Alliance Center For Education At The Plaza

A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. While monitoring Space #1, the Two-year-old room, the posted lesson plan on the classroom’s curriculum board was observed to be dated for the week of February 2nd through February 6th.

Violation corrected during visit

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. Two outdoor learning environments were monitored during today’s visit. In the outdoor learning environment utilized by younger preschool-aged children an abundance of small, brown Sweet Gum Tree pods were observed present on the ground. It was also while monitoring the area utilized by older children that broken tree branches, pieces of trash, mounds of leaves and an active ant hill was observed present.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/5/2026

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. Seven (7) staff files were reviewed including five (5) new staff members and two (2) veteran staff members. It was observed that three (3) new staff members did not have documentation on file for having successfully completed certification in First Aid training appropriate to the age of the children in care from an approved training organization.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/28/2026

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. Seven (7) staff files were reviewed including five (5) new staff members and two (2) veteran staff members. It was observed that one (1) new staff member did not have documentation on file for having successfully completed certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care from an approved training organization.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/28/2026

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. Five (5) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one (1) child did not have an acknowledgement of reviewing the program’s Parent Participation Plan on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2026

Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. Seven (7) staff files were reviewed including five (5) new staff members and two (2) veteran staff members. It was observed that one (1) new staff member did not have a signed and dated statement that they received a job description on file.

Violation corrected during visit

Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Quarterly emergency drills were monitored. It was observed that the program’s last emergency drill was documented to have taken place on September 26, 2025.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/4/2026

The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The program’s Ready to Go File was monitored and it was observed to be missing information for two (2) new staff members and three (3) currently enrolled children.

Violation corrected during visit

Center administrators and staff did not use the information provided in the application to ensure that each individual child's needs are met. Medication was monitored. It was observed that one (1) child with a documented, chronic medical condition requiring two (2) life-saving medications, only had one medication onsite and accessible for use as the other medication present had expired on December 31, 2025.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/5/2026

The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. Five (5) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one (1) child did not have an acknowledgement of reviewing or receiving written notification of the program’s smoking and tobacco restriction policy on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2026

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. Five (5) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one (1) child did not have an acknowledgement of reviewing the program’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 2/20/2026

Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. Medication was monitored. It was observed that one (1) child with a prescription, topical ointment present did not have the correct corresponding paperwork complete and on file.

Violation corrected during visit

A child was released to an individual that was not listed on the application. Based on a staff interview and a review of the information provided in the original self-report documentation, as well as the program’s transportation documentation there is evidence that a child was released to an individual that was not listed on the child’s application.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 1/1/2026

Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Based on staff interviews and a review of video footage it was determined that a three-year-old child was left unattended on the playground when the child’s teacher transitioned with the rest of the class back to the classroom.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 4/3/2025

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. During today's visit the three-year-old classroom's daily attendance form was reviewed. It was observed that although it was reported during staff interviews fifteen (15) children were present on that day of the incident there were only fourteen (14) children marked present on the form utilized during transitions. It was also observed that one child that had been marked absent for the day was documented as being both signed in and out on the day of the incident.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/3/2025

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 last annual Fire Inspection the facility has on file was conducted on 02/04/25 but the completed, approved inspection form had not forwarded to myself within seven days, as required.

Violation corrected during visit

The schedule of off premise activities was not current and/or did not include required information. It was observed that two (2) children that participated in today’s field trip did not have a written statement on file for participation in an off-premises activity that included all required information.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/10/2025

All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. It was observed that a large section of linoleum approximately one inch and a half wide by ten inches long was missing on the floor near the door leading to the outdoor learning environment causing an opening to form in that area.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/10/2025

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space #2 upon entering the classroom the door was observed difficult to move and requiring a small amount of force to open. I shared that this is a safety hazard, as it creates a delay with both accessing and exiting the space when the classroom utilizes this path of travel for emergency evacuation drills.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/7/2025

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. The outdoor learning environment was monitored. A large, white storage container was observed present immediately near the left side of the fence and in poor repair. The bottom of the storage unit had visible holes, leaves/other debris surrounding it and small openings present.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/10/2025

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. During today’s visit the center’s incident log was monitored. It was observed that various completed incident reports were being stored in the same binder with center’s incident log.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/10/2025

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. Eight (8) veteran staff files were reviewed utilizing the most current staff and training worksheet. It was observed that three (3) staff members did not have documentation on file for having current First Aid certification.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/11/2025

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. Eight (8) veteran staff files were reviewed utilizing the most current staff and training worksheet. It was observed that three (3) staff members did not have documentation on file for having current CPR certification in either CPR.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/11/2025

Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. Four (4) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that each child’s file did not contain a signed/dated parent’s statement acknowledging the facility’s discipline policy including the child’s name and date of enrollment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/11/2025

Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In Space Two (2) and Space Four (4) cabinets located under the classrooms’ handwashing sinks were observed being secured with a metal, chain-linked padlock system with visible rusting.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/8/2024

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. During the walk through of the facility the program’s kitchen was monitored. It was observed that the kitchen door was unlocked and the kitchen was unoccupied. There were multiple unused electrical outlets on a wall adapter and two (2) additional unused electrical outlets observed not covered with safety covers when not in use.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/14/2024

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. During the walk through of the facility the program’s kitchen was monitored. Upon arrival to that space the door was observed slightly ajar and Ms. Ford was able to pull it open without having to unlock it. Upon entry into the kitchen, several bottles of disinfectant were observed being stored on a shelf above the kitchen’s sink and a large bottle of a green disinfectant cleanser was observed being stored underneath the kitchen’s sink each with the warning Keep out of the Reach of Children printed on the label and accompanied by other warnings.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/8/2024

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Files for four (4) new staff members were reviewed and it was observed that each file did not contain proof that each employee had completed the required 16 hours of on-site orientation within the first six weeks of employment.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/14/2024

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. In Space Four (4) medications were monitored and it was observed that two (2) children with chronic medical conditions had emergency medication present that did not have the required, completed Medical Action Plan on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/8/2024

Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. The outdoor learning environment was monitored. A broken plastic drainage cover with visibly sharp edges was observed on the wall of the facility and accessible to children.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/7/2024

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Emergency medication was monitored and it was observed in Space #2 and Space#4 that two children had Benadryl listed on their Medical Action Plans but did not have the medications on site.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/7/2024

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 #2 a container of disinfecting wipes and a bottle of aquarium cleaner, each with the warning Keep out of the Reach of Children accompanied by other warnings were observed being stored on a shelf.

Violation corrected during visit

Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space #1 emergency medication was monitored and it was observed that one child had medication present but did not have the original container available.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/1/2024

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In Space #1 fourteen (14) children were observed present but none were documented on the posted daily attendance sheet.

Violation corrected during visit

The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was reviewed and found to not contain all information, as required.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/7/2024

Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Emergency medication was monitored and it was observed in Space #1 that one child did not have a current permission to administer form on file and in Space #2 one child did had an incomplete permission to administer form on file, as it was missing the parent’s signature.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/1/2024

Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. It was observed that health information and medical assessment for the new staff member hired on January 29, 2024 was stored with all other employee paperwork and not in a separate folder, as required.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 3/1/2024

Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. In Space Two a storage bin containing classroom materials and a laundry basket were observed being stored in the classroom bathroom.

Violation corrected during visit

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Emergency medication was monitored and it was observed that there was a Medical Action Plan present for one child that listed two emergency medications but only one was present in the facility.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/23/2023

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 the lobby there was one unused electrical outlet observed not covered with a safety plug when not in use.

Violation corrected during visit

There was no written emergency medical care (EMC) plan. It was observed the posted Emergency Medical Care Plan list Shawn Wilson as the Medical Consultant, this is not up to date information as Shawn Wilson is no longer employed with the Mecklenburg County Health Department.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/25/2023

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 one unlocked restroom located adjacent to the office it was observed that one aerosol can of air freshener was being stored on top of a storage cabinet. It was also observed in another unlocked restroom located in the same area that one container of NABC concentrate with the warning Keep out of the Reach of Children accompanied with other warnings was being stored on top of a storage cabinet and one container of NABC concentrate was being stored inside the unlocked storage cabinet.

Violation corrected during visit

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. It was observed that one staff member did not have current First Aid Certification on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/7/2023

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. It was observed that one staff member did not have current CPR Certification on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 11/7/2023

Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Emergency medications were monitored and it was observed that one child had a medication authorization form present that did not have the all the required information complete as required.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/23/2023