Castles Daycare Academy

A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. Five (5) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one (1) recently enrolled child did not have an acknowledgment of receiving a copy of the NC Summary of Law.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/28/2026

A written copy of the discipline policy was not provided and/or explained to each child’s parent, at the time of enrollment by the person who conducted the enrollment conference. Five (5) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one (1) recently enrolled child did not have a signed/dated statement from parents acknowledging the facility’s discipline policy.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/28/2026

Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. Five (5) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one (1) recently enrolled child did not have documentation on file of parents/caregivers acknowledging receipt of the program’s operational policies.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/28/2026

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) recently enrolled child did not have acknowledgement of receipt of information pertaining to the facility being smoke free.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/28/2026

A copy of the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not given to or explained to parents of newly enrolled children up to five years of age on or before the first day the child receives care at the center. Five (5) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one (1) recently enrolled child did not have an acknowledgement of having received or reviewed the facility Shaken Baby Policy.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/28/2026

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 program’s last approved Fire Inspection that was conducted utilizing the required DCDEE form was observed to have taken place on June 11, 2025.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/31/2026

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 One (1), the Two/Three-Year-Old classroom a container of disinfecting wipes labeled with the warning “Keep out of the Reach” was observed being stored in an unlocked cabinet in the bathroom.

Violation corrected during visit

Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Personnel files and medical files were monitored for a new employee hired in June 2026 and a program substitute. It was observed that the new employee hired in June 2026 did not have a current medical assessment on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 7/20/2026

On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Personnel files and medical files were monitored for a new employee hired in June 2026 and a program substitute. It was observed that the new employee hired in June 2026 did not have a current TB test/questionnaire on file.

Violation corrected during visit

The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Personnel files and medical files were monitored for a new employee hired in June 2026 and a program substitute. It was observed that the new employee hired in June 2026 did not have documentation of receiving/reviewing the program’s Shaken Baby policy on file.

Violation corrected during visit

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 (1) unlocked hallway bathroom a spray bottle of Odoban labeled with the warning “Keep out of the Reach” and accompanied with other warnings was observed being stored on shelf.

Violation corrected during visit

Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. It was observed that the last documented monthly outdoor inspection on file had been conducted in April 2026.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/16/2026

Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. One group consisting of twenty-five (25) children between the ages of four-years-old and five-years-old was observed being supervised by one (1) adult female.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 3/24/2026

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. During the interviews conducted it was shared by a staff member that approximately fifteen (15) minutes of screen time was used earlier in the week when two-year-old children were not present as part of a learning activity but this was not observed recorded on the classroom's cumulative log.

Violation corrected during visit

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. In Space #2a and Space #2b children between the ages of three years of age and five years of age were observed sitting at tables watching a cartoon-based show on a television affixed to the wall located at the rear of this space while other children completed personal care activities.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space #2a children two years of age were observed sitting at tables watching a cartoon-based show on a television affixed to the wall located at the rear of this space while other children participated in personal care routines.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Program records were monitored. It was observed that the program’s last required monthly fire drill was documented as having occurred in December 2025.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

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. It was observed during the walk-through that four (4) electrical outlets were uncovered when not in use.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

All electrical appliances were not used in accordance with the manufacturers instruction. Appliances with heating elements, such as bottle warmers, crock pots, curling irons, irons, coffee pots, and/or their cords were accessible to preschool-age children. A tall space heater was observed present on a carpeted area in the Two-year-old classroom near the window, plugged in.

Violation corrected during visit

Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Files were reviewed for two (2) new staff members, one hired on November 17, 2025 and one hired January 28, 2026. It was observed that the new staff member hired in January 2026 did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional.

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

New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Files were reviewed for two (2) new staff members, one hired on November 17, 2025 and one hired January 28, 2026. It was observed that the staff member hired in November 2025 provided direct care to children but did not have documentation on file for completing at least sixteen (16) hours of orientation within the first 6 weeks of employment or a Criminal Background Check on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

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. Files were reviewed for two (2) new staff members, one hired on November 17, 2025 and one hired January 28, 2026. It was observed that neither new staff member’s files contained a signed/dated statement of receipt or reviewing a job description or documentation of reviewing the facility’s operational/personnel policies.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon my arrival the program was observed out of ratio, as one of the teachers present and being counted in ratio came to the door twice to allow me entry and was also observed leaving the classroom to open the door for Ms. Knight’s arrival. It was also observed that a group with two year old children present contained a total of twenty students. The program utilizes enhanced ratio standards where one teacher to nine students had to be maintained for a maximum group size of eighteen students.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Files were reviewed for two (2) new staff members, one hired on November 17, 2025 and one hired January 28, 2026. It was observed that the staff member hired in November 2025 did not have a Criminal Background Check on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

A child care provider or uncompensated provider found to be disqualified and not eligible for employment in child care was employed or living in the home. It was observed that a staff member hired in November 2025 provided direct care to children but had a “Disqualified’ determination status in ABCMS.

Violation corrected during visit

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. Files were reviewed for two (2) new staff members, one hired on November 17, 2025 and one hired January 28, 2026. It was observed that neither new staff member’s files contained a signed/dated statement of receipt or reviewing a job description, a signed statement with all the required information acknowledging that the staff member had reviewed the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy or documentation of reviewing the facility’s operational/personnel policies. The program's CBC roster was monitored via ABCMS. It observed to not contain current information or have all current employees linked to the facility.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Program records were monitored. It was observed that the program’s last required quarterly emergency drill was documented as having occurred in October 2025.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

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. Emergency medication was monitored. It was observed that one enrolled child with a documented chronic medical condition had a Medical Action Plan on file that was last updated in July 2024 and not annually, as required.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

Center administrators and staff did not use the information provided in the application to ensure that each individual child's needs are met. Emergency medication was monitored. It was observed that one enrolled child with a documented chronic medical condition requires two life-saving medications to be stored for use onsite but only one medication was present and accessible for use, as the other required medication present had expired in November 2025.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Files were reviewed for two (2) new staff members, one hired on November 17, 2025 and one hired January 28, 2026. It was observed that neither new staff member’s files contained a signed statement with all the required information acknowledging that the staff member had reviewed the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Emergency medication was monitored. It was observed that one enrolled child with a documented chronic medical condition requires two life-saving medications to be stored for use onsite did not have a completed permission to administer form on file for either of the required medications.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 2/18/2026

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. In Space #1 the classroom’s posted daily attendance was monitored. It was observed that five (5) children were present but no one had been marked present for the day. The posted daily attendance was also monitored in Space #2a during today's visit and it was observed that no one had been marked present for the day, although it was reported that there were currently twenty (20) children in attendance.

Violation corrected during visit

Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In Space #2b it was observed there were at least twenty (20) children, including preschoolers, present with one adult male.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 8/13/2025

Children were not adequately supervised at all times. In Space #2b children were observed present with one adult male, K. Byers. Upon inquiry I was informed this Mr. Byers was a volunteer who did not have a current Criminal Background Check on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 8/13/2025

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 #2a two containers of Clorox Disinfecting wipes labeled with the warning “Keep Out of Reach of Children” and accompanied by other warnings were observed being stored on a shelf in the classroom. It was also observed in Space #2b that three (3) bottles of hand sanitizers labeled with the warning “Keep Out of Reach of Children” and accompanied by other warnings were being stored on a shelf in the classroom.

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. Emergency medication was monitored. It was observed that one child with a documented chronic medical condition had two (2) emergency medications present that were not currently being stored in their original container and they did not have a current medication authorization form on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 8/13/2025

Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. Emergency medication was monitored. It was observed that one child with a documented chronic medical condition had an emergency action plan on file that listed three (3) required emergency medications, but there were only two (2) accessible onsite.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 8/13/2025

Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. Five (5) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that three (3) children did not have a signed/date statement from parents acknowledging the facility’s discipline policy complete with each child’s date of enrollment on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 8/13/2025

The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The facility’s EPR and Ready to Go File were monitored. Each was observed to not contain all the most up to date information, as required.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 8/13/2025

Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Emergency medication was monitored. It was observed that one child with a documented chronic medical condition had an emergency action plan on file and two (2) emergency medications present but they did not have a current medication authorization form on file for either of these of medications.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 8/13/2025

Each child did not have an opportunity to be outdoors daily, if weather conditions permitted. It was stated that children have not been going outside everyday since the location change.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 9/3/2024

A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. There was no activity plan in space #1

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. On today’s menu it stated Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and grapes. The children were served Turkey, Cheese, green beans and grapes.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. No fire drill was completed in July.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 2a there was a toxic plant accessible to children. There is a broken face plate in Space #2b. In the restroom that the children use a metal bracket on the wall and under the sink that is broke and sharp.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

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

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

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. There was a aerosol can of a air freshener in the children's bathroom in space #1.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

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 there were two year old children present and there were plastic bags, and beads accessible to the children.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. No playground inspections have been completed since the Change of Location.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. A staff member who started employment on July 15, 2024 did not have the required orientation on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

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. Two employees did not have a signed job description and operational policies on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

Emergency medical care information was not on file in the center on the child's first day of attendance and/or was not updated as changes occurred or at least annually for each child. One child did not have current emergency medical care information on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024

The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Two employees did not have a signed Shaken Baby Syndrome Policy on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 8/26/2024