The Children’s Courtyard

A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S.

“110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. During the visit, I observed that the ABCMS Provider Portal was missing three (3) new employees that have been hired for longer than five (5) business days.”

Rule A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S..

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. During the visit, I observed two (2) files that did not have CPR training documented.”

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

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. During the visit, I observe two (2) employee files that did not have First Aid training documented.”

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

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

“During the visit, I observed two (2) employees that did not have files accessible for review.”

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

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

“During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not contain an annual evaluation.”

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

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.

“During the visit, I observed two (2) files that did not have medical reports 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..

For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices.

“During the visit, I did not observe a sufficient quantity of materials in space one’s book center; space three’s books center, blocks center, and music center; and space four’s books center.”

Rule For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices..

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

“During the visit, I observed one (1) child file of a child enrolled May 2026 that did not contain a medical report.”

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

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. During the visit, I observed that a fire inspection has not been conducted since August 2025.”

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

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

“During the visit, I observed one (1) file that did not have any health and safety trainings completed within the first year of employment.”

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

The completed, signed application was not on file on the first day each child attends.

“During the visit, I observed one (1) child application that did not include a parent’s signature, child’s healthcare needs, or child’s emergency medical information.”

Rule The completed, signed application was not on file on the first day each child attends..

The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.

“During the visit, I observed that much on all playgrounds is compacted and decomposing. Mulch surfacing depth varies between one (1) and five (5) inches between all playgrounds.”

Rule The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment..

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

“During the visit, I did not observe a playground inspection completed in December 2025.”

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 28, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“During the visit, it was confirmed that twelve (12) children ages one (1) year old were in space one (1) with one teacher for approximately two (2) minutes.”

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: Nov 25, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S.

“110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. During the visit, I observed the ABCMS Provider Portal that was not current and did not include three (3) new employees.”

Rule A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 25, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in spaces one (1), three (3), seven (7), and eight (8).”

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

“During the visit, I observed one (1) staff file that did not include a medical report.”

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: Nov 25, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children ages three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member.”

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

Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.

“During the visit, I observed two sunscreens that did not have a medication form in space five (5).”

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: Nov 25, 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.

“During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment.”

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 25, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The health assessment did not include a dental screening.

“During the visit, I observed one (1) file that did not have a dental screening.”

Rule The health assessment did not include a dental screening.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 25, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“During the visit, I observed a cracked sandbox lid on the playground designated for toddler aged children. I also observed a cracked tote lid, a broken toy, and a tote full of water on the playground designated for infants.”

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

“During the visit, I observed an unlocked storage closet containing paint cans.”

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. During the visit, I observed one (1) new employee file that did not have a CPR training on file.”

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: Jul 2, 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. During the visit, I observed one (1) new employee file that did not have a first aid training on file.”

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: Jul 2, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“During the visit, I observed a fire drill log that did not have a drill documented for March 2025.”

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: Jul 2, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3).”

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

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

“During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4).”

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: Dec 23, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center.

“During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law.”

Rule A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 23, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file.”

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: Dec 23, 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. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training.”

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: Jan 9, 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training.”

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: Jan 9, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards.

“During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage.”

Rule All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards.. Corrected during the inspection.

Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider.

“During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported.”

Rule Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 23, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file.”

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.

Emergency and identifying information, including the child’s name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported.

“During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported.”

Rule Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 23, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training.”

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: Dec 23, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.

“During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information.”

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: Dec 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.

“During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions 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: Dec 23, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information.

“During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it.”

Rule The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information.. Corrected during the inspection.

The professional development plan was not reviewed annually.

“During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file.”

Rule The professional development plan was not reviewed annually.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 23, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two.”

Rule A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 2, 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. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR within the first ninety days of employment.”

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: Jan 9, 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. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing First Aid within the first ninety days of employment.”

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: Jan 9, 2024. 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.

“I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed.”

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

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.

“I observed on file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment.”

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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 2, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training.

“I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal.”

Rule Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.

“I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log.”

Rule Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.. Corrected during the inspection.

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. . I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet 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: Jan 2, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one 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: Jan 2, 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.

“I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed.”

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: Jan 2, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.