Spruce Pine Montessori School

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.

“Two bathrooms had Lysol wipes in them which had multiple warnings on them.”

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.

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

“Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The fire inspection was approximately 25 days past due.”

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: Jan 9, 2026. 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 Epi Pen was in a zippered pouch but did not have the box that it came in with the pharmacy label.”

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: Jan 9, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In space #1, the activity plan was not current.”

Rule A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 23, 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 the primary kitchen, there was an inhaler that belong to a student that was no longer enrolled.”

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.

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 the toddler B bathroom, there were plastic bags hanging on a hook. Even though the hook is over 5 feet, when the bags are hanging down, they are lower than 5 feet which means they are not out of reach of 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.. Corrected during the inspection.

Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.

“A playground safety check was not conducted in December 2023 and has not yet been conducted in January 2024.”

Rule Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 7, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The second section of orientation training was not completed with new staff B.L.”

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: Feb 7, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet.

“The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the Primary playground did not measure four (4) feet high, especially near the parking lot.”

Rule Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 7, 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.

“Plastic bags were accessible in room #6. Babyproof locks are not an acceptable locking device.”

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 7, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed.

“A new employee began work prior to the criminal background checks qualifying letter returning.”

Rule Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 7, 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.

“A teacher in the toddler building was drinking soda in a glass that was not opaque.”

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: Feb 7, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.