authorized health professional.

“Staff administered medication without signed permission form from children’s caregivers.”

Rule A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 22, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.

“In April 2024, one staff member cared for six children under twelve months of age for thirty minutes.”

Rule Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 22, 2024. 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.

“In Space #5, a tube of Crest Pro Health Toothpaste, with a written warning, such as keep out of reach of children, was stored in a child’s cubbie and accessible to children. In Space #6, Bic Cover It Correction Fluid, with a written warning, such as keep out of reach of children was stored in a drawer next to the sink and accessible to children.”

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: Feb 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each adult and child was not restrained by appropriate individual belt/device.

“In the van used for transportation of children, three children’s booster seats were not in good repair and were missing seat covers and manufacturer information.”

Rule Each adult and child was not restrained by appropriate individual belt/device.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.

“One child enrolled on October 30, 2023, did not have on file available for review their immunization record.”

Rule Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 20, 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 Space #1, an outlet located next to the exit door did not have outlet safety covers in one of the outlet plug. This area was accessible to children.”

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: Feb 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.

“Playground inspection form for January 2024 was not documented and available for review.”

Rule Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.

“One staff member employed on September 19, 2022, documentation available for review of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment was dated February 21, 2023. The required training needed to be completed by December 19, 2022.”

Rule The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.