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Home › PA › Akron › Helping Hands Day Care Center
State records list this provider as Closed; enrollment ACT. Review the inspection and enforcement history below, and confirm the current status on the official state source before enrolling.
101 N 7th St, Akron PA 17501 · License #CER-00243553 · Center · Child Care Center
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
When they operate
Ages served
3270.27(e) · The operator shall provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining the emergency procedures. The operator shall also provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining any subsequent update to the plan.
The letter to the parents explaining the emergency procedures did not provide accommodations for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 5, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.31(e)(4)(ii) · Staff persons shall participate, at least annually, in firesafety training conducted by a fire protection professional. Staff persons and volunteers shall receive training in maintenance of smoke detectors, the duties of facility persons during a fire drill and during a fire and the use of the facility's fire extinguishers, not including discharge of the fire suppressant agent.
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning on Jul 8, 2026 · Source records · Report an error
The time between staff person #3's fire safety training exceeded the permitted annual timeframe (3/2024, 5/19/25).
Corrected Corrected by Jun 4, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.31(f) · Staff persons shall complete professional development within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10.
Staff person #7 has been employed for more than 90 days and has not completed pre-service training: Health and Safety training basics (had completed the 10 hr training, but not the update). See code sheet
Corrected Corrected by Jun 19, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.32(a) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services).
The time between staff person #4's Mandated Reporter trainings exceeded the permitted every 60 months' timeframe (3/31/20, 5/19/25).
Corrected Corrected by Jun 4, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.61(b) · Indoor child care space may not be used simultaneously as play space.
It was observed that the Preschool classroom contained a portable trampoline, a riding bouncy toy, a climbing tunnel, and bean bag toss game, which were being used in the classroom. (corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Jun 4, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.66(a) · Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children.
It was observed in the PreK classroom that an ink blotter (keep out of reach of children) was accessible to children. In the Toddlers classroom, two tubes of diaper cream were accessible to children on the diaper changing table. In the Preschool classroom, calcium citrate cleaner was accessible to children in a cabinet. (all corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Jun 4, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.76 · Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards.
It was observed, in the Fellowship Room, that there was a cabinet with a door hanging off of its hinges, and a broken handle. (corrected during inspection). It was observed, in the Preschool classroom, that adult scissors were accessible to children in a drawer (corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Jun 4, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.107 · A facility shall have an operable, clean refrigerator used to store potentially hazardous foods. The refrigerator shall be capable of maintaining food at 45° F or below. An operating thermometer shall be placed in the refrigerator.
It was observed, in the Infant room, that there was no operable thermometer in the refrigerator used to store the children's food and drinks.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 9, 2025
Category: nutrition. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.113(a) · Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. Outdoor play space used by the facility is considered part of the facility premises.
It was observed that while on the playground with the children, the staff could not see a child who went to a bin to retrieve a toy because the bin was not in the view of the staff. (corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Jun 4, 2025
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.134(a) · A staff person shall ensure that a child's hands are washed before meals and snacks, after toileting and after being diapered.
Staff person #1 did not was a child's hands after diapering the child (corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Jun 4, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.151(a) · A facility person providing direct care who comes into contact with the children or who works with food preparation shall have a health assessment conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting and every 24 months thereafter. A health assessment is valid for 24 months following the date of signature, if the person does not contract a communicable disease or develop a medical problem.
The time between staff person #2, #3, and #5's health assessments exceeded the permitted 24 months' timeframe (5/2/22, 6/4/24), (6/6/22, 7/6/24), (1/5/23, 5/19/25) respectively. Staff person #5's initial health assessment and TB test/results were conducted on 1/25/23 and 1/27/23 respectively) which was more than 12 months prior to providing initial service in the child care setting. ( See Code Sheet) Staff person #6's initial health assessment was conducted more than 12 months prior to providing initial service in the child care setting, on 8/8/23. (See Code Sheet).
Corrected Corrected by Jun 30, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.166(1) · A written statement giving the formula and feeding schedule for an infant shall be obtained from the parent.
There was no written statement, by the parent, giving the formula and feeding schedule for child #1.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 27, 2025
Category: nutrition. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.192(2)(ii) · A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.
Staff person #5 and #6's records did not include the required verification of child care experience (at least 2500 hours) required to be an Assistant Group Supervisor (AGS), yet were being utilized as an AGS (corrected during inspection). Staff person #7's record did not contain verification of child care experience.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 30, 2025
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.27(a)(6) · Emergency drills shall be conducted annually. Annual emergency drills shall be documented and on file at the facility.
There was no documentation of an annual emergency drill.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 5, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.102(c) · Outdoor equipment that requires embedded mounting must be mounted over a loose-fill or unitary playground protective surface covering that meets the recommendations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The equipment must be anchored firmly and be in good repair.
The outdoor embedded equipment does not have the required 6 inches of depth of rubber mulch under it (had approximately 2 inches).
Corrected Corrected by Feb 26, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.106(f) · At least 2 feet of space is required on three sides of a bed, cot, crib or other rest equipment while the equipment is in use.
It was observed, in the Infant room, that there was not two feet of space on three sides of the cribs (corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Feb 4, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.133(7)(v) · A medication log shall include the date of administration.
The dates of administration of medication for child #1 and #2 were not included on the medication logs.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.192(2)(ii) · A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.
Staff person #1, #2 and #3's records do not contain the required verification of child care experience. This was corrected for Staff person #2 during the inspection.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 26, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.61(h) · The capacity established for an indoor space may not be exceeded.
The capacity of the indoor space of the area within the Fellowship Hall (approved waiver: space within non-permanent walls) is being exceeded.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 26, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.113(a) · Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. Outdoor play space used by the facility is considered part of the facility premises.
Staff person #1 did not supervise child #1 for a few minutes during an excursion.
Corrected Corrected by Oct 16, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.113(a)(1) · Each staff person shall be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children. The staff person shall know the names and whereabouts of the children in his assigned group. The staff person shall be physically present with the children in his group on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the facility premises.
Staff person #1 did not know the whereabouts of child #1 for a few minutes during an excursion.
Corrected Corrected by Oct 16, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.27(d) · The operator shall post the emergency plan in the facility at a conspicuous location.
The facility's emergency plan was not posted in a conspicuous location in the facility.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 3, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.14/3270.21 · A facility shall be operated in conformity with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations.State agencies whose regulations may relate to the operation of a facility include the Department of Environmental Resources, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation. Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.
The facility does not have a policy that identifies the prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 13, 2024
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.27(c) · The operator shall assure that each facility person receives training regarding the emergency plan at the time of initial employment, on an annual basis and at the time of each plan update. The operator shall document the date of each training and the names of all facility persons who received the training and kept on file at the facility.
Staff persons #2, 3, 4, and 5 have no record of emergency plan training on file. (See Code Sheet).
Corrected Corrected by Aug 15, 2024
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.32(a) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). .LACKING REQUIRED HIRING DOCUMENTS: Facility Person # 4, 5, and 6 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
Staff person #4's FBI clearance on record is not the required DHS FBI clearance. Staff person #5's following clearances on record were expired: PA State Police dated 9/9/18; Child Abuse clearances dated 10/16/18; FBI dated 9/28/18. Staff person #6's file did not contain the FBI clearance results, yet this staff person had been working at the facility beyond the permitted 45-day provisional hire period. (See Code Sheet).
Corrected Corrected by Aug 15, 2024
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.35(b)(3)/3270.192(2)(ii) · A group supervisor shall have an associate's degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field and 2 years of experience with children. A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.
Staff person #4 was being used as a Group Supervisor without verification of 2 years of experience working with children on file. Staff person #7's record does not include verification of education.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 6, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.63 · If unsafe areas or conditions are in or near an outdoor play space, fencing or natural barriers are required to restrict children from those unsafe areas or conditions.
It was observed that the depth of the rubber mulch under the swings (embedded) on the outdoor playground was 4 inches (6 inches are required).
Corrected Corrected by Sep 13, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.66(b) · Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content. Toxics shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces.
It was observed that the sanitizing spray in Room 2 (Infants) was not in a labeled container that specified the content (diaper changing area).
Corrected Corrected by Sep 6, 2024
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.76 · Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards.
It was observed, in the back of the large Fellowship room on second floor, that a space beyond the door (left of stage, through wooden double doors) was accessible and contained several stacked tables which were a toppling hazard. To the right of the stage, through wooden double doors, the storage space is accessible to children and contains a homemade wooden staircase (5 stairs) with no railing. These steps lead to a storage area above them which could create a falling hazard.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 13, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.103 · Toys and objects with a diameter of less than 1 inch, objects with removable parts that have a diameter of less than 1 inch, plastic bags and styrofoam objects may not be accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths.
It was observed in Room 4 (Young Toddler) that a drawer to the left of the sink was accessible and contained: paperclips, rubber bands, push pins, and ponytail holders (items less than 1 inch diameter).
Corrected Corrected by Aug 29, 2024
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.113(a) · Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. Outdoor play space used by the facility is considered part of the facility premises.
It was observed during the inspection that a child was dropped off by a parent at the facility, and the child walked to her classroom, on the second floor, unsupervised.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 4, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.113(a)(2) · The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3270.51--3270.55.
Staff person #1 stated that her primary care group included 14 children, when the staff to child ratio only permitted 12 people to be in her group (corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Aug 6, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.123(a)(4) · An agreement shall specify the child's arrival and departure times.
Child #1's agreement does not specify the child's arrival and departure times.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 29, 2024
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.124(e) · A written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency shall be displayed conspicuously in every child care space and shall accompany a staff person who leaves on an excursion with children.
It was observed, in the upstairs Fellowship Room that there was no written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency displayed conspicuously.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 29, 2024
Category: transportation. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.166(1) · A written statement giving the formula and feeding schedule for an infant shall be obtained from the parent.
The written statement giving the formula and feeding schedule for one of the infants was not updated since 12/20/23.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 29, 2024
Category: nutrition. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.171(c) · Written notification of safe routes shall be posted by the operator at a conspicuous location in the child care facility.
Written notification of safe routes was not posted by the operator at a conspicuous location in the child care facility.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 13, 2024
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.61(h)(3) · The capacity established for indoor space may not be exceeded except when a meal is served in a space designated and measured as indoor child care space.
Staff persons at the facility stated that they frequently allow 14 children to use the classroom (with wooden door) off of the Fellowship Room, yet the maximum capacity for that room is 9.
Corrected Corrected by Aug 28, 2024
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.95(b) · The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met.
There was no documentation of testing the facility's fire detection system at least every 30 days. The proof of purchase of the fire detection system was not on record at the facility.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 6, 2024
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.27(f) · The operator shall send a copy of the emergency plan and subsequent plan updates to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.
The facility's emergency plan was not sent to the county emergency management agency.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 6, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.171(a) · An operator shall notify local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.
The operator did not notify local traffic safety authorities, in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 13, 2024
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) · Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. Outdoor play space used by the facility is considered part of the facility premises.
Staff person #1 did not know the whereabouts of one child in her primary care group when asked to identify and locate the children. Staff person #4 was not able to supervise the children when she went into the building structure in pool area to get water (unable to see all children) and when she turned her back to the pool to speak with someone. Staff persons #2 and #3 did not establish the responsibility of specified children. (All corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Jul 10, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.113(a)(2) · The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3270.51--3270.55.
Staff person #2 was not in compliance with the staff/child ratios when swimming. Staff person #2 had 10 children in her group. The ratio required was 1:6 (corrected during inspection).
Corrected Corrected by Jul 10, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.102(c) · Outdoor equipment that requires embedded mounting must be mounted over a loose-fill or unitary playground protective surface covering that meets the recommendations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The equipment must be anchored firmly and be in good repair.
It was observed that the outdoor playground equipment section that is embedded (swing section) was mounted over loose fill (rubber mulch) that was less than the required 6 inches of depth.
Corrected Corrected by Apr 12, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.27(a) · The facility shall have an emergency plan.
The facility does not have an emergency plan.
Corrected Corrected by Mar 18, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.27(e) · The operator shall provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining the emergency procedures. The operator shall also provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining any subsequent update to the plan.
The letter to the parents about an emergency plan did not include: lock-down emergency procedures; accommodations for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities; and the method to contact parents when an emergency situation arises and when it ends with instructions for how to safely be reunited with their children.
Corrected Corrected by Mar 18, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.31(f) · Staff persons shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f) (1-10) within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10. Staff person #2 will have until 2/20/24 to complete the required training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person #2 must be supervised, when interacting with children, by an AGS or higher who has completed the required training related to this citation. If there are no staff available to supervise staff person #2, staff person #2may not work in a child-care position at the facility.
Staff person #2 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire: PA Health and Safety; Get Started with Center-Based Care (10 hour) (see LIS code sheet)
Corrected Corrected by Jan 28, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.62(d) · Outdoor or indoor play space in which children are receiving care may not be used simultaneously for other business, commercial, social or another purpose unrelated to the child care being offered.
It was observed that the Fellowship Room (upstairs) is being used as both a gross motor space and fine motor/snacking space.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 16, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.72(d) · Windows or doors above the ground floor that open directly to the outdoors and are accessible to children shall be constructed, modified or adapted to limit the opening to 6 or fewer inches.
It was observed that all of the windows in the Fellowship Room and in the child care room within the Fellowship Room open 14 inches..
Corrected Corrected by Mar 9, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.76/3270.77(a) · Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards. Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.
It was observed, in the Infant room (Room 2) and the Toddler Room (Room 4) that the radiators on the back walls (under windows) have dispersed rust and peeling paint. In Room 4, there is a missing ceiling tile and a water-stained ceiling tile. To the right of the child care classroom door, within the Fellowship Room, it was observed that there is a hole in the sheetrock (approximately 3"X2"). In Room 5, the wall has exposed wires in a hole in the sheetrock where the previous thermostat had been located.
Corrected Corrected by Mar 9, 2024
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.82(h) · A facility person and an able child shall wash his hands after toileting and before eating. A sign on which this requirement is written shall be posted at each toilet, training chair, diapering area and sink in the facility.
It was observed that there were no hand-washing signs posted at each toilet and sink, in all of the bathrooms.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 24, 2024
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.151(a)/3270.151(c)(2) · A facility person providing direct care who comes into contact with the children or who works with food preparation shall have a health assessment conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting and every 24 months thereafter. A health assessment is valid for 24 months following the date of signature, if the person does not contract a communicable disease or develop a medical problem. An adult health assessment must include tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment. Subsequent tuberculosis screening is not required unless directed by a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department.
Staff person #1 and #2's TB screenings (Mantoux method) were not conducted within the past 12 months (2009, 2020 respectively).
Corrected Corrected by Mar 9, 2024
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.192(2)(ii) · A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.
Staff person #1's record did not contain verification of education. Staff person #2's record did not contain the required verification of education or proof of experience required when working with children unsupervised.
Corrected Corrected by Mar 9, 2024
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.