Smarty Pants Full Day Preschool

Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. Based on observations made during today’s visit, staff interviews and a review of the above-mentioned documentation there is evidence that violations of childcare requirements related to following a concern that ratio is not being maintained.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 6/10/2026

All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. During today's visit an infant was observed sitting on the carpeted active play area drinking a bottle.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/29/2026

Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. An infant was observed engaging in a meal-time routine after being placed on the carpet in an active play area without hands being washed prior to handling their bottle.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/29/2026

All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Based on observations made during today’s visit, staff interviews and a review of specific documentation there is evidence that violations of childcare requirements related to a concern that all walls and ceilings, including doors and windows, were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/2/2026

All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Based on observations made during today’s visit, staff interviews and a review of specific documentation there is evidence that violations of childcare requirements related to a concern that all equipment and furnishings were not in good repair.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 6/2/2026

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 annual Fire Inspection was conducted on January 28, 2026 but a copy had not been forwarded to the assigned consultant, as required.

Violation corrected during visit

Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18" apart or separated by partitions when in use. Some children between the ages of three and four years old, were observed lying down on individual mats positioned less than the minimum eighteen inches apart when in use and resting during quiet time on.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/7/2026

All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In Space #3, the Toddler classroom, a door was observed with a noticeable opening where the door’s seal had been damaged in some parts and was missing in other areas. In Space #4, the two-year-old classroom, damaged vinyl window blinds were observed present and hanging in a window located on the back wall of the classroom.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/22/2026

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 facility’s outdoor learning environment was monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that three (3) securing spikes on a wooden beam bordering an active play area had begun to protrude from the beam and the end of a metal handrail located on the ramp leading from Building One to this area had a sharp, point exposed. It was also observed that multiple areas of this space had overgrown foliage present and there was an active wasp’s nest visible between the wooden slats of the ramp leading from Building Two to this area.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/11/2026

A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In Space #2, the Infant classroom, medications were monitored. It was observed that one (1) child had an over-the-counter topical ointment present for use but it had expired in October 2025.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/10/2026

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 5, the three-year-old classroom, medication was monitored. It was observed that one (1) child with a documented chronic medical condition had emergency medication present in the original pharmacy container but it was not labeled with all the required information.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/7/2026

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. Eight (8) staff members’ files , including those for six (6) new staff members were reviewed. It was observed that two (2) new staff members did not have completed medical reports on file with all the required information including the signature of health care professional and the statement that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/7/2026

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 reviewed. It was observed that neither contained all the required most current information.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/15/2026

Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. The program’s kitchen was monitored during today’s visit. It was observed that the posted allergy list in the kitchen only identifies two (2) children currently enrolled in the facility with known food allergies. However, while monitoring the classroom it was observed that there are currently three (3) additional children enrolled with known allergies that are not included on this list.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/9/2025

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The outdoor learning environment was monitored. It was observed that two (2) sticks with sharp edges were protruding from beneath the mulch in the direct play area and accessible to children. It was also observed that two (2) wooden slats were missing from a gate located near the path of transition for children creating an entrapment concern. While measuring the wooden mulch on the playground it was observed that it was measuring three (3) to four (4) inches in various areas instead of the required six (6) inches.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/17/2025

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 #3 two (2) bottles of hand sanitizer each labeled with the warning Keep Out of the Reach of children accompanied by other warnings were observed being stored in the classroom’s outdoor bag on a shelf.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/9/2025

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. Six (6) staff members’ files were reviewed, and it was observed that three (3) staff members did not have completed medical reports on file including a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/14/2025

Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. In Space #1 thirteen (13) children were observed present but the posted attendance had not been completed for the day to reflect this. It was also observed in Space #2 five (5) children were present but the posted attendance only reflected that three (3) children were in attendance for the day.

Violation corrected during visit

Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one did not have a medical assessment on file containing all the required information.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/14/2025

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 in Space #1 and it was observed that one (1) child with a chronic medical condition did not have the required life-saving medication onsite for use.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/11/2025

The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Six (6) staff members’ files were reviewed, and it was observed that one staff member hired on 09/09/24 had verification on file for last completing the required Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 08/28/20 instead of within 90 days of employment, as required.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/17/2025

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. While reviewing the document completed for the incident it was observed the form was completed in both Magic Marker and Ink. When asked about the difference in the writing instruments that were utilized it was shared that the initial report provided to the child’s parents did not included all the required information and it had been later updated to include the additional information.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/6/2025

Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. It was shared during the interviews conducted the facility’s Emergency Medical Care Plan was not followed, as neither the person responsible for choosing and carrying out the plan of action to obtain appropriate medical care, or at least one alternate person listed as being able to fulfill these duties, had not been informed of the injury. It was shared that the incident had taken place at approximately 10:15am and a member of the Administration staff were not informed about the incident until after 3:30pm at the child's pick-up.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/9/2025

Facility did not follow written operational policies. While reviewing the facility's parent handbook it was observed that it was stated in the Child Illness Policy, Health and Safety section under the subheading Injuries that "In the event of a serious accident, we will promptly contact you (the parent) for further instructions." However, it was shared during the interviews conducted today that the incident involving a child hitting their head thus resulting in an injury near their eye occurred at approximately 10:15am and the child’s parent was not informed about the incident until after 3:30pm at the child's pick-up.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/9/2025

The center did not report a suspected case of child abuse or neglect as required by the mandatory duty prescribed in G.S. 7B-301. During the interviews conducted today it was shared by three (3) staff members there were concerns of the child possibly being exposed to marijuana smoke while in the parents’ care but neither of the staff members followed the procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/9/2025

Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 01, 2024, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) received a complaint allegation regarding the following: There is a concern that children were not adequately supervised during outdoor play. Based on information shared during staff interviews and the contents reviewed in a video provided by the anonymous complaint reporter it was found that children were not adequately supervised during outdoor play.

Violation confirmed corrected by follow-up visit made by consultant on 10/15/2024

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 #2 four (4) children under the age of three (3) years old were in attendance and it was observed that plastic grocery bags were being stored in a white cloth bag with openings on both the side and bottom. This white cloth bag was hanging less than five feet from the floor making it accessible to the children in the classroom.

Violation corrected during visit

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 approved annual Fire Inspection the facility has on file was conducted on March 17, 2023. This was due on or before March 16, 2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 5/15/2024

A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one child enrolled on 09/05/23 did not get the required acknowledgement statement or documentation for the receipt of the NC Summary of the Law completed until 09/13/23.

Violation corrected during visit

A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The outdoor learning environment was monitored. It was observed that a rug, a tarp and other debris were present and accessible to children. A carpeted ramp runner was observed on the ramp leading from the two-year-old classroom to the outdoor learning environment. It was visibly worn and there were rips present. There were also four (4) areas in the wooden rail located on the perimeter of the ramp and stairs that pieces are either beginning to separate or are missing and need to be repaired.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/23/2024

Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space #2 and Space #3 radios were observed being stored shelves with the attached electrical power cords hanging down and accessible to children. This was brought to the staff members’ attention and corrected during the visit.

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 and it was observed that three (3) children had medication present that was not stored in its original container.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/16/2024

Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Emergency medication and topical ointment was monitored and it was observed that seven (7) children did not have completed permissions to administer medication forms on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/22/2024

Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly outdoor inspections were monitored for the past twelve months. It was observed that an inspection was not on file for March 2024.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/12/2024

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.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/12/2024

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.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/16/2024

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. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one child enrolled on 09/05/23 did not get the required acknowledgement statement or documentation for the receipt and discussion of the facility’s operational policies completed until 09/13/23.

Violation corrected during visit

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. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one child that enrolled on 09/05/23 did not get the required acknowledgement statement or documentation for the discussion of the facility’s parent participation plan completed until 09/13/23.

Violation corrected during visit

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. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that two children did not have completed emergency medical care information 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, as required.

Violation corrected during visit

Medical authorization was not present on child's first day. It was observed that one child that enrolled on 09/05/23 did not have the required completed medical authorization information present on their first day.

Violation corrected during visit

Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one child that enrolled on 09/05/23 did not get the required acknowledgement statements or documentation for receipt of the facility’s discipline policy completed until 09/13/23.

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 facility's Emergency Preparedness Response plan and Ready to Go File was reviewed and found to not have been updated as required.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/17/2024

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 and it was observed that five (5) children with documented chronic medical conditions did not have the medication listed on their medical action plan present with all required information completed on the paperwork on file.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/22/2024

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. It was observed that one staff member hired on 08/23/23 did not have a signed acknowledgement on file for review of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/11/2024

Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Emergency medication and topical ointment was monitored and it was observed that four (4) children had diaper creams present that did not have the completed medication authorization on file, giving the caregiver standing authorization and meeting the specifications in rule.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/17/2024

The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It was observed one staff member hired on 08/23/23 did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment, as required.

Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 4/15/2024

A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Seven (7) children’s files were monitored today. It was observed that one child that enrolled on 09/05/23 did not get the required acknowledgement statement or documentation for the receipt and discussion of the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy completed until 09/13/23.

Violation corrected during visit