Guiding One’s Direction Child Care & Enrichment Ce

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

“Active ant mounds were observed on the playground and inside the bench used to store materials for outdoor play. The two front wheels on the pink little tike car were bent inward. A small cone was broken on the top exposing sharp edges. The ropes boundary leading to the playground was not secure, posing a choking hazard to children.”

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

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

“Adequate surfacing was not under the swing on the playground.”

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

Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages.

“Children’s hands were not washed after recontamination prior to eating breakfast.”

Rule Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages..

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.

“Outlets not in use in spaces # 2 and 3 were not covered with safety caps.”

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.

Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

“Six children were not adequately supervised when left unattended in Space #6.”

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: Jul 1, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

There were no clean clothes available for the children to wear when children’s clothes became wet or soiled.

“It was reported that on June 8, 2026, a pair of underwear was not available for one child when her clothing became soiled.”

Rule There were no clean clothes available for the children to wear when children's clothes became wet or soiled.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 1, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A plastic bench with cracked areas exposing sharp edges and one cracked cone was observed on the playground. A swing on the playground was observed to be loose and not securely installed, posing a safety hazard.”

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: Mar 24, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review.

“Arrival and departure times were not recorded for ten or more children between January 5, 2026, and March 13, 2026.”

Rule Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 24, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“One (1) caregiver was observed providing care for eleven (11) children ranging from two (2) to three (3) years old in Space #6 which exceeds the required staff/child ratio for this age group.”

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: Mar 25, 2026. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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.

“A milk bottle observed in Space # 1 with milk was not labeled with the date.”

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: Mar 24, 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 fire inspection dated January 5, 2026, was not submitted to the Division within one week from the date of the report.”

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

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

“Staff/child ratio charts were not posted in Spaces # 1, 2, and 5.”

Rule Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom.. 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 safe sleep policy or poster was not posted in Space #1, where care is provided to infants.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.

“The center’s EPR plan was not reviewed on or before the annual date of January 6, 2026. The last renewal date documented was January 6, 2025.”

Rule The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 24, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan.

“A written emergency medical care plan was not available for review or posted.”

Rule There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“Sixteen bolts were protruding from the black borders enclosing surfacing and equipment on the playground used by children. A container of disinfectant wipes were on a cubby accessible to 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: Nov 10, 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 can of Japanese Cherry air freshener in an aerosol dispensed container was on a shelf accessible to children in Space #5.”

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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 10, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review.

“Arrival and departure times were not documented for various children between the dates of September 2, 2025, and October 27, 2025.”

Rule Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Nov 10, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“One caregiver was observed providing care for ten children ranging from ages two (2) to (3) years old in Space #6.”

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 10, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“An employee purse was stored in an unlocked closet in space 1 and in the unlocked unoccupied kitchen. This is a violation of sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820 STORAGE(g) Purses and other personal effects belonging to child care center employees shall be kept inaccessible to children and shall be stored in accordance with this Rule, as applicable.”

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

“Items requiring locked storage were observed in space 1, space 2 and the kitchen.”

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.

Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

“Three (3) children ages 2-3 were left without adult supervision in space 6.”

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: Jul 18, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Screen time was offered to children under three years of age.

“Children in space 3 were watching Mickey Mouse with a two year old child present.”

Rule Screen time was offered 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: Jul 18, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review.

“The children in space 3 were watching Mickey Mouse. A screen time log was not available.”

Rule When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 18, 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. The administrator did not complete the ABCMS provider training, and complete facility roster of staff employed at the facility.”

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

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

“A valid qualification letter was not on file for one (1) individual.”

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: Apr 29, 2025. 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.

“The five year review of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment has not been completed by four (4) staff.”

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: Apr 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).

“The qualification letter for one staff person expire don 11/17/24. The application for requalification was submitted on 4/8/25.”

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: Apr 29, 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.

“There were two plastic grocery bags used to store clothes located in a cubbie at the front entrance.”

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.

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 aerosol can of Lysol spray was on the shelf in space two(2).”

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.

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

“Today one (1) staff member was present in space six(6) with seven(7) children that ranged from one(1) year to two(2) years of age.”

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: Dec 4, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“A staff pocketbook was located in a chair at the front entrance below five feet and not in accordance with Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(f).”

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

“Empty plastic grocery bags were located on the table in the hallway in space one(1).”

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.

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

“A broken picnic table, broken sandbox, and a broken bench were located outside on the playground.”

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 15, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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 aerosol can of Raid Ant & Roach Killer was located on the shelf above the changing table in space three(3).”

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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 15, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“One provider was present in space six(6) with eleven(11) children that were two(2) years of age.”

Rule Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 15, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“The unoccupied office door was left open. The unoccupied kitchen door was left unlocked.”

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

All beds,cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child.

“In space one(1) there were eight(8) children resting on cots without linens. In space two(2) there were four(4) children asleep with their heads resting on the table and four(4) children were resting on cots without linens. In space three(3) there were three(3) children resting on cots without linens.”

Rule All beds,cots, or mats with individual linen were not provided for each child.. 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.

Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served.

“The menu reflected smoked sausage, potato wedges, apple slices, rolls, and milk. Hotdogs, baked beans, apple slices, rolls, and milk were served.”

Rule Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served.. 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.

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.

“In space four(4) a tube of Cortisone 10 did not have a medical authorization form.”

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.. 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.

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

“Today one (1) staff member exited classroom space six(6) to retrieve jackets for the children leaving (1) staff member in the classroom space with ten (10) children that were two(2) years of age.”

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: Feb 28, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served.

“The menu included buttered toast, 100% juice and milk for today. The children were served sausage biscuits and 100% juice.”

Rule Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 22, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs.

“Breakfast consisting of a sausage biscuit and 100% fruit juice fulfilled two out of three components.”

Rule Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 22, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Food required by special diet prescribed by health care professional or parent did not have written instructions and/or was not maintained on file at the center.

“Written instructions were not on file for a child with special dietary needs.”

Rule Food required by special diet prescribed by health care professional or parent did not have written instructions and/or was not maintained on file at the center.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 20, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.