The Growing Years Discovery

Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy.

“In space 1, staff used sleep bags where the arms were sewed or stapled together to restrict movement to keep infants from waking up before time.”

Rule Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“Cardboard blocks in space 12 had several with holes and in poor condition.”

Rule Equipment and furnishings not meeting the requirements outlined in child care .0601(b) and (c) were not removed or made inaccessible.. 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. Several new staff did not meet this requirement with-in 90 days.”

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 15, 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. Several new staff did not meet this requirement with-in 90 days.”

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 15, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“All four tires on the van need to be replaced as the thread is very low.”

Rule All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.

“Space 109 and 107 had peeling/missing paint.”

Rule All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 15, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff.

“This was not present/completed for one staff.”

Rule Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Application for enrollment did not include all required information.

“Several children were missing fears and other information from the application.”

Rule Application for enrollment did not include all required information.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“This information was not available or had an expired date for the children who ride the van.”

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 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“S.S. did not have any evidence in the file.”

Rule Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“This information was not present for children who ride the van.”

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 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards.

“Couch in space 12 had peeling vinyl.”

Rule Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards.. Corrected during the inspection.

For routine transport of children to and from the center, a list of all children being transported was not available at the center.

“This was not available at the facility but was on the van.”

Rule For routine transport of children to and from the center, a list of all children being transported was not available at the center.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff did not use the list to document attendance as children boarded and departed the vehicle.

“The list did not have the appropriate boarded and departed information documented.”

Rule For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff did not use the list to document attendance as children boarded and departed the vehicle.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook.

“Menu posted stated that children will have graham crackers and pears for snack. Children were served ritz crackers, crasins or pears.”

Rule Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The gate opening on the toddler age playground, measured about 5.5 inches.”

Rule Openings in equipment, steps, decks, handrails, and fencing were not less than 3 1/2 inches or greater than 9 inches.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 15, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.

“Two children’s medication did not have the amount or was missing other required information.”

Rule Parent's medication authorization did not include required information.. Corrected during the inspection.

Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents.

“Evidence of this rule could not be located in the premises or front lobby. This is a repeat violation.”

Rule Safe pick-up and delivery procedures were not communicated to parents and/or were not posted where they can be seen by the parents.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children.

“This signage was not located on or in the vehicle.”

Rule Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Mulched measured under four inches on the older playground and the middle playground.”

Rule The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 15, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child’s parent or health care professional.

“Children’s M.A.P. were not updated yearly. Many plans expired in November 2025.”

Rule The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 15, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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.

“Staff used screen time/tablet for music and movement, children watched an educational music video with dancing and did not document on a cumulative log.”

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: Dec 18, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Two classrooms cots were place between 9 inches but under the required 18 inches apart.”

Rule Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18" apart or separated by partitions when in use.. Corrected during the inspection.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance, Attendance was not posted or captured on the posted sheet, however it was stated that attendance is captured in ProCare and on paper.”

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

Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.

“The incident log was not updated after an incident report was written on November 25, 2024.”

Rule Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 6, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Space 2 b had The week of December 6th plan posted.”

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

Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.

“S.W.JV, KP, GS, SS, ect.”

Rule Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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.

“Tb and health questionnaire was placed in the same file and not seperated.”

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

Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child.

“There was an outlet uncovered by the dramatic play center.”

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.

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.

“Space 6 twos, had Aquaphor that expired on 7/2024.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook.

“The menu showed cheese sandwiches, green beans, Mandarin oranges, and milk. Children were served mixed tropical fruit and apples in place of oranges.”

Rule Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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. Consultant did not receive a copy of the required information after the inspections.”

Rule Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.

“There were no instructions for a jar of Vaseline, and Destin. These items also did not have a child’s name on it.”

Rule Parent's medication authorization did not include required information.. Corrected during the inspection.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child’s first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. two children did not have the updated EMC information.”

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: Dec 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“Application for enrollment did not include all required information. several children did not have the information completed regarding fears ect.”

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: Dec 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“The lase documented shelter in place/ lockdown was conducted on 5/14/2024.”

Rule Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or 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: Dec 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children.

“There was no evidence of any signage in the van.”

Rule Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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.

“In the van their was evidence of soda/sprite bottles. In Space 8, a teacher was eating a purple lollipop/sucker.”

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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 13, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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.

“Space 1a, older infants, did not have any evidence of this policy posted.”

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 child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment.

“Staff had training completed over a year prior of start date off hire, several staff did not have this completed with-in 90 days.”

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

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

“A teacher was trying to comfort a crying toddler and the toddler was picked up by one arm.”

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: Apr 30, 2024. 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.

“Teachers had soda, Gatorade, hot onion rings and other chips.”

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.

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

“Space two did not have an activity plan posted.”

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

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

“Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. there were three staff who did not obtain the course within 90 days and several who were 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: Jan 17, 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. there were three staff who did not obtain the course within 90 days and several who were 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: Dec 22, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.

“Child J.S. did not have an MAP on file for his new health condition which required an inhaler.”

Rule Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“Carpets/rug in space 3 was unravelling and in poor repair, rug in space 8(dramatic play) was dirty with several set in stains.”

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: Dec 22, 2023. 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.

“There were several diaper creams and or sunscreens that were expired and still in the classrooms.”

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: Dec 22, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information. one child D., in space three was not stored with the medicine (was corrected onsite), and J.S. from space 6 did not have a form completed or the incorrect form was used.”

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

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“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 in reach of children in space 5, and space 1.”

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

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

“Three staff did not complete the required trainings (DC, KG, AH,)”

Rule Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 22, 2023. 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.

“One staff did not successfully complete, there was a training obtained in 2022, but will not meet requirements because staff just started in August 2023.”

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 22, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.