East Coast Early Learning Academy

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 # 3, there was a bottle of white out in a drawer that was three (3) feet up from the floor.”

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.

Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.

“A medication authorization for Aveeno Baby was dated May 19, 2025, through May 19, 2026.”

Rule Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 15, 2026. 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 inspections were not documented for January through May 2026.”

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: Jun 15, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age.

“There were eight (8) grocery bags containing clothes in a green plastic container on the floor in the bathroom.”

Rule Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age.. Corrected during the inspection.

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“Manufacturer instructions for a Safari Truck Climber and a Skyward Summit climber stated that the equipment could only be used with the anchor stakes in place. Neither piece of climbing equipment was anchored.”

Rule All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 19, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child’s parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted.

“(omit posting for centers located in a residence). A feeding plan for a child, ten months of age, was not updated to reflect a change in dietary needs as the child transitioned from bottles only to solid foods.”

Rule An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 19, 2026. 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.

“In one of three children’s files reviewed, documentation of immunizations for a child enrolled on May 19, 2025 was not available until October 8, 2025.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.

“In Space 1, a medication permission form for Desitin expired on December 11, 2025. The medication was neither returned to the parent nor the permission form was updated.”

Rule Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 19, 2026. 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).

“The qualification letter for a staff member expired on November 12, 2025. A new qualification letter was not completed and available until January 5, 2026.”

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).. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“Documentation of an emergency drill completed for the last quarter of 2025 was not available. The most recent emergency drill was dated September 12, 2025.”

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

Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.

“A new staff person hired on November 4, 2024 did not complete health and safety training by November 4, 2025 and was missing the medication administration module.”

Rule Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 19, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A teacher from Space 3 left the second teacher alone for thirty (30) seconds with fifteen (15) children, two through five years of age when she left the classroom to retrieve diapering supplies for a child.”

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: Jul 28, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking.

“A teacher was observed forcefully pulling a child by their arm to get the child to come out from under the portable climber on the playground.”

Rule A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 14, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“Teachers reported that on June 12, 2025, one teacher was left alone on the playground with nine children, one and two years of age, while the other teacher went indoors to bring out a water pitcher and cups.”

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: Jul 28, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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.

“A container of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes was stored out of reach of children but was not locked.”

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. AA staff member hired on August 12, 2024 did not provide documentation of current CPR certification and did not complete a CPR course until January 23, 2025.”

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

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. A staff member hired on August 12, 2024 did not provide documentation of current First Aid certification and did not complete a First Aid course until January 23, 2025.”

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

Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months.

“A staff member hired on August 12, 2024 did not have a staff medical report on file until September 6, 2024. A staff member hired on July 15, 2024 did not have a staff medical report on file until July 27, 2024.”

Rule Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months.. Corrected during the inspection.

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.

“A power strip under the counter in Space 1 had two uncovered outlets.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Emergency medical care information did not contain information needed for safe medical treatment.

“A child’s application was not updated to include new medical information related to recently diagnosed allergies and medication needed for an allergic reaction.”

Rule Emergency medical care information did not contain information needed for safe medical treatment.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 21, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.

“A medication permission form for an Auvi-Q was authorized to be administered from January 13, 2025 - January 13, 2026. A medical permission form for Albuterol was authorized to be administered from September 13, 2024 - Present. Neither form included a six-month authorization period.”

Rule Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 21, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months.

“A staff member hired on August 12, 2024 did not have a TB screening or TB test on file until September 6, 2024. A staff member hired on November 20, 2024 did not have a TB screening or TB test on file until November 21, 2024”

Rule On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“A Provisional Sanitation Inspection dated November 14, 2024 stated that a chemical powder was observed on the floor next to the walls in the baby room (Space 1). The administrator stated she had applied Hot Shot Maxatraxx Roach Killing Powder with Boric Acid along the baseboards in the room used to care for infants.”

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

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

“A Sanitation Inspection with a Provisional Classification dated 11/14/2024 stated that the water temperature in the sink in the kitchen was 137 degrees, and the kitchen was unlocked, making the hot water accessible to children. Environmental Health Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2815 (3) states “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.

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

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.

“A Sanitation Inspection with a Provisional Classification dated November 14, 2024 reflected that bulk bottles of disinfectant and sanitizer, and Lysol spray were not maintained in locked storage.”

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 equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“A Sanitation Inspection with an Approved Classification dated November 19, 2024 documented that a horizontal support beam connecting the two ends of the large portable play structure was not connected at one end, compromising the integrity of the equipment.”

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

Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.

“A Sanitation Inspection with a Provisional Classification dated November 14, 2024 reflected that Bio Freeze Roll-on and Salonpas patches were not maintained in locked storage.”

Rule Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“A staff member did not have a current qualification letter. The most recent qualification letter was dated July 29, 2019 and expired on July 29, 2024.”

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: Aug 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.

“In Space 1, medication permission forms for Aquaphor and Triple M diaper cream expired on July 17, 2024 and were not reauthorized; the topical ointments were not returned to the parent.”

Rule Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.

“In Space 1, two bottles of infant Tylenol were stored out of reach of children in a medication box but were not locked. In the bathroom, a tube of Ultra Athletes Antifungal Foot Cream was stored in a medication box but was not locked.”

Rule Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.. Corrected during the inspection.

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).

“A staff member did not complete a five-year criminal background check that expired on July 29, 2024.”

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: Aug 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Questionable medication instructions from parents were followed without signed written dosage instructions received from physician or authorized health professional.

“A parent provided the center with a tube of Ultra Athletes Foot Cream for use on a child, two years of age. The instructions stated the OTC medication is only for children and adults, twelve years of age and older.”

Rule Questionable medication instructions from parents were followed without signed written dosage instructions received from physician 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: Aug 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information.

“Documentation of medication administration was not available for administering Infant Tylenol and Harris Teeter Infant Ibuprofen to two children.”

Rule When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 26, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.

“Medical action plans were available with the mediation for a child with two chronic medical conditions, but copies were not attached to the Child’s Application in the child’s file.”

Rule Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.. Corrected during the inspection.

Application for enrollment did not include all required information.

“In two of the three children’s records reviewed, the parent did not complete parts of the Health Care Needs section on the Child’s Application.”

Rule Application for enrollment did not include all required information.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 5, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Children’s records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child.

“In one of three children’s records reviewed, a Children’s Medical Report or health assessment was not available for a child enrolled on March 8. 2022.”

Rule Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 5, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child’s file.

“An incident report documented on the center incident log for December 5, 2023 was not available in a child’s file.”

Rule Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 5, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.

“A medication permission form for Eucerin Eczema Relief was dated October 24, 2022 - October 24, 2023 and was expired. An empty tube of Desitin was not discarded or returned to the parent.”

Rule Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.. Corrected during the inspection.

Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.

“A bottle of Parent’s Choice Infant Pain and Fever Relief was stored in an unlocked medication box out of reach of children but not locked.”

Rule Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.. Corrected during the inspection.

Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.

“Two medication permissions forms for Albuterol and an Epi-pen did not include the six-month authorization time frame and were not dated by the parent.”

Rule Parent's medication authorization did not include required information.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 5, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Questionable medication instructions from parents were followed without signed written dosage instructions received from physician or authorized health professional.

“A bottle of Parent’s Choice Infant Pain Reliever (2-3 years) was observed with a medication permission form completed by a parent of a child, eleven months of age. Dosage instructions stated to consult a physician for children younger than two years of age. A physician’s note was not available. The medication had not been administered to the infant.”

Rule Questionable medication instructions from parents were followed without signed written dosage instructions received from physician or authorized health professional.. Corrected during the inspection.

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.

“A staff person hired on July 31, 2023 did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment until December 10, 2023.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.