The Learning Experience

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.

“In space #5 (two year old classroom), there was glitter located on a shelf.”

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.

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

“In space #7, a child enrolled has emergency medication however, the medication was not in the classroom at the time of the observation and the staff in the classroom was unaware of where the backpack that the medication is stored in was located.”

Rule A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.. 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. Two new staff members did not complete CPR training from an approved organization.”

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 17, 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. Two new staff members did not complete First Aid training from an approved organization.”

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

Each child’s bed, cot, or 2” mat was not individually assigned and identified.

“In space #1, three infants were placed in a crib labeled with other children’s names. In space #4 and space #6, the cot charts did not match the cots.”

Rule Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 17, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible.

“In space #5, the child sized refrigerator was missing a handle. In space #9, there were two plastic storage containers that were cracked in several places and a handle to a drawer that was broken off.”

Rule Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 17, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule.

“In space #4 and #10, there were no developmentally appropriate books accessible to the children.”

Rule For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 17, 2025. 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 #1, an infant’s diaper cream expired in December 2024.”

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: Feb 17, 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.

“In space #10, plastic bags of diapers were being stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to the children.”

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

Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.

“A shelter-in-place drill was conducted September 26, 2024 and lockdown drill on January 31, 2025 therefore, an emergency drill was not practice every three months.”

Rule Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete.. Corrected during the inspection.

Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty.

“In spaces #4, #5, #7, the shelving and storage containers used to store toys visisbly dirty with debris and dust.”

Rule Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 17, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“Space 7 the cubbies were observed in poor repair, the trim is peeling off, rough particle board exposed. Cabinet door trip was peeling off. Dramatic play refrigerator door handle is removed, and you could not open the door for play. Puzzles are in poor repair, pieces are stored in a plastic container with no picture of what the puzzle looks like to help guide the children when putting the puzzle together. This is a repeat violation.”

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: Aug 28, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A current activity plan was not posted in Space 5 and Space 6, each had last weeks activity plan posted.”

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.

“In several of the classrooms I observed tablet charges were plugged into outlets without the tablet attached to charge, and the charger cords that were observed plugged into outlets were within reach of children in care.”

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

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“In Space 10, I observed cubby trim in several areas peeling off, and particle board exposed.”

Rule All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.. Corrected during the inspection.

Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child’s developmental needs.

“While walking in the hallway towards space CS, as we got to the door, we heard a teacher using a very stern tone as she was speaking to a child. She said sternly “Get over here” to a child that no longer wanted to participate in circle time. As she saw me and the director outside her classroom door her tone and facial expression changed and she stated the child wasn’t listening and didn’t want to be with the group in circle.”

Rule Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 15, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“Space 3 did not have a current activity plan posted.”

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

Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision.

“A mop with a foam head was observed hanging from the wall accessible to children in Space 6, which serves 2 year olds.”

Rule Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision.. 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)One child, born, 2/26/23 did not have a current feeding schedule on site.”

Rule An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted.. Corrected during the inspection.

Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18” apart or separated by partitions when in use.

“While in Space 8, I observed serval cots 15-16 inches apart and not the required 18 inches. They did not have sold barriers between them when they weren’t 18 inches apart.”

Rule Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18" apart or separated by partitions when in use.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 3, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The written feeding plan did not include the type of milk, formula or food and/or the frequency of the feedings.

“One child, born 3/22/23, has a feeding plan posted, however it just listed the child’s name and did not include information on what to feed the child and when.”

Rule The written feeding plan did not include the type of milk, formula or food and/or the frequency of the feedings.. Corrected during the inspection.

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“While in Space 7 I observed a storage basket on the floor beside a child in the block center that was unraveling in four areas.”

Rule All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.. Corrected during the inspection.

When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities.

“While in Space 8, a room serving three year old’s, I observed three shelves turned towards the wall making the material inaccessible to children in care and three interest centers with empty shelves (art, manipulatives and dramatic play.)”

Rule When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities.. 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.

Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

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: Apr 9, 2024. 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.

“The cook delivered afternoon snack in three Ziploc bags per classroom, including classrooms serving children under 3. I observed these snack bags laying on a low counter in each classroom serving children under 3, accessible to children in care”

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

A statement acknowledging the parental decision to opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center was not signed by the parent and/or maintained on file at the center.

“One child was observed with their own meal that did not meet nutritional guidelines. The Staff stated his parents opted out of the nutrition program, nothing was on file regarding the child’s nutritional needs.”

Rule A statement acknowledging the parental decision to opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center was not signed by the parent and/or maintained on file at the center.. Corrected during the inspection.

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“The center is using plastic wicker baskets to store material in each classroom, today I observed many of these baskets unraveling leaving sharp edges, in Space 5, 8, P1B, and space 11. Books in Space 7 were observed torn, missing pages, missing cover. Outdoors, the handles to two doors between playgrounds is missing the cover and leaves sharp metal edges.”

Rule All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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). One child, under 15 months of age, in Space 3 did not have a current feeding schedule posted.”

Rule An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted.. Corrected during the inspection.

Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.

“Emergency medication was observed stored in a backpack that hung below 5 feet in the classroom.”

Rule Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.. Corrected during the inspection.

Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches.

“The black fencing separating playgrounds was measured today, the planks measure 3 3/4 inches and 4 inches apart in several areas of the fencing.”

Rule Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches.. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.

“Space 2 permission to administer diaper creams were reviewed, five did not have instructions of when to administer. Space 3, one triple paste diaper cream permission only had the parent signature and a date, it did not list the child’s name, name of medication and instructions on administering.”

Rule Parent's medication authorization did not include required information.. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision.

“Space 6, serving two year olds, I observed children playing with foam peg board, several with bite marks and I observed foam blocks in the block center. Space 7 serving two year olds I observed bubble wrap on the low art shelf, art material stored in ziplock bags and Styrofoam pieces accessible to children in care.”

Rule Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision.. Corrected during the inspection.

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.

“One staff hired in January 2023, left the job in May 2023 and returned to work on 9-5-2023 does not have proof on file of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Maltreatment on file.”

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 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.

“One child’s feeding schedule in Space 2, was not signed by the parent.”

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 verified: by a letter from the provider.

The written feeding plan was not modified as the child’s needs changed.

“One child’s feeding schedule in Space 2 is not current, it states bottles and nothing else. Staff report the child is fed baby food while on site.”

Rule The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed.. 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.

“I observed the laundry room door open, nobody was in the laundry room, bleach and other hazardous cleaning supplies were observed stored in the the space.”

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.

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas.

“One new hire, as of 10/11/23, does not have proof of completing 6 hours of orientation within the first two weeks of employment.”

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: Nov 9, 2023. 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.

“I observed an outlet in the the hallway by infant classrooms uncovered.”

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.

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

“Two staff hired 9/5/23 and 9/18/23 do not have proof of receiving 16 hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment.”

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: Nov 9, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care.

“While observing in Space 9, one child was awake on her cot, another child was awake in the restroom, the teacher was sitting at a table working and a Coke soda was on the table by her, she stated it was hers when asked.”

Rule Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care.. Corrected during the inspection.