Pathway Preschool

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. One new staff member hired July 26, 2026, was not linked to the facility within five business days.”

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

A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center.

“One child did not have a signed receipt of the NC Summary of the Law on file.”

Rule A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 25, 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.

“Daily tracking of children’s arrival and departures was not completed. Only eight children were signed in for the morning when forty-four (44) children were present.”

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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.

“One child enrolled did not have an immunization record on file within 30 days after admission.”

Rule Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 28, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area.

“Two child care vans were monitored with fire extinguishers. However, the extinguishers were not secured inside of the van.”

Rule First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 31, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Two children did not have a medical on file within 30 days after admission.”

Rule Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 28, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A plastic covering a child’s toy was monitored stored inside of a child’s cubby in space #5.”

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 caregiver placed something over the face of a child during rest time.

“On July 15, 2026, after reviewing video, a lead teacher was monitored placing the child’s blanket over the entire face and majority of the child’s head in space #5 during nap time.”

Rule A caregiver placed something over the face of a child during rest time.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 4, 2026. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking.

Rule A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 4, 2026. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“One van was monitored with foam exposed in two seats, right passenger visor was in disrepair and hanging and a missing ceiling vent cover.”

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: Jun 30, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Two children’s permission to administer medication were monitored expired in spaces #2 and #3.”

Rule Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 14, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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 church minister has not been linked to the facility in ABCMS.”

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: Feb 27, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“Two vans were monitored with a basket stored in between the front seats and not secured. Items were monitored stored inside of the basket.”

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: Jan 20, 2026. 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.

“Medical action plans for two children were not attached to the child’s application file maintained in the EPR/RTGF.”

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: Jan 20, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The posted plan in space #8 and in the office were not current.”

Rule There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 21, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

“On October 20, 2025, the center administrator self-reported an incident of inappropriate interactions between two (2) children in space #3 during naptime. The inappropriate interactions occurred on and off for nine (9) minutes and the adult responsible for adequate supervision was not aware of the children’s activities nor positioned herself in the classroom to maximize her ability to visually supervise children during nap time.”

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: Nov 10, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“A four-year old child (child #2) in space #3 was sent to time out after nap time was completed, the child cried for approximately ten (10) minutes, and the staff member did not respond or attend to in a nurturing and appropriate manner or in keeping with the child’s developmental needs.”

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: Nov 10, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“Facility did not have written operational policies. The center had written approved operational policies. However, the policies related to nap/rest time expectations were not followed by center staff members on October 17, 2025.”

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: Nov 10, 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.

“Children were seen watching television after naptime for approximately ten (10) minutes without documentation of it on a log or linked to any developmental domain.”

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.. 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.

“A plastic bag was monitored stored in a child’s cubby in space #5.”

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.

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.

“An unused electrical outlet was monitored in space 1A.”

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.

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.

“Water bottles sent from home were monitored not labeled and/or dated.”

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: Jun 13, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional.

“An insulin vile monitored in space #8 did not have the prescription maintained with the medication.”

Rule Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician 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: Jun 12, 2025. 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.

“A child’s medical action plan was not current (required every six months).”

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: Jun 12, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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 annually in the portal system.”

Rule The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current.. 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 staff were monitored without current CPR training.”

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: Sep 24, 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. Two staff did not have current FA training.”

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: Sep 24, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“One van had torn seats with protective foam exposed in two different seats.”

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: Oct 1, 2024. 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.

“Children were routinely transported without a picture or current emergency contact information. Two vans were used to provide routine transportation.”

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: Sep 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area.

“There was an extra fire extinguisher maintained in the van that was not secured or mounted. The extinguisher was removed. One van was missing a first aid kit.”

Rule First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff did not have a list of the children being transported.

“A transportation roster was not maintained in the vans or in the office.”

Rule For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff did not have a list of the children being transported.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child’s home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child.

“Sippy cups brought from home were not labeled and dated.”

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: Sep 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Infants were served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist.

“A nine-month-old infant with juice in a sippy cup was monitored in the infant refrigerator.”

Rule Infants were served juice in a bottle without a prescription or written statement on file from a health care professional or licensed dietitian/nutritionist.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 18, 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.

“Glue sticks were monitored in space #7 and #2 with children under three years of age. The glue sticks were removed and placed in classrooms for children three years of age and older.”

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.

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

“One van did not have a no smoking sign posted 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: Sep 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.

“The posted allergy list was monitored not current.”

Rule Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The posted plan was monitored not current.”

Rule There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“A staff member covered a one-year-old child’s head with a blanket during nap time.”

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

Child was handled roughly.

“A staff member pulled a one year old child by their arm and dragged the child to readjust them while the child was laying on their cot.”

Rule Child was handled roughly.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Aug 13, 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.

“Staff did not provide a nurturing environment when two staff members used cots to barricade three one year old children in corners during nap time. Additionally the same staff members made a one year old child stand for forty minutes before permitting the child to lay down on their cot during nap time.”

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

There was a substantiation of child maltreatment.

“Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment.”

Rule There was a substantiation of child maltreatment.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 17, 2025. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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.

“Five staff did not have documentation showing they completed the health and safety training within 5 years of last completion. Of the five, four didn’t complete recognizing and responding within last 5 years of completion and the fifth didn’t have proof of completing any of the topics within 5 years of last completion.”

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: Jun 24, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child’s home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child.

“In Space 1a bottles were not dated for one child.”

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: Jun 24, 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.

“Medication authorization forms were expired for 2 children in Space 5 and 3 children in Space 5.”

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: Jun 24, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In Space 1a two infants/toddlers had hydrocortisone without permission from physician. The manufacturer instructions state do not use for diaper rash, ask a doctor and Do not use on children under 2 years of age, ask a doctor.”

Rule Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 24, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In Space 7 and Space 5 I observed teacher’s personal bags containing Tylenol. The bags were stored in an unlocked closet and were lower than 5 feet.”

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

Parent’s medication authorization did not include required information.

“In Spaces 1a, 2, 7, and 5 medical authorization forms did not include expiration date completed by the parent.”

Rule Parent's medication authorization did not include required information.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 24, 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.

“In Spaces 1a,2,5,and 7 plastic bags were accessible to children. The following were observed: bags of soiled clothing in Spaces 1a, 2 and 5, ribbon wrapped in plastic in Space 7, and plastic bags in unlocked storage area un Spaces 5 and 7.”

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.