Creative Care Early Learning Academy

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

“The last documented fire drill was conducted on 7/7/26.”

Rule Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the 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: Sep 16, 2026. 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.

“On 9/4/26 one caregiver was caring for six children (ages 0 and 1) alone. This was corrected on 9/4/26. The staff/child ratios were adequate during today’s visit.”

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

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

“There was no current lesson plan posted for the children in classroom space #1.”

Rule A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.. 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 the lead teacher in classroom space #1 on 7/23/26.”

Rule All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care.. 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 the lead teacher in classroom space #1 on 7/23/26.”

Rule All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care.. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.

“A child, who began attending last week, was allergic to eggs. The information was posted in the classroom (eating area) but not in the kitchen (food prep area).”

Rule Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.. 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.

“Updated emergency information was needed on file for the owner/director.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member’s individual personnel file.

“An updated health questionnaire was needed on file for the owner/director.”

Rule Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“During today’s visit a teacher left the classroom, leaving nine children (ages 0 and 1) with one caregiver.”

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

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

“New staff orientation had not been completed with the staff person, who began employment in May 2026.”

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: Aug 5, 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.

“One staff needed an additional 9.5 hours of training to complete her 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 verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom.

“There was no staff/child ratio chart posted in classroom space #3.”

Rule Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“The black netting on the playground was exposed in layers in places, 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: Jan 22, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“The orange steps for one of the small outdoor climbers were split open.”

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 22, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The last documented fire drill was conducted on 11/18/25.”

Rule Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the 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 22, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Human 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.

“The bottles for two infants in classroom space #1 were not dated.”

Rule Human 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: Jan 22, 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 playground inspection was conducted on 11/17/25.”

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 22, 2026. 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 for this center was conducted on 8/23/24.”

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: Jan 22, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.

“A child in classroom space #3 was lactose intolerant. The information needed to be posted in the kitchen as a food allergy and posted in the classroom (eating area).”

Rule Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.. 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: 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 on 2/2/25.”

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: Aug 8, 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 on 2/2/25.”

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: Aug 8, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance.

“A child was promoted from classroom space #3 to #2 on Monday, 7/21/25. The child had not been added to the attendance roster in classroom space #2.”

Rule Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance.. Corrected during the inspection.

Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.

“Of the ten children’s records reviewed during the visit, one child did not have a medical assessment on file.”

Rule Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“Four staff needed additional hours to meet their yearly in-service training hour 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: Aug 8, 2025. 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.

“The teacher, who began employment on 4/7/25 had not completed the 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: Aug 8, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“There were multiple sections of exposed black netting on the playground, which created 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: Jun 12, 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 5/6/25, had no new staff orientation on file.”

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: Jun 12, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member’s individual personnel file.

“The staff person, who began employment on 5/6/25, did not have a medical assessment on file.”

Rule Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 12, 2025. 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.

“During today’s visit I viewed the classroom video for classroom space #3 for 5/16/25. I observed that one caregiver was present from 8:15 AM to 8:55 AM on 5/16/25 with six children (ages 0 and 1).”

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

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“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 of the two teachers in classroom space #1 expired on 1/31/25.”

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: Jun 17, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Two staff did not complete the Health and Safety trainings within their first year of employment.”

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: Mar 27, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“One staff needed an updated health questionnaire on file.”

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: Aug 12, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Documentation of staff’s education, training, and experience was not on file.

“Three staff needed documentation of their education on file to determinee their yearly in-service training requirement.”

Rule Documentation of staff's education, training, and experience was not on file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“One staff did not have a completed and signed annual evaluation on file. One staff had a signed evaluation on file without any marking/information.”

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: Aug 12, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member’s individual personnel file.

“(1) One staff person did not have a medical assessment on file. (2) The medical assessment for the staff person, who began employment on 7/8/24, was dated 6/23/22.”

Rule Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The permimssion to administer Abuterol to a child in classroom space #2 expired on 4/1/24.”

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: Aug 12, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“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.Two staff needed current emergency information on file.”

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: Aug 12, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child’s file.

“One child needed a signed discipline policy on file.”

Rule Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“There was no documentation on file that the staff person, who began employment on 11/11/23, had 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: Aug 20, 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.

“(1) One staff needed one additional hour of training to meet her yearly requirement. (2) One staff did not have documentation of the completion of any in-service training since the 8/1/23 Annual Compliance visit.”

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

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

“Black netting was exposed in multiples areas of the playground, posing 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: Jul 2, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required.

“An incident report was completed for the child who may have caused the injury, instead of for the child who sustained the injury.”

Rule An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 2, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.

“A child in classroom space #2 had a food allergy. The information was not posted in the classroom (eating area).”

Rule Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 2, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The posted activity plans for the children in classroom space #2 were for last week.”

Rule A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.. 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. CPR training for the staff at this center expired on 3/3/24.”

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: Mar 25, 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. First Aid training for the staff at this center expired on 3/3/24.”

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

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

“All staff records and children’s files were locked in the director’s office until the director arrived at 10:50 am. No staff had a key to the office.”

Rule All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review.. Corrected during the inspection.

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. The teacher in the infant room, who began employment on 1/3/24, had not completed the IT’S SIDS training.”

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

Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member’s individual personnel file.

“The new staff person, who began employment on 12/2/23, did not have a medical assessment and negative TB test on file.”

Rule Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 12, 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.

“There were two uncovered outlets in classroom space #1, and one uncovered outlet in classroom space #2.”

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.

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

“Upon arrival the last documented playground inspection was completed on 1/19/24.”

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: Mar 25, 2024. 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.

“It could not be determined that two new staff had received orientation in the required categories.”

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: Mar 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.

“During today’s visit there were seven children (ages 1 and 2) present in classroom space #2 with one teacher.”

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