3270.21/3270.76 · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. 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.

An unannounced inspection was conducted at the facility and the following information was obtained through staff interviews. On 10/18/23, a rainstorm had occurred and during this storm, water began leaking into the preschool classroom. This leak caused the light fixture to detach from the ceiling on one side. The preschool children were unable to receive care in this classroom due to the leak and falling light fixture.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 30, 2023

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.52/3270.113(a)(2) · When children are grouped in mixed age levels, the age of the youngest child in the group determines the staff:child ratio and maximum group size in accordance with the requirements in § 3270.51 (relating to similar age level). The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3270.51--3270.55. The legal entity must submit supervision/ratio documentation in a format approved by DHS proving that the facility is maintaining the required staff:child ratios at all times. The legal entity will confirm continuing compliance by sending copies of the documentation to the Northeast Region Office on a weekly basis for a period of three months after DHS approves the documentation format.

An unannounced inspection was conducted at the facility and the following information was obtained through staff interviews. On 10/18/23, Staff # 5 and # 8 were in a mixed-ratio group of 23 older toddler and preschoolers for approximately 30 minutes from 11:00-11:30a.m. During this time, Staff # 8 left this group of children to get children's lunches, leaving Staff # 5 with the 23 children. At roughly 11:45a.m., this room contained 4 teachers with 33 young toddler, older toddler and preschool age children. On 10/18/23 it was stated by Staff # 1 and Staff # 5 indicated the correct numbers of children were taken to the bathroom to maintain staff:child ratios which left the other staff out of ratio. Staff # 5 also indicated that most mornings before her second staff person arrives, she is often out of ratio with 12 preschool children.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 26, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.52/3270.113(a)(2) · When children are grouped in mixed age levels, the age of the youngest child in the group determines the staff:child ratio and maximum group size in accordance with the requirements in § 3270.51 (relating to similar age level). The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3270.51--3270.55. The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive a minimum of three hours of PQAS-approved, live training, regarding supervision and ratios of children. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training.

An unannounced inspection was conducted at the facility and the following information was obtained through staff interviews. On 10/18/23, Staff # 5 and # 8 were in a mixed-ratio group of 23 older toddler and preschoolers for approximately 30 minutes from 11:00-11:30a.m. During this time, Staff # 8 left this group of children to get children's lunches, leaving Staff # 5 with the 23 children. At roughly 11:45a.m., this room contained 4 teachers with 33 young toddler, older toddler and preschool age children. On 10/18/23 it was stated by Staff # 1 and Staff # 5 indicated the correct numbers of children were taken to the bathroom to maintain staff:child ratios which left the other staff out of ratio. Staff # 5 also indicated that most mornings before her second staff person arrives, she is often out of ratio with 12 preschool children.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 12, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.52/3270.113(a)(2) · When children are grouped in mixed age levels, the age of the youngest child in the group determines the staff:child ratio and maximum group size in accordance with the requirements in § 3270.51 (relating to similar age level). The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3270.51--3270.55. The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times.

An unannounced inspection was conducted at the facility and the following information was obtained through staff interviews. On 10/18/23, Staff # 5 and # 8 were in a mixed-ratio group of 23 older toddler and preschoolers for approximately 30 minutes from 11:00-11:30a.m. During this time, Staff # 8 left this group of children to get children's lunches, leaving Staff # 5 with the 23 children. At roughly 11:45a.m., this room contained 4 teachers with 33 young toddler, older toddler and preschool age children. On 10/18/23 it was stated by Staff # 1 and Staff # 5 indicated the correct numbers of children were taken to the bathroom to maintain staff:child ratios which left the other staff out of ratio. Staff # 5 also indicated that most mornings before her second staff person arrives, she is often out of ratio with 12 preschool children.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 9, 2023

Category: supervision. 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. 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. The legal entity must submit documentation in a format approved by DHS proving that the facility procedure for counting children is followed at all times e.g., a checklist. The legal entity will confirm continuing compliance by sending copies of the documentation to the Regional Office of Child Development and Early Learning on a weekly basis for a period of three months after DHS approves the documentation format.

An unannounced inspection was conducted at the facility and the following information was obtained through staff interviews: On 10/18/23, when Staff # 5 was in the room with the mixed age group of 23 toddler and preschool age children. it was brought to the attention of Staff # 5 by an outside visiting agency that a child had left the room unsupervised. It was reported this child was found and brought back to the room by another staff member. On a date unknown. but approximately two weeks prior to 10/18/23, the toddler-age children were in the outdoor play area. Staff # 2 admitted 2 children left her supervision and ratio group and entered the building without knowing they had left. Staff # 5 found both children after they entered the building.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 26, 2024

Category: supervision. 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. 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. Children must be supervised at all times.

An unannounced inspection was conducted at the facility and the following information was obtained through staff interviews: On 10/18/23, when Staff # 5 was in the room with the mixed age group of 23 toddler and preschool age children. it was brought to the attention of Staff # 5 by an outside visiting agency that a child had left the room unsupervised. It was reported this child was found and brought back to the room by another staff member. On a date unknown. but approximately two weeks prior to 10/18/23, the toddler-age children were in the outdoor play area. Staff # 2 admitted 2 children left her supervision and ratio group and entered the building without knowing they had left. Staff # 5 found both children after they entered the building.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 9, 2023

Category: supervision. 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. 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. The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive a minimum of three hours of PQAS-approved, live training, regarding supervision and ratios of children. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training.

An unannounced inspection was conducted at the facility and the following information was obtained through staff interviews: On 10/18/23, when Staff # 5 was in the room with the mixed age group of 23 toddler and preschool age children. it was brought to the attention of Staff # 5 by an outside visiting agency that a child had left the room unsupervised. It was reported this child was found and brought back to the room by another staff member. On a date unknown. but approximately two weeks prior to 10/18/23, the toddler-age children were in the outdoor play area. Staff # 2 admitted 2 children left her supervision and ratio group and entered the building without knowing they had left. Staff # 5 found both children after they entered the building.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 12, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.51/3270.52 · When children are grouped in similar age levels, the following maximum child group sizes and ratios of staff persons apply: Infants 1:4 with a maximum group size of 8; Young toddlers 1:5 with a maximum group size of 10; Older toddlers 1:6 with a maximum group size of 12; Preschool children 1:10 with a maximum group size of 20; Young school-age children 1:12 with a maximum group size of 24; Older school-age children 1:15 with a maximum group size of 30. When children are grouped in mixed age levels, the age of the youngest child in the group determines the staff:child ratio and maximum group size in accordance with the requirements in § 3270.51 (relating to similar age level). The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times.

During a site visit on 4/10/2023, staff admitted to being out of ratio on 3/31/23 from 8:30-9 a.m. According to records provided to the Department, the preschool class had 1 staff with a mixed-aged group of 11 toddlers/preschoolers. This ratio would require at least 2 staff. At 8:45 a.m., the preschool class had 1 staff with a mixed-aged group of 13 toddlers/preschoolers. This ratio would require at least 2 staff.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 10, 2023

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.51/3270.52 · When children are grouped in similar age levels, the following maximum child group sizes and ratios of staff persons apply: Infants 1:4 with a maximum group size of 8; Young toddlers 1:5 with a maximum group size of 10; Older toddlers 1:6 with a maximum group size of 12; Preschool children 1:10 with a maximum group size of 20; Young school-age children 1:12 with a maximum group size of 24; Older school-age children 1:15 with a maximum group size of 30. When children are grouped in mixed age levels, the age of the youngest child in the group determines the staff:child ratio and maximum group size in accordance with the requirements in § 3270.51 (relating to similar age level). The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. The legal entity, director or supervisor will develop a policy to ensure appropriate ratios are always maintained when unforeseen circumstances arrive such as staff calling off or staff running late. The legal entity, director or supervisor will also develop a policy for staff and how they should handle situations when parents do not follow their agreed upon drop-off and pick-up times. These policies will be submitted to the Regional Office for review and, upon approval, will be reviewed with all staff. Staff will sign off that they have reviewed and understand these policies and this documentation will remain on file at the facility.

During a site visit on 4/10/2023, staff admitted to being out of ratio on 3/31/23 from 8:30-9 a.m. According to records provided to the Department, the preschool class had 1 staff with a mixed-aged group of 11 toddlers/preschoolers. This ratio would require at least 2 staff. At 8:45 a.m., the preschool class had 1 staff with a mixed-aged group of 13 toddlers/preschoolers. This ratio would require at least 2 staff.

Corrected Corrected by May 9, 2023

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.31(f) · Staff person(s) shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1 -- 10) within 90 days of hire. Staff person # 2 will have until 4/7/23 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 an AGS 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.

A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff person # 2 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): pediatric first aid and CPR

Corrected Corrected by Apr 7, 2023

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.75(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.

A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A physical site review was conducted. The first aid kit in the preschool room was missing tweezers and soap.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 6, 2023

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.134(a)/3270.152 · A staff person shall ensure that a child's hands are washed before meals and snacks, after toileting and after being diapered. A facility person shall wash his hands before meals and snacks, and after toileting and after diapering a child.

A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A physical site review was conducted. The diaper changing procedure was viewed in the toddler room. After each change, the staff and children's hands were not washed.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 6, 2023

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.161(d) · Potentially hazardous food brought from the child's home or provided by the facility shall be refrigerated.

A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A physical site review as conducted. Children's lunchboxes were found at the preschool room that contained dairy and meats. These items were not refrigerated.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 6, 2023

Category: nutrition. 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.

A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of the facility's emergency plan and attachments was conducted. At the time of the inspection, the facility was unable to provide documentation that an annual emergency drill had been conducted by the facility.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 6, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.94(a)(1) · The Director 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.

A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of the facility's fire drill log was conducted. Fire drills that occurred between 11/7/22 and 1/9/23 were not conducted at least once every 60 days.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 23, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.95(a)/3270.95(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 Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met.

A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of the facility's fire safety system testing log was conducted. Testing of the facility's fire safety system were not conducted at least every 30 days between the following dates: 5/2/22-6/3/22 6/3/22-7/5/22 8/1/22-9/2/22 9/2/22-10/3/22 10/3/22-11/7/22 10/3/22-11/7/22 11/7/22-1/9/23 1/9/23-2/14/23

Corrected Corrected by Mar 23, 2023

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.

A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A physical site inspection was conducted. A Little Tikes Clever Climber Cut Loose was found in the outdoor play area and per the instructions for mounting this piece of equipment, it indicates that this piece of equipment must be installed over an impact-absorbing surface. This play equipment was mounted over grass and not an impact-absorbing surface per mounting instructions.

Corrected Corrected by May 10, 2022

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.