Altagracia Mercedes

3290.95(a)/3290.95(b) · Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)). The operator or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements in § 3290.95(a) are met.

Facility fire alarms were not tested in over 30 days since 5/26/25.

Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

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3290.32(a)/3290.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). A facility person's record shall include records of training required by the Department. Facility staff # 1, and 2 may not operate the childcare facility until a new NSOR is completed and on file at the facility. HH member # 3 may not be at the facility during childcare hours when able to resume childcare until a NSOR is on file at the facility for HH member # 3.

Facility staff and HH member # 1,2, & 3 all have NSORS on file that expired on 3/11/25.

Corrected by Aug 5, 2025

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3290.31(f) · A staff person shall obtain an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.

Facility staff # 1 does not have 12 hours of annual childcare training.

Corrected by Sep 6, 2024

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3290.18 · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. The provider's written policy must include, but is not limited to recognition of potential signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma; strategies for coping with a crying, fussing, or distraught child; and address the prevention and identification of child maltreatment.

During the renewal inspection, the operator did not have a written policy identifying abusive head trauma and a policy which addresses the prevention and identification of child maltreatment.

Corrected by Jul 24, 2023

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3290.24(a)(3)/3290.24(a)(4) · The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for a method for facility persons to contact parents as soon as reasonably possible when an emergency situation arises. The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for a method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children.

During the renewal inspection, the emergency plan did not include a method for facility persons to contact parents as soon as reasonably possible when an emergency situation arises. The facility did not have a method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children.

Corrected by Jul 20, 2023

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3290.24(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.

During the renewal inspection, there was no documentation showing that staff person #2 is trained in the emergency plan annually.

Corrected by Jul 24, 2023

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3290.123(a)(5) · An agreement shall specify the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released.

During the renewal inspection, the agreement on file for child #4 did not specify the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released.

Corrected by Jul 24, 2023

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3290.123(a)(6)/3290.182(2) · An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission. A child's record must contain the dates of application, admission and withdrawal of the child.

During the renewal inspection, the date of admission was not on the agreement for child #4.

Corrected by Jul 24, 2023

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3290.124(b)(1) · Emergency contact information must include the name and birth date of the child.

During the renewal inspection, the date of birth on the emergency contact was incorrect for child #4

Corrected by Jul 24, 2023

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3290.124(d) · A written plan shall be conspicuously posted which identifies the means of transporting a child to emergency care and the facility staffing provisions in the event of an emergency. The plan must accompany a staff person who leaves the facility on an excursion with children.

During the renewal inspection, the operator did not have a written plan shall be conspicuously posted which identifies the means of transporting a child to emergency care and the facility staffing provisions in the event of an emergency.

Corrected by Jul 24, 2023

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3290.131(d)(5)/3290.131(e)(3) · A health report shall include a review of the child's immunized status according to recommendations of the ACIP. The facility shall implement dismissal policies in accordance with the Department of Health regulation in 28 Pa. Code § 27.77 (relating to immunization requirements for children in child care group settings). Child #3 must be dismissed from care by close of business on 4/14/23 and may only return to care when the immunization record is updated or when a parent provides a written, signed exemption letter.

During the renewal inspection, child #3 did not have any immunizations on file.

Corrected by Jul 14, 2023

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3290.131(d)(7) · A health report shall include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

During the renewal inspection, the health report on file for child #4 did not state that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

Corrected by Jul 24, 2023

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3290.24(a)(5) · The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for accommodations of infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.

During the renewal inspection, the emergency plan did not include accommodations of infants and toddlers.

Corrected by Jul 20, 2023

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3290.18 · 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. Until such time as the required pre-service trainings are completed, staff person #1 must be supervised, when interacting with children, by a family child care home staff person who has completed the required training related to this citation. If there are no staff person(s) available to supervise staff person #1, staff person #1 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

During the inspection, staff person #2 admitted that staff person #1 was caring for children unsupervised on 4/17/23 during a visit from an outside agency. Staff person #1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Health and Safety training requirements.

Corrected by May 1, 2023

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3290.131(d)(5)/3290.131(e)(3) · A health report shall include a review of the child's immunized status according to recommendations of the ACIP. The facility shall implement dismissal policies in accordance with the Department of Health regulation in 28 Pa. Code § 27.77 (relating to immunization requirements for children in child care group settings). Child #1 must be dismissed from care by close of business 4/25/23 and may only return to care when the immunization record is updated or when a parent provides a written, signed exemption letter.

During the inspection, child #1 did not have the following immunizations according to the recommendations of the ACIP: DTAP #2, DTAP #3, HIB #2, IPV #2, Pneumococcal #2, Pneumococcal #3 and Rotavirus #2.

Corrected by Apr 26, 2023

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3290.11(h)(2)(ii)/3290.32(a) · The individual moved into the child care facility following the date of the previous application for a certificate of compliance. The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Household member #1 who is also a staff person may not be present in the home while children are in care.

Household member #1 moved into the home in November 2022. Household person #1 is also used as a staff person (see code sheet for date of hire). Staff person #1 does not have a signed disclosure statement or a completed NSOR certificate on file.

Corrected by Apr 25, 2023

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3290.11(h)(2)(ii)/3290.32(a) · The individual moved into the child care facility following the date of the previous application for a certificate of compliance. The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services).

Household member #1 moved into the home in November 2022. Household person #1 is also used as a staff person (see code sheet for date of hire). Staff person #1 does not have a signed disclosure statement or a completed NSOR certificate on file.

Corrected by Apr 26, 2023

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3290.94(a)(1) · The operator or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall conduct fire drills and ensure that fire drills are conducted at least once every 60 days.

During the inspection, the last documented fire drill being conducted was on 2/1/23 and not within the required 60-day timeframe.

Corrected by Apr 26, 2023

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3290.94(a)(5) · The operator or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall conduct fire drills and ensure that evacuation routes are posted in a conspicuous location on each floor of the facility.

During the inspection, evacuation maps were not posted on the second or third floors.

Corrected by Apr 26, 2023

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3290.95(a)/3290.95(b) · Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)). The operator or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements in § 3290.95(a) are met.

During the inspection, the lasty documented manual monthly monitoring of the fire detection system was recorded as conducted on 2/1/23 and not within the required 30-day timeframe. The operator was not in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c).

Corrected by Apr 26, 2023

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3290.31(g) · Staff person(s) shall complete professional development in the topics of 3290.31(g) (1-9) within 90 days of hire. Staff person #2 will have until 5/16/23 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 a family child care home staff person who has completed the required training related to this citation. If there are no staff available to supervise staff person #2, staff person #2 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

During the inspection, staff person #2 has not completed the following required pre-service training: Health and safety training topics.

Corrected by May 1, 2023

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3290.31(g) · Staff person #3 shall complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training by 5/16/23.

During the inspection, staff person #3 did not complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training by 12/30/2022.

Corrected by Apr 29, 2023

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3290.101(a)/3290.111(c) · Play equipment and materials appropriate to the developmental needs, individual interests and ages of the children shall be provided in sufficient amount and variety to preclude long waits for use. Daily activities shall promote the development of skills, social competence and self-esteem. Daily experiences shall recognize the child as an individual and give some choice of activities that respect personal privacy, lifestyle and cultural background.

During an onsite inspection on 4/25/23, the children were located on the first floor and were not playing with toys or any developmentally appropriate activities. The certification representative asked where the children's toys were located and that's when toys were brought out of an ottoman in the dining room. The majority of children's toys and activities are upstairs on the 2nd floor in a playroom and inaccessible to children on the first floor.

Corrected by Apr 26, 2023

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3290.112 · Infants and toddlers shall be provided stimulation by being held, rocked, talked to, played with and carried.

During an onsite inspection on 4/25/23, child #1 was observed to be strapped into and sitting in a car seat drinking a bottle at 9:15am. Staff person #2 stated the child was dropped off at 9:00am. There was no observed interaction with this child until staff #1 was told the child could not remain in the car seat, and then removed the child approximately 5 minutes later.

Corrected by Apr 25, 2023

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3290.113(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. The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3290.51-3290.52 (relating to maximum number of children; and staff:child ratio). Children must be supervised at all times.

During an onsite visit on 4/25/23, household member #4 admitted that during an inspection from an outside agency on 4/17/23, staff person #1 walked up the stairs to the second floor to get household member #4 for translation. She took one child with her and left the remaining four children on the first floor.

Corrected by Apr 25, 2023

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3290.113(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. The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3290.51-3290.52 (relating to maximum number of children; and staff:child ratio). Children must be supervised at all times. The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive a minimum of two hours of PQAS approved training titled "Supervising Children in Family Child Care" provided by Better Kid Care.

During an onsite visit on 4/25/23, household member #4 admitted that during an inspection from an outside agency on 4/17/23, staff person #1 walked up the stairs to the second floor to get household member #4 for translation. She took one child with her and left the remaining four children on the first floor.

Corrected by May 19, 2023

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3290.113(e) · A facility person may not restrain a child by using bonds, ties or straps to restrict a child's movement or by enclosing the child in a confined space, closet or locked room. The prohibition against restraining a child does not apply to the use of adaptive equipment prescribed for a child with special needs.

During an onsite inspection on 4/25/23, child #1 was observed to be strapped into and sitting in a car seat drinking a bottle at 9:15am. Staff person #2 stated the child was dropped off at 9:00am. There was no observed interaction with this child until staff #1 was told the child could not remain in the car seat, and then removed the child approximately 5 minutes later.

Corrected by Apr 25, 2023

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3290.131(d)(7) · A health report shall include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

During the renewal inspection, the health reports on file for child #1 and child #2 did not include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.24(a)(3)/3290.24(a)(4) · The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for a method for facility persons to contact parents as soon as reasonably possible when an emergency situation arises. The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for a method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children.

During the renewal inspection, the emergency plan did not include a method for facility persons to contact parents as soon as reasonably possible when an emergency situation arises. It also did not include a method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.64(a) · 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 kept in a locked area or in an area inaccessible to children, and shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces.

During the renewal inspection, in the upstairs bathroom, there was a bottle of Lysol that was accessible to children.

Corrected by Jul 27, 2022

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3290.73(c) · A first-aid kit must contain the following: soap, an assortment of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, tape, scissors and disposable, nonporous gloves.

During the renewal inspection, on the second floor, soap was missing from the first aid kit.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.118 · Infants shall be placed in the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics unless there is a medical reason an infant should not sleep in this position. The medical reason shall be documented in a statement signed by a physician, physician's assistant or CRNP and placed in the child's record at the facility.

During the renewal inspection, the certification representative observed the operator place child #4, an infant, on her stomach to sleep and not the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. There was no medical documentation on file stating that the child should be sleeping on her stomach.

Corrected by Jul 27, 2022

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3290.121(a)/3290.121(b) · The operator shall review with the parent, at the time of application, the facility's general daily schedule, hours for which care is provided, fees, responsibilities for meals, clothing, health policies, supervision policies, night care policies, dismissal policies, transportation and pick-up arrangements. At the time of enrollment, a parent shall receive in writing the facility's general daily schedule, hours for which care is provided, fees, responsibilities for meals, clothing, health policies, supervision policies, night care policies, dismissal policies, transportation and pick-up arrangements.

During the renewal inspection, the operator was unable to provide documentation that they provide each parent in writing the facility's general daily schedule, hours for which care is provided, fees, responsibilities for meals, clothing, health policies, supervision policies, night care policies, dismissal policies, transportation and pick-up arrangements.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.124(b)(7) · Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

During a renewal inspection, on the emergency contact form for child #3, the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released was missing.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.134(a) · A staff person shall ensure that a child's hands are washed before meals and snacks, after toileting and after being diapered.

During the renewal inspection, the operator did not wash the hands of child #4 after diapering. The child was immediately placed back in the child's rest equipment.

Corrected by Jul 27, 2022

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3290.14(a)/3290.18 · A certificate of compliance will not be granted by the Department until the legal entity provides a certificate of occupancy as proof of compliance with the applicable requirements in 34 Pa. Code § 403.23 (relating to child day care facilities) and under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)).Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. To maintain full compliance with 45 CFR § 98.41(a)(1)(vii), child care facilities must have requirements for volunteer emergency preparedness training, practice drills and continuity of operations included in their emergency plan.

During the renewal inspection, the operator did not have requirements for volunteer emergency preparedness training, practice drills and continuity of operations included in their emergency plan.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.94(a)(5) · The operator or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall conduct fire drills and ensure that evacuation routes are posted in a conspicuous location on each floor of the facility.

During the renewal inspection, the evacuation map was missing from the third floor.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.22(b) · The operator shall provide the parent of each child enrolled in the facility with information on how to access the regulations in this chapter electronically and with instructions for contacting the appropriate regional child care office.

During the renewal inspection, the operator did not have verification of providing the parent of each child enrolled in the facility the information on how to access the regulations in this chapter electronically and with instructions for contacting the appropriate regional child care office

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.24(a)(1)/3290.24(a)(5) · The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for accommodations for shelter of children during an emergency including lock-down, shelter in place at the facility and shelter at locations away from the facility premises. The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for accommodations of infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.

During the renewal inspection, the emergency plan did not provide lock down procedures. The emergency plan did not include accommodations of infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.

Corrected by Sep 2, 2022

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3290.24(d) · Emergency drills shall be conducted annually. Annual emergency drills shall be documented and on file at the facility.

During the renewal inspection, the provider did not have documentation of conducting emergency drills annually.

Corrected by Jul 29, 2022

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3290.124(b)(3) · Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.

At the time of the inspection, there was no work address of the enrolling parent on the emergency contact forms for child #1-4.

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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3290.70(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.

At the time of the inspection, the windows all on the second floor of the home measured more than 6 inches when opened.

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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3290.32(a)/3290.192(3) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). A facility person's record shall include a copy of requests for the criminal history record and child abuse registry clearance information, a copy of the disclosure statement and a copy of the completed clearance information required under the CPSL. The CPSL was revised to include a requirement that all clearances (and/or mandated reporter training) be updated and on file at least every 60 months.

At the time of the inspection, the FBI clearance on file for staff #1 and household member #3 were dated 12-30-15 and therefore expired on 12-30-2020.

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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3290.32(a)/3290.192(3) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). A facility person's record shall include a copy of requests for the criminal history record and child abuse registry clearance information, a copy of the disclosure statement and a copy of the completed clearance information required under the CPSL. The CPSL was revised to include a requirement that all clearances (and/or mandated reporter training) be updated and on file at least every 60 months. Staff person #1 may not operate a family child care home while awaiting results of the FBI clearance. The Legal Entity is required to attend an Existing Provider Orientation conducted by the Northeast Regional Office. The legal entity representative must contact the Regional Office in order to schedule this training.

At the time of the inspection, the FBI clearance on file for staff #1 and household member #3 were dated 12-30-15 and therefore expired on 12-30-2020.

Corrected by Aug 25, 2021

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3290.32(a)/3290.192(3) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). A facility person's record shall include a copy of requests for the criminal history record and child abuse registry clearance information, a copy of the disclosure statement and a copy of the completed clearance information required under the CPSL. The CPSL was revised to include a requirement that all clearances (and/or mandated reporter training) be updated and on file at least every 60 months. Staff person #1 may not operate a family child care home while awaiting results of the FBI clearance.

At the time of the inspection, the FBI clearance on file for staff person #1 and household member #3 were dated 12-30-15 and therefore expired on 12-30-2020.

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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3290.124(d) · A written plan shall be conspicuously posted which identifies the means of transporting a child to emergency care and the facility staffing provisions in the event of an emergency. The plan must accompany a staff person who leaves the facility on an excursion with children.

At the time of the inspection, there was no verification of a written plan being posted which identifies the means of transporting a child to emergency care and the facility staffing provisions in the event of an emergency.

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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3290.131(b)(2) · The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.

At the time of the inspection, the health report on file for child #1and 3 was not dated.

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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3290.131(d)(5) · A health report shall include a review of the child's immunized status according to recommendations of the ACIP.

At the time of the inspection, there was no influenza vaccine or exemption from that vaccine on file for child #1,2 and 3.

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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3290.24(a)(5) · The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for accommodations of infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.

At the time of the inspection, the provider did not have a section in the emergency plan where it included the accommodations for infants and toddlers.

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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3290.95(a)/3290.95(b) · Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c))The operator or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements in § 3290.95(a) are met.

At the time of the inspection, the provider was unable to provide installation documentation of the inter-connected fire detection system and there was no record of manual monthly monitoring being conducted, therefore, the provider is not in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)).

Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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