Little Explorers Academy

Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.

“Expired sunscreen was not discarded within 72 hours of expiration and after authorization had expired.”

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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization..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

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

“Some children’s forms did not have the name of the sunscreen or the topical ointment listed on the form, and there wasn’t an form provided for some of the sunscreen’s.”

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

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.

“Aerosol dispensers were not stored in a locked room or cabinet.”

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. The administrators CPR is expired.”

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: Feb 6, 2026. 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 administrators First Aid is expired.”

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: Feb 6, 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.

“One child’s human milk was not fully prepared, dated, and labeled.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.

“Left over medication that expired on 10/31/25 was not discarded.”

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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization..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

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

“A valid qualification letter was not on file for J. Ray.”

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

Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

“During today’s visit children were not adequately at all times. Today I observed two children walking down the hallway to the kitchen unsupervised.”

Rule Children were not adequately supervised at all times.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The information on one’s child form on file was not updated at least annually, and another child’s form did not have a date.”

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: Sep 29, 2025. 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).

“Prior to the expiration date (3/16/25) of the qualification letter, the staff member J. Ray did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check.”

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

All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet.

“A product which is under pressure in a aerosol dispenser was not stored in a locked room or cabinet in room number 1.”

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.

Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.

“The last sanitation inspection was on 10/18/24 with 15 demerits and a provisional classification.”

Rule Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 28, 2025. 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.

“A electrical outlet did not have a safety plug in room number 3.”

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.

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

“A child’s file did not have a medical report on file within 30 days of admission.”

Rule Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A over the counter medication (soothing tablets) did not have a authorization form filled out by a parent.”

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 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A child in the infant classroom and in the toddler classroom had on amber teething necklaces. These necklaces could cause chocking and or strangulation for children under the age of three.”

Rule Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 28, 2025. 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.

“One new staff member did not review the policy prior to providing care with children or signed acknowledgement. The staff member did review and sign during today’s visit.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“A valid qualification letter was not on file during today’s visit for staff member S. Sanders who was hired in July 2024.”

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

Each employee’s personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies.

“One staff member did not have a job description and that they have received personnel and operational polices.”

Rule Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 17, 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.

“One staff member did not have a medical report on file during today’s visit.”

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: Sep 17, 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).

“Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, one staff member did not submit required forms to complete a criminal background check. Staff member A. Townsend’s qualification letter expired on May 22,2024 and she did not submit required forms online until August 23rd 2024 and finger prints on August 24th 2024.”

Rule Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance).. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 17, 2024. 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.

“The prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy was not signed or maintained on file for review for one staff member who started in July 2024.”

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: Sep 17, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“An aersol dispenser was not stored in a locked room or cabinet in three classrooms.”

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.

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) Two individual written feeding plans was not provided by a child’s parent.”

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: Feb 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated.

“Menus for all meals and snacks was not posted,dated or current.”

Rule Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“Plastic bags,were accessible to children under three years of age.”

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

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.A current activity plan was posted during today’s visit and activity plan did not have the date. The date was added during today’s visit.”

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

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“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.Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages sent from a child’s home were not dated and or labeled.”

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: Feb 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

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

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: Feb 14, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The written feeding plan did not include the child’s name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center.

“THree written feeding plans did not include a signature by the staff when received by the center.”

Rule The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.