Rising Stars Academy

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. An attempt was made to review the program’s CBC roster via ABCMS and it was observed that there was no program roster available for review.”

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

Accurate records were not maintained for all staff and children.

“It was observed that the one (1) child that was in attendance as a Drop-in did not have a file on hand for review.”

Rule Accurate records were not maintained for all staff and children.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 20, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Application did not include all required information including, but not limited to: child’s full name, named to be called, child’s date of birth, any allergies, including symptoms and the type of response required, and any fears or behavior characteristics a child has.

“It was observed that one (1) enrolled child had an application on file that did not include all required information.”

Rule Application did not include all required information including, but not limited to: child's full name, named to be called, child’s date of birth, any allergies, including symptoms and the type of response required, and any fears or behavior characteristics a child has.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 20, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Health questionnaire was not completed annually.

“It was observed the provider did not have documentation on file for having completed an annual health questionnaire within the past twelve months, as required.”

Rule Health questionnaire was not completed annually.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 18, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Operator and/or staff who work with children, did not complete health and safety training as part of on-going training so that every five years, all the topic areas were covered.

“Health and Safety training requirements were reviewed during today’s visit. It was observed that the provider does not have documentation on file for having completed the five year renewal of an approved Child Abuse or Maltreatment training, as required.”

Rule Operator and/or staff who work with children, did not complete health and safety training as part of on-going training so that every five years, all the topic areas were covered.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 28, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator’s own preschool children.

“Attendance records were reviewed for the program. It was observed that there was no completed attendance on hand for this week.”

Rule Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator's own preschool children.. Corrected during the inspection.

Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care.

“During today’s visit a bottle of Windex glass cleaner, the program’s First Aid kit containing various types of topical ointments and oral medications, and a trial-sized packet of Casade dishwashing pods each labeled with multiple warnings was observed not being stored as required.”

Rule Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care.. Corrected during the inspection.

Sanitary toilet, diaper changing and hand-washing facilities were not provided.

“In the program’s bathroom utilized by enrolled children it was observed that there was no soap readily accessible for use during handwashing procedures.”

Rule Sanitary toilet, diaper changing and hand-washing facilities were not provided.. Corrected during the inspection.

Signed discipline statement did not include the required information, as outlined in rule.

“It was observed that one (1) enrolled child did not have a signed statement on file for receipt of a copy of the program discipline policy containing all the required information.”

Rule Signed discipline statement did not include the required information, 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: Mar 20, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The operator did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information is current.

“The facility’s EPR and Ready to Go were each monitored and observed that the neither had been updated as changes occur to contain all the required information.”

Rule The operator did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information is current.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 20, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each child’s hands were not washed before and after eating.

“During today’s visit the child present was observed engaging in both independent play activities and meal-time simultaneously without engaging in handwashing either immediately before or after transitioning between these activities.”

Rule Each child's hands were not washed before and after eating.. Corrected during the inspection.

Hazardous cleaning supplies and other items that might be poisonous e.g. toxic plants, were not out of reach or in locked storage when children were in care.

“In a closet located between the kitchen and the licensed childcare space three (3) bottles of disinfectant sprays, were observed being stored on a top shelf of an unlocked closet.”

Rule Hazardous cleaning supplies and other items that might be poisonous e.g. toxic plants, were not out of reach or in locked storage when children were in care.. Corrected during the inspection.

Operator did not successfully complete a CPR course as referenced in Rule.1702(b)(2) CPR training was not renewed on or before the expiration of the certification.

“The provider’s personnel file was monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that she did not have documentation either on file or accessible verifying that she had successfully completed the two-year renewal of age-appropriate CPR, as previously shared.”

Rule Operator did not successfully complete a CPR course as referenced in Rule.1702(b)(2) CPR training was not renewed on or before the expiration of the certification.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Oct 21, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Operator did not successfully complete a first aid course as referenced in Rule.1702(b)(2) First aid training was not renewed on or before the expiration of the certification.

“The provider’s personnel file was monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that she did not have documentation either on file or accessible verifying that she had successfully completed the two-year renewal of age-appropriate First Aid, as previously shared.”

Rule Operator did not successfully complete a first aid course as referenced in Rule.1702(b)(2) First aid training was not renewed on or before the expiration of the certification.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Oct 21, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Operator did not wash his/her hands before and after handling food and feeding the children.

“During today’s visit the child present was observed engaging in meal-time. The provider was observed cleaning up food from the table located in the meal-time area then moving to other tasks without engaging in handwashing immediately after.”

Rule Operator did not wash his/her hands before and after handling food and feeding the children.. Corrected during the inspection.

Application did not include all required information including, but not limited to: child’s full name, named to be called, child’s date of birth, any allergies, including symptoms and the type of response required, and any fears or behavior characteristics a child has.

“It was observed that one child had an application on file that did not include all required information.”

Rule Application did not include all required information including, but not limited to: child's full name, named to be called, child’s date of birth, any allergies, including symptoms and the type of response required, and any fears or behavior characteristics a child has.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Application did not include names and contact information of individuals to whom the operator may release the child as authorized by the person who signs the application.

“It was observed that one child had an application on file that did not include names and contact information of individuals to whom the operator may release the child as authorized by the person who signs the application.”

Rule Application did not include names and contact information of individuals to whom the operator may release the child as authorized by the person who signs the application.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Health questionnaire was not completed annually.

“Ms. Pauley’s file was monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that the last completed annual health questionnaire on file was dated January 01, 2024 and had not been updated annually, as required.”

Rule Health questionnaire was not completed annually.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 7, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Operator did not have materials or equipment available indoors or outdoors to support the activities listed on the written schedule and activity plan.

“It was observed in the child care space that there were a very limited amount of learning materials available and accessible to children that were developmentally appropriate and allow for a variety of learning including social, emotional, and intellectual development on a daily basis.”

Rule Operator did not have materials or equipment available indoors or outdoors to support the activities listed on the written schedule and activity plan.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 4, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Refrigerator was not maintained at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below and/or was not monitored by a refrigerator thermometer.

“In the kitchen it was observed that the portable thermometer placed in the home’s refrigerator was not working properly and there was no other visual temperature indicator present.”

Rule Refrigerator was not maintained at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below and/or was not monitored by a refrigerator thermometer.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 29, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Sanitary toilet, diaper changing and hand-washing facilities were not provided.

“In the program’s bathroom chipped paint was observed on the walls and the toilet seat utilized by children was observed to be visibly dirty.”

Rule Sanitary toilet, diaper changing and hand-washing facilities were not provided.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 4, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to each child’s parent, guardian, or full-time custodian before the child was enrolled in the home and/or signed statement was not on file.

“It was observed that one child did not have a signed statement on file for receipt of a copy of the Summary of the NC Child Care Law.”

Rule Summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to each child's parent, guardian, or full-time custodian before the child was enrolled in the home and/or signed statement was not on file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“It was observed that The facility did not have a Ready to Go File available for review.”

Rule The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The operator did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information is current.

“The facility’s EPR was monitored. It was observed to not contain all information, as required.”

Rule The operator did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information is current.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 28, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

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

Sanitary toilet, diaper changing and hand-washing facilities were not provided.

“While monitoring the bathroom it was observed that there was no hand soap available for children to wash hands while engaging in personal care routines.”

Rule Sanitary toilet, diaper changing and hand-washing facilities were not provided.. Corrected during the inspection.

Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate.

“During the visit four (4) preschool aged children between two and three years of age were observed engaging in naptime routine in cribs that were not age-appropriate.”

Rule Equipment and toys were not in good repair and developmentally appropriate.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Operator did not complete the required number of on-going training hours as specified in rule.

“Ms. Pauley’s file was reviewed and it was observed that she had not received the ten (10) annual in-service hours, as required.”

Rule Operator did not complete the required number of on-going training hours as specified in rule.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 13, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs of the children in care.

“During the visit four (4) preschool aged children between two and three years of age were observed placed in cribs that are not age-appropriate and create a safety hazard for older children that can stand and potentially try to get out of them.”

Rule Operator did not provide a physically safe and healthy indoor and outdoor environment that meets the developmental needs 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: May 9, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“Bedding or other objects were placed in a manner that covered the child’s face while sleeping. During the visit one (1) child was observed with a blanket over their head while sleeping.”

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

Operator has not completed ITS-SIDS training every three years from the completion date of the previous ITS-SIDS training.

“I reviewed Ms. Pauley’s file. It was observed that her ITS-SIDS certification had expired on March 09, 2024 and she had not successfully completed recertification, as required.”

Rule Operator has not completed ITS-SIDS training every three years from the completion date of the previous ITS-SIDS training.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 7, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The facility’s Ready to Go information was monitored and observed to not have been updated, as required.”

Rule The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and/or required information.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 16, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The operator did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information is current.

“The facility’s EPR monitored and observed to not have been updated, as required.”

Rule The operator did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information is current.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 16, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Activity plans did not include activities intended to stimulate the developmental domains, in accordance with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.

“In the childcare space it was observed that there was no completed activity plan posted or accessible.”

Rule Activity plans did not include activities intended to stimulate the developmental domains, in accordance with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 20, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All indoor and outdoor areas used by the children were not kept clean, orderly, and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children including removal of items a child can swallow; the removal of loose nails or screws and splinters on inside; and use of outdoor equipment that is too hot to touch.

“In the childcare space it was observed that there was an electrical outlet beginning to separate from the wall.”

Rule All indoor and outdoor areas used by the children were not kept clean, orderly, and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children including removal of items a child can swallow; the removal of loose nails or screws and splinters on inside; and use of outdoor equipment that is too hot to touch.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 20, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division.

“Program records were monitored. It was observed that monthly outdoor inspections for July, August and November had not been completed as required.”

Rule Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division.. Corrected during the inspection.

Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator’s own preschool children.

“Arrival and departure records were monitored and it was observed that this is not being documented consistently and maintained as required.”

Rule Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator's own preschool children.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 20, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care.

“It was observed in the kitchen that two bottles of lighter fluid with the warning Keep out of the reach of Children accompanied by other warnings were being stored in an unlocked lower cabinet.”

Rule Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Dec 19, 2023. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” without any other warnings, were not stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is five feet above the finished floor.

“In the hallway adjacent to the childcare space two (2) bottles of laundry detergents with the warning Keep out of the reach of children were observed being stored on top of a washing machine located in an unlocked laundry closet.”

Rule Products that are labeled "keep out of reach of children" without any other warnings, were not stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is five feet above the finished floor.. Corrected during the inspection.

The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill.

“It was observed that a monthly fire drill had not occurred in March.”

Rule The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill.. Corrected during the inspection.