Branches Community School

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

“Current activity plans were not posted in classroom space #1 and space #3.”

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: Sep 25, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child.

“As a five-star program, the indoor space capacity at this center was calculated at 30 square feet per child. Classroom space #1 measured for 11 children at 30 square feet per child. Today there were 13 children, enrolled and present, in classroom space #1.”

Rule A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 25, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“There was an exposed tree root on the middle playground. Both ends of the root were underground, leaving the middle section above ground, creating a tripping hazard for young 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: Sep 25, 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.

“The last documented outdoor inspection was completed on 2/16/26.”

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: Sep 25, 2026. 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 child needed the signed form on file.”

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.

Each employee’s personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan.

“One staff needed an updated annual evaluation.”

Rule Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 18, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Emergency information did not include name, address, and telephone number of parent or other emergency contact person.

“One child needed emergency information on file.”

Rule Emergency information did not include name, address, and telephone number of parent or other emergency contact person.. Corrected during the inspection.

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.

“One staff needed to take Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment again to complete the every five-year Health and Safety training requirement.”

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: Mar 18, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“During today’s visit the direct exit for the children in classroom space #4 was closed off with a gate. This is a violation of NC Fire Code.”

Rule Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below). Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 18, 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.

“(1) One staff person needed an additional 9.5 hours of in-service training to meet her yearly requirement. (2) Another staff needed an additional 5 hours of in-service training to meet his 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: Mar 18, 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 8/27/25 had received new staff orientation.”

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

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 annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24.”

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

The center did not comply with the permit restrictions.

“The permit on the license reads “Children in care on ground level only”. Upon arrival there was a child working with a therapist on the upstairs level of the center.”

Rule The center did not comply with the permit restrictions.. Corrected during the inspection.

A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child.

“Classroom space #1 will accommodate 10 children. There were 14 children enrolled in classroom space #1. Thirteen of the fourteen children were present on 3/11/25.”

Rule A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 7, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“There was no measurable surfacing at the exit point of the two 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: Mar 24, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.

Rule Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 24, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The permission slip to administer a breathing treatment with Albuterol to a child in classroom space #2 was dated 9/1/24 to 9/1/25.”

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: Mar 24, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The staff person, who began employment on 12/4/23, had not completed the required Health and Safety trainings.”

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: Apr 7, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“Three staff 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: Apr 7, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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. The CPR training for one staff expired on 8/15/24.”

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: Dec 16, 2024. 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. The First Aid training for one staff person expired on 8/15/24.”

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: Dec 16, 2024. 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).

“Criminal Record Check clearance for one teacher expired on 11/1/24.”

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: Dec 6, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.

“The last recorded drill was conducted on 4/8/24.”

Rule Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“The last recorded playground inspection was conducted on 4/8/24.”

Rule Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.. Corrected during the inspection.

Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet.

“The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured only 3 feet 7 inches.”

Rule Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 7, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children.

“Hand sanitizer, disinfected solution and sunscreen was stored less than 5 feet from the floor.”

Rule Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“Space #2 and #3 did not have an activity plan posted.”

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: Apr 10, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date.

“A tube of Aquaphor was administered after the expiration date of 6/2023.”

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: Apr 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A wooden pallet used as a balancing structure was not secure and didn’t have sufficient surfacing materials.”

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 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Sanitation rule 15N NAC 18A .2807 (C) Food contact surfaces and utensils that are exposed to bacterial, viral, fungal, or hazard contaminant during used shall be made clean, free from hazard and sanitized before use. Eating utensils was stored in a teacher supply draw which could be exposed to potential hazard contaminant.”

Rule A violation was found for which there is no item number.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 10, 2024. 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. Three (3) staff CPR expired on 6/2023 was not renewed.”

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: Apr 15, 2024. 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 (3) staff First Aid expired on 6/2023 was not renewed.”

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: Apr 15, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years.

“Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. A staff working in the infant class did not renew SIDS training once expired.”

Rule Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A teacher in the preschool classroom was supervising eleven children; age ranging from 3 to 5 year old.”

Rule Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met.. Corrected during the inspection.

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.

“Staff who completed training in 2017 did not renew their training within five years.”

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

Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet.

“The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured 3 feet 7 inches in several areas.”

Rule Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children.

“A staff purse was stored in a space less than 5 feet from the floor.”

Rule Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 10, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“Center was using a trampoline other than a mini fitness trampoline for single person use. A trampoline in poor repair on the preschool playground was used for more than single use.”

Rule Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below). Corrected during the inspection.

The center’s safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily.

“A sleep policy was not posted in the infant classroom.”

Rule The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 23, 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.

“Two (2) staff did not renew their training within five years.”

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: Apr 25, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.