Children’s Castle Child Care, Inc.

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

“In space 2, 4, and 5 current activity plans were not posted for the group of children.”

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: Sep 11, 2026. 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 8, the door leading to the outside, the metal door threshold has a sharp edge accessible to children.”

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: Sep 11, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.

“There were roaches, dead and alive, and egg sacks observed in space 1, 2, and 7.”

Rule The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“In spaces 1,2,5, and 8 walls were not in good repair, with peeling paint and not kept clean.”

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

For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices.

“In space 3 and 4, sufficient quantity of materials were not offered for children aged one- two years old.”

Rule For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices.. 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.

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 2, three different children’s bottles were not dated with the correct date.”

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

Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required.

“No incident log was competed or maintained as required.”

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

Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child’s file.

“Incident report was not completed/ available for review for a child that was injured in care.”

Rule Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file.. 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.

Screen time was offered to children under three years of age.

“Screen time is being used for children aged from 1-2 years old.”

Rule Screen time was offered 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: Aug 28, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.

“In spaces 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and kitchen had evidence of pests such as roaches (dead and alive), feces, egg sacs, and cast skins. On all approved outdoors spaces, live ant hills were observed and accessible to children. In spaces 3, 4 and 5, rainwater comes into the building underneath the doors leading to the outside playgrounds.”

Rule The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.. 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.

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

“The loose surfacing for the climbing structure was not even at one inch of mulch under the slides and in various spaces around the structure as the dirt underneath the mulch is showing.”

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: Aug 28, 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.

“Screen time is used in excess of 30 minutes a day for children 3 years and older and was not documented 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: Aug 28, 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 5, current activity plan was not posted.”

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: Jul 31, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“On the playground used for two-year-old children, the ground has started to was away creating a hole/ tripping hazard.”

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: Jul 31, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually.

“Staff member M. Moore had not updated their emergency information since January 26, 2025.”

Rule Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually.. 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 space 4, plastic bags was found in the lower cabinets accessible to children, not locked with an approved lock.”

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.

The center did not complete an EPR Plan within four months of completing the EPR in Child Care training and/or the Plan was not completed on a template provided by the Division.

“The director’s EPR training was not available for review. The EPR plan has not been updated since August 21, 2024.”

Rule The center did not complete an EPR Plan within four months of completing the EPR in Child Care training and/or the Plan was not completed on a template provided by the Division.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jul 31, 2026. 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.

“In space 4, an aerosol can of Lysol was stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children.”

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.

“On the playground used for afterschool aged children and on the infant/ toddler playground, there is a gap between the concrete and the earth creating a tripping hazard. On the older toddler playground, the back left ground is washing away creating a tripping hazard with the grass and dirt.”

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

Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.

“In space 1, safe sleep checks were not documented for one sleeping infant from 12:15pm-1:42pm.”

Rule Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: May 11, 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.

“In space 1 and 2, plastic bags were observed under the changing table, not locked with an approved lock, assessable to children under 3.”

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

“On playground 2, the wooden boarder has screws exposed accessible to children.”

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: Feb 20, 2026. 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 2, 3, and 4, diaper creams, including Desitin and Petroleum Jelly were stored in the diaper changing cabinet accessible to children. The cabinet was not locked with an approved lock.”

Rule Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container.. 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 space 2, 3, and 4, plastic bags were stored under the diaper changing table accessible to children under three years of age. The cabinet was not locked with an approved lock.”

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.

The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.

“In space 2,3, and 4, roach excrement and dead roaches were found in the lower cabinets.”

Rule The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Feb 20, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In the can used to transport children, the plastic seat belt covers on top of the seat were had come unattached and were dangling along the seatbelt straps. The cup holder was missing on the front row. Screws were missing from the side paneling next to the seats on the first and second row.”

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: Sep 3, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served.

“The menu posted reflected cheese pizza, corn, pineapples and milk. The menu served was ham and cheese sandwiches, corn, pineapples and milk. Food substitutions were not noted on the menu.”

Rule Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 3, 2025. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

“Two (2) gazebos in the outdoor spaces has chipped paint on the lower railings. A Radio Flyer tricycle in the outdoor space was broken into three pieces.”

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: Sep 12, 2024. 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.

“Indoor spaces #1, #3, #4, and #6 had chipped paint on the walls.”

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: Sep 12, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In indoor space four (4), the bottom left door frame leading to the bathroom was torn completely off the wall exposing a hole with chipped wood. Also, in space six (6) one half of the toilet tissue handle in the bathroom was broken off the wall, and the hole was accessible to children. In space #3 the doors on the diaper changing table were broken. In space #2 the trash can foot pedal was broken, causing the staff members to have to touch the trash cans while changing diapers.”

Rule Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 12, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Multi-use articles, including highchair feeding trays, were not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the center’s kitchen after each use.

“In classroom space #3, a child was served water in a sippie cup that had mold in the nipple.”

Rule Multi-use articles, including highchair feeding trays, were not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the center's kitchen after each use.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 6, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children.

“Clean Works Hand Sanitizer Antibacterial, labeled keep out of the reach of children, was stored on a counter top and accessible to children.”

Rule Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“The depth of the mulch in outdoor space two (2) under the large climbing structure was not nine (9) inches.”

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: Sep 12, 2024. 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.

“Two (2) out of six (6) infant feeding plans did not have the required parent and teacher signatures.”

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 date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Sep 12, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In indoor space #1 and #3 mouthed dirty toys were stored on the back of sinks around the faucet used for handwashing.”

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: Sep 12, 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.

“Staff members C. Green hired 1/29/2024, T. Gamble hired 1/29/2024, and B. Raines hired 1/31/2024 did not complete 16 hours of orientation within the first six 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: Mar 22, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development.

“There was a musical wall, small basketball goal, balance beam, and a triple shot basketball goal was observed on playground space #4, which is used by the older preschool group and the school-agers.”

Rule The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Mar 22, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In classroom space #2, the child’s bed/crib was not individually assigned and identified.”

Rule Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified.. Corrected during the inspection.

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

“In classroom space #3, the knob on the sink faucet was missing and the stem was exposed.”

Rule Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and 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 30, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“In classroom space #3, a one-year old picked up left over food from the floor and placed in their mouth.”

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: Jan 25, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.

“One infant was napping and safe sleep checks were not current. A check for this infant was last documented at 10:15am and I verified the safe sleep checks at 11am.”

Rule Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 25, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Each child’s diapers were not changed at areas designated exclusively for diapering, on a surface that was smooth, nonabsorbent, easily cleanable and of tight construction.

“In classroom space #3, there was a nonabsorbent piece of fabric located on the diapering table, as the top was vinyl and back side was felt.”

Rule Each child's diapers were not changed at areas designated exclusively for diapering, on a surface that was smooth, nonabsorbent, easily cleanable and of tight construction.. Corrected during the inspection.

Rule violated (DCDEE’s description below)

“NCAC 18A.2824(e)All floors and floor coverings shall be kept clean and maintained in good repair. In classrooms spaces #2, #3, and #4, the floors and carpets were dirty and a ring of dirt had collected around the edge of the classroom rugs.”

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: Jan 25, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

There were no clean clothes available for the children to wear when children’s clothes became wet or soiled.

“On January 18, 2024, a 3 year-old child’s soiled pants was changed to a pull up. Extra pants were not available.”

Rule There were no clean clothes available for the children to wear when children's clothes became wet or soiled.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 25, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Center staff did not follow the EMC plan.

“On January 5, 2024, a ten-year-old child was injured while in care and administrative staff failed to follow the Emergency Medical Care Plan as written.”

Rule Center staff did not follow the EMC plan.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jan 24, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.