Educare Learning Center Inc.

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

“A board on the wooden deck outside the exit door of Space #1 was protruding posing a tripping hazard. A bag of Miracle Grow potting soil with the labeled “keep out of reach of children” was on the floor in an unlocked closet between Spaces #4 and 5. The latch on storage container on the preschool playground was split creating sharp and rough edges. A red sand pail in the storage container on the toddler playground was cracked creating opening for children’s fingers to be entrapped.”

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

Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older.

“A two-year-old child was grouped with infants ranging from ages eight-months to one year old in Space #1.”

Rule Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Jun 11, 2026. 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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization.

“A tube of Gentle Steps Diaper rash paste was not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed. The diaper also expired January 2025.”

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Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization..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 11, 2026. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The plastic covering over the chains attached to the swings on the preschool play was peeling and the chains were rusted underneath.”

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 27, 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.

“Febreze spray in aerosol dispensed can were observed in and unlocked closet between Spaces #4 and 5. Also, an aerosol can of air Freshener was in an unlocked cabinet above the sink in Space #2.”

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.. 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.

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

“In the preschool outdoor space, the first wooden plank of the walkway leading to the infant room, was lifted causing a 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: Apr 1, 2025. 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 one(1) documentation was not available for July 1-3, 2024, and July 8-10, 2024 for one child.”

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: Jul 15, 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 space four(4) a sleeve of cups wrapped in plastic was stored on the counter beside the sink. In space one(1) an empty plastic bag was stored below the unlocked changing table.”

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: Jul 15, 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.

“In space four(4) a bottle of Pepsi was on the counter beside the sink.”

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: Jul 15, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

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

“The door was left open to the unoccupied kitchen.”

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

“In space four(4) the outlet located under the phone did not have an outlet cover.”

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.

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

“A current activity plan was not available in space four(4).”

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

A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child’s parent or authorized health professional.

“Today a tube of Desitin Maximum Strength and a tube of Banana Boat Kids Max Protect and Play SPF 100 sunscreen did not have authorization forms.”

Rule A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child.

“Space four(5) holds a capacity of five(5) children. Today nine(9) children were present.”

Rule A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“During today’s inspection of the outdoor learning environment the grass is overgrown and grass was emerging throughout the sand surfacing.”

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: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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

“Three (3) out of the eight (8) did not include a signed and dated statement by the parent acknowledging the receipt of the Summary of the Law”

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: Apr 19, 2024. 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.

“A tube of Kwik Seal Adhesive Caulk was located in an unlocked cabinet in space two(2).”

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.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child’s parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted.

“(omit posting for centers located in a residence. One (1) child who turned twelve (12) months today, did not have an infant feeding plan on file.”

Rule An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 19, 2024. 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.

“One (1) out of the eight files reviewed did not have the medical action plan attached to the application.”

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

Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns.

“Seven (7) out of the eight (8) files reviewed did not include a completed heath care needs section.”

Rule Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 19, 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.

“For the weeks of March 26-29, 2024; April 1-5, 2024; and April 8-10, 2024 safe sleep charts were not available for review for the three children enrolled in classroom space one(1).”

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: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Children were not adequately supervised at all times.

“While transitioning from outdoor play, three(3) unaccompanied children walked away from the group into unoccupied space two(2).”

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: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

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.

“Two (2) out of the eight files reviewed did not have an immunization report available for review.”

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

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

“Four(4) cribs located in space one(1) were not labeled.”

Rule Each child's bed, cot, or 2" mat was not individually assigned and identified.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.

“Today one (1) staff member exited classroom space three(3) to retrieve paper towels and toilet tissue leaving (1) staff member in the classroom space with thirteen (13) children that were ranging in ages two(2) to five(5) years old.”

Rule Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child’s first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center.

“Eight (8) out of the eight (8) did not include receipt of the discussion of the Parent Participation Plan.”

Rule Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 19, 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.

“Unoccupied space two(2) contained new child size chairs that were covered in plastic.”

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: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child’s file.

“(1) out of the eight did not include a signed and dated statement of the receipt of the discipline policy.”

Rule Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom.

“In one(1) out of five(5) classrooms monitored a staff/child ratio poster was not available.”

Rule Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 18, 2024. Correction verified: at a follow-up visit by DCDEE.

The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction.

“Three (3) out of the eight (8) files reviewed. did not include notification of smoking and tobacco restrictions.”

Rule The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.

The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy.

“One (1) out of the eight files reviewed did not include a signed and dated statement of the receipt of the prevention of shaken baby and abusive head trauma policy.”

Rule The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy.. Correction date, as North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) recorded it: Apr 19, 2024. Correction verified: by a letter from the provider.