The Little School at Duke

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

“There were trees roots on the back playground that were exposed and above ground. Both ends were underground, creating a tripping hazard for children.”

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: Apr 30, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All staff did not review the center’s EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff.

“Documentation of the review was not maintained on file for the staff who began employment on 3/27/26 and 3/31/26.”

Rule All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 30, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.

“Additional surfacing was needed for the exit points of the slides, for the dome climbers, and the black tunnels.”

Rule All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 30, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.

“There was no documentation that two staff, who began employment on 3/30/26 and 3/27/26, had received the new staff orientation.”

Rule Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 30, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.

“The information on the staff/training worksheet for today’s visit reflected that several staff had not completed their required number of in-service training hours for the past year or two.”

Rule Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 30, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“There was no documentation on file for staff, who began employment on 3/27/26 and 3/31/26.”

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: Apr 30, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.

“Additional surfacing was needed at the exit point of the three green slides and the two black tubular slides to meet the surfacing requirements.”

Rule All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 16, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.

“There was no documentation that the staff person, who began employment on 11/24/25, had received the required new staff orientation during the first two weeks of employment.”

Rule Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 16, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Permission to administer an Epi-Pen and Benadryl to a child in classroom space #A4 for food allergies expired on 9/26/25.”

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: Jan 16, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.

“There was no documentation that the staff person, who began employment on 11/5/25, had received any new staff orientation.”

Rule New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 16, 2026. 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.

“There was no documentation that the staff person, who began employment on 11/5/25, had reviewed the Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy.”

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: Jan 16, 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). (1) One child, under the age of 15 months, needed a feeding schedule on file. (2) Two children needed updated information on their feeding schedule, regarding eating table food.”

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: Nov 7, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.

“There was no measurable surfacing for the hill slides (two green and one blue) on the playgrounds nearest Hull Avenue. The dome climber on the playground nearest Hull Avenue needed additional surfacing to meeting licensing requirements.”

Rule All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 23, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“(1) The hill slide on the back left playground was set-up with three black milk containers. The slide needed to be installed properly for stability. (2) The window seal, which was accessible to children on the back left playground, was rotted out with sharp edges exposed to children. (3) The foundation tiles at the bottom of the building, located on the fenced-in space outside classroom space #A3 and #A4 were broken and jagged. The area was accessible to the children.”

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: May 23, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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. CPR training expired for one staff in March 2025.”

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: May 23, 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. First Aid training expired for one staff in March 2025.”

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: May 23, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.

“Additional surfacing was needed for both dome climbers and the tire climber.”

Rule All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 23, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.

“The staff person, who began employment on 4/7/25, had not received the orientation training.”

Rule Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 23, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.

“In-service training requirements were tallied today for seven staff. Of the seven staff, three needed additional training hours to meet their yearly requirement.”

Rule Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 23, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.

“Additional surfacing was needed around the two metal doom climbers, the rubber tire dome climber, and at the exit points of the slides.”

Rule All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 3, 2025. 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.

“The last documented playground inspection was conducted on 11/27/24.”

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: Jan 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.

“The staff person, who began employment on 5/6/24, had not completed the required 16 hours of new staff orientation”

Rule New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 29, 2025. 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 documented fire inspection was completed on 11/7/23.”

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 3, 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 documented lockdown drill was conducted on 4/30/24.”

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: Jan 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.

“The current activity plan posted in space S3 and N7 was dated 4/22/24.”

Rule A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.. Corrected during the inspection.

A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date.

“Medication with expiration date 2/24 and 3/24 was being applied after the expiration date.”

Rule A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 1, 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 S2, S3, and N7 power plugs did not have safety shield.”

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.

Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.

“Desitin cream did not have the required information to apply.”

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: May 1, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.

“Twenty staff members did not have verification on file for their yearly training.”

Rule Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 17, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.

“The activity plan in space #S4, and N5 was dated 10/30/23 - 11/3/23.”

Rule A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 8, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date.

“Three containers of Aquaphor in space N5 was expired.”

Rule A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 8, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The Explores playground the sand box had a large rock and a pipe that was potentially hazardous.”

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 9, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Breast milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child’s home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child.

“Bottles in space N1 and N2 did not have the current date.”

Rule Breast milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 9, 2023. 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.

“Surge protectors had uncovered outlets in space # S1 and N 1.”

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: Nov 8, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In space S4 authorization to administer medication for an epi pen expired on 9/23.”

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: Nov 8, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“One staff member that started employment on 9/23/21 did not complete the health and safety training”

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: Dec 8, 2023. 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 that started employment on 9/23/21 did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment training.”

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: Nov 14, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.